Programs by Length and Term

Do you want to spend a summer abroad but wonder if that might be too short? Are you leaning toward a semester or year abroad but worry that might be too long? The length of the program you choose should depend on your study abroad goals, including whether you aspire to language and cultural fluency or simply want to visit major tourist destinations while completing UC units.

Year-length Programs

For decades, UC students going abroad on EAP have led the nation in year-long study abroad, and they still comprise three or four times the national average of students who study abroad beyond a semester. Given EAP’s long history of success with such programs, we highly encourage you to consider staying abroad for a full academic year.

Food for thought…

In a year-long program:

You will experience different seasons and holidays in a foreign country, gain an appreciation for the country’s way of life, and come to know your host city intimately.

You will have the opportunity to achieve greater fluency in another language. The more time you spend around native speakers, the better your accent and vocabulary will become.

You will have the time to get to know some really interesting people—locals as well as students from around the world—and be rewarded with lifelong connections.

Your family and friends will always be there, but the opportunity to go abroad for an extended period may not.

Spending an entire year abroad means more time to explore, travel, and plan for your next international adventure!

Semester, Quarter, and Summer Programs

A semester or a quarter or two abroad will give you time to learn more about a different culture or practice a new language and may be the best option if you are approaching your campus unit ceiling. When it’s time to return home, however, you may be surprised to find that you are just starting to feel like a member of your host country, or just about to take your language learning to a new level. If that is the case, consider your stay a scouting trip for your next visit, which may be sooner than you imagine!

A summer program might be the best fit for you if you are looking to get a taste of a new country while still maintaining a routine and connections with your friends and family at home, or if you have many requirements for your major that you can’t complete abroad.

Fortunately, EAP offers term programs of varying lengths all over the world, some with the option to extend to a second term or even a full year. In addition, some of these short programs provide the language skills needed to participate in EAP programs taught in a foreign language.

Semester or quarter-length programs are available in the fall, winter, and spring.

Summer programs range in length from 5 to 10 weeks.

Extending Participation

Students who go abroad for a semester, quarter, or summer often wish they had arranged to remain abroad for another term. With careful planning, you can arrange to stay abroad on EAP and enrich your experience. Whether you want (or even think you might want) to stay another term at the same host institution or enroll in a subsequent EAP program at a different institution or even different country, consult with your Campus EAP Office prior to departure. Many programs also have a separate selection process and application that would need to be completed before departure.