The majority of American students who study abroad do so during the spring semester. The weather is beautiful, they can travel throughout Europe once the semester ends, and they won’t miss any of their university’s football games.
Although studying abroad in the spring is an excellent experience, here are some great reasons to consider the fall.
1. The application process is less rushed and stressful
Spring applicants often apply during the prior fall semester, and thus have to rush gathering application materials while the semester is in full swing (not to mention visas and financial aid paperwork!). Without the stress of classes, student organizations, sports, and internships, you can get everything you need during the summer.
2. You have the summer to prepare
With the open summer months preceding your trip, you can find a job to save up for the fall semester and brush up on your Italian. You also will be able to plan your weekend travel and look for special deals like rail passes and cheap flights.
3. It is easier to find housing for your returning spring semester
Spring study abroad students leaving in January will need to find subletters for their apartments or only use campus housing for the fall semester. If you’re looking for housing in the spring, you’ll likely be able to find housing more easily (and you may be able to negotiate better prices with students desperate to find a subletter!).
4. More funds may be available
With the fiscal year beginning July 1st, more funds may be available for you for a fall study abroad term. Given that fewer students apply to study abroad during the fall, you’ll have less competition if you apply for our study abroad scholarship or outside scholarships.
5. You will return home in time for the holidays!
After an exciting semester at John Cabot University, the bittersweet feeling you’ll likely feel while leaving will be mitigated by the fact that you are returning home during “the most wonderful time of the year” to reunite with friends and family.
6. The weather while you study in Italy is beautiful
The weather in Rome stays relatively warm through November, becoming brisk just in time for the beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the city in December.
7. No worries about missing out on summer internships
Dates for summer internships and jobs after junior year are often incompatible with spring study abroad program dates. They tend to start before students return to the United States, whereas fall programs begin well after summer internships end.
8. You’ll have more time to develop your senior thesis
The majority of students who choose to study abroad do so in their junior year. However, this is often the primary year to begin planning for life after college. To study abroad in the fall will give you the entire spring semester to work with your advisor to develop senior theses and projects.
9. You’ll have more time to prepare for life after graduation
Whether you’ll be searching for jobs, applying for graduate programs, or planning for a transitional experience, studying abroad in the fall will also give you more time to prepare scholarship and fellowship applications that are due in September.
10. There is the possibility to extend your stay
When you realize that four months in Rome was simply not enough, JCU will allow you to extend your stay through the spring semester!
Want to study abroad in Rome?
Contact JCU to learn more!
