Fall in Love with Fall Study Abroad
Spring semester is here, and it’s the perfect time to think about studying abroad this upcoming Fall! Most students choose to study abroad in the spring, and there’s even a common misconception that it’s the only time you can go abroad. That’s far from true, and there are so many reasons to go abroad in the fall semester!Ìý
Enjoy the weather.
If you're considering a destination in the Northern Hemisphere, you'll arrive to warmer weather, longer days, and the tourist season slowing down as you settle in. This gives you time to enjoy the outdoors, soak in your new home, and experience the coming holiday season in your host culture. If you are someone who struggles with the cold, dark winter months, arriving while there's more daylight and good weather might be the right choice for you!Ìý
If you choose the Southern Hemisphere, not to worry, there are some fall term advantages too-- while it may be winter when you arrive, you'll get to experience spring in a completely new climate, and you may even spend some free time after your program is over enjoying your host country's summertime for some bonus summer before you return to Colorado. That may be just what you need to be fully recharged and refreshed for Boulder weather in spring back on campus!
Don't miss the ski season-- or double it!
Consider spending your fall semester in the Southern Hemisphere. Winter in countries like Chile means fresh powder, epic slopes, and endless adventure. You can spend July through September skiing in the Andes during their peak season, then return to Colorado just in time for another round of fresh snow. Who’s in for a double ski season?Ìý
Skip Boulder's housing headache.Ìý
Studying abroad in the fall can actually make housing easier. Finding someone to sublease your Boulder apartment is much simpler when you’re leaving in the fall, and you can even skip signing a lease altogether by subleasing from one of the hundreds of students who go abroad in the spring. This move could save you thousands in rent. Plus, fewer students go abroad in the fall, which means less competition for high-demand programs. Your chances of paying less and going farther are better than ever.
Make your adventure last even longer.
Choosing a fall program gives you the flexibility to extend your experience into the spring. If you fall in love with your host country, you can stay longer or even pick a totally new destination on a different continent. Imagine spending the fall in sunny Australia, then meeting up with friends in Europe for the spring. Spending an entire academic year abroad not only gives you an unforgettable experience but also helps you stand out on future job and grad school applications.
Experience the world’s best fall (and spring!) festivals.Ìý
Autumn brings some of the world’s most colorful and culturally rich celebrations. Studying abroad in the fall lets you experience these iconic traditions in person, things few students ever get to see. Picture yourself celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany, honoring DÃa de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, or joining Japanese harvest festivals surrounded by breathtaking fall foliage. In Australia, you can attend Canberra's Floriade, which shows off millions of flora blooms to celebrate the new spring. Or experience September's Spring day in South American countries, which signals the start of Spring through celebrations with through outdoor events and youth activities.
Stretch your dollar even further.
Did you know that you have a better chance to receive scholarships if you go abroad in the fall? Less students choose to go abroad in the Fall which means lower competition for competitive programs and a higher chance for students to receive scholarships. Plus, some students are able to negotiate a better sublease rate for their Boulder housing upon their return in the Spring, since so many students are trying to fill their leases for their Spring semester abroad. You could pay less to have the exact same adventure in the fall than you would in the spring!
Studying abroad at any time can be transformative, but choosing the fall semester means smaller crowds, more flexibility, and unique global experiences. Take the road less traveled and visit the Education Abroad office in C4C S355 to connect with an Education Abroad Advisor or learn more online at colorado.edu/abroad. Apply for a fall program by March 1!Ìý
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ÌýÌýJapan by Caeli McCusker Argentina by Ava Lypps, Australia by Brooklyn Kehl