Short term programs usually range from a few weeks to a year and are focused on either language acquisition, adventure travel or in most cases, a combination of both. While valuable in terms of experience, for those intending to earn a degree in a field related to their short term study program, getting academic credit for their efforts may be the challenge for some students.

What type of study abroad experience is right for me?
How can I earn university/college credit while studying abroad?
In which ways can I make the most of studying abroad?

What type of study abroad experience is right for me? Up

A quick search on the Internet will reveal a host of different study abroad programs offered by different organizations, schools and private businesses. If you are planning on using a study abroad experience to learn a language, further your formal education or develop a better understanding of the world, there are a several key questions that you must consider.

Why do I want to participate in a short term program?

In order to profit as much as possible from a short term study experience, you need to be very clear in what you plan to accomplish. For those most interested in gaining a broader, general understanding of an country or region of Asia, short term programs are the most appropriate. It may be best to look for a curriculum that combines actual travel and site-seeing with some classroom study of survival language skills, area history and current event. Many businesses and travel organizations offer trips that allow for a mix of locations and learning styles. Programs like these usually last from one week for those that are primarily dedicated to site-seeing to a full semester for more academic based offerings.

For those interested in building a resume or applying some practical skills to a degree in Asian Studies or Business Administration that is already underway or completed, a summer or semester long internship program is likely the most valuable choice. For a fee, companies specializing in organizing internships abroad can set clients up with businesses in a variety of industry. Some offer optional language classes that are setup to fit around the internship's work schedule and some of the placements do pay interns.

If it is specifically language skills that you are interested in, you should be considering programs that are longer in length, with options to continue once you complete the initial program. For those who wish to gain a very basic conversational ability in a language, a two to six month long stay in a foreign country combined with intensive language training is usual sufficient to acquire enough skill in a language to feel prepared and feel comfortable using it on the street to take care of your basic needs.

If you are interested in developing a more advanced ability with the foreign language of your choice, you should consider spending longer than six months in language training. Often language programs hosted by universities will allow students to continue their studies for several years and reach very advanced speaking, reading and writing capabilities.

Do I want my study to apply towards a college or university degree?

If your intention is to eventually complete a degree in a field related to your intended study abroad experience, you'll need to weigh several extra factors. Unless the program you choose is hosted by an accredited degree granted university abroad, opportunities for getting university credit in the US or Canada for your study are almost non-existant, especially if you are not yet enrolled at a specific college or university. Students who wish to both study abroard and earn a degree related to Asian Studies should strongly consider applying to universities within Canada and the US that have a good selection of study abroad options that can be used as a part of regular degree study. In this way, the short term overseas experience can be included with four years of degree study rather in addition to it. Or for those who have an especially strong need to spend as much time abroad as possible, completing a degree abroad with a foreign institution should be considered. For tips on getting academic credit for study abroad, see below.

How much can I afford to spend on a study abroad program?

Like most things in life, its the hidden or unexpected costs that are sure to throw of the most carefully calculated budget. To have a good idea of what you can afford, its always better to estimate most expenses on the high side. Although many programs advertise as all-inclusive (and often they are) you still need to be aware of what type of personal spending you will want to do and keep currency exchange fluctuation in mind.

To be safe, ask a lot of questions. Find out exactly what is covered and what isn't. As well, take your time in comparing value and quality between different programs. In some cases, a two week site-seeing journey may cost almost as much as a semester of language study at a well known university.

If you are studying abroad in a more independent compacity, as a participant in a university based language center or as a part of an non-inclusive program, you will need to put a more significant effort into budgetting and expense planning. Realistically speaking, you should try to set aside at least 15 - 25% of your estimated costs for unexpected fees and living expenses. Emergencies do happen and you that last thing that you want is to end up short handed in a foreign country where you do not have the same security net of friends or family as you may back in your home environment.

How can I earn university/college credit while studying abroad? Up

If interested strictly in a degree in Asian studies (or a specifical regional degree such as East Asian studies), the two most recommended nations to study within are Thailand and the Philippines. Both of these countries have a greater diversity of programs taught in either English or Thai about Asia as a whole than any of their neighbors. As well, it is less complicated to acquire visas and gain acceptance in university programs in these nations than in other nearby countries.

For students wishing in focus on a specific country such as Japan or Korea, it is no doubt the most logical choice to attempt to study within their target nation. However, each country has it's own advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into consideration. For example, the high cost of living in Japan and the accompanying above average

In which ways can I make the most of short-term study abroad? Up

To answer this question, one must ask themselves first what their own personal academic goals are. For example, a student who upon graduation from university wishes to work for a local firm in China has no need to expect the Chinese university of their choice to be freely available from their websites.