For Students

A winter quarter study abroad program is designed for students at universities that follow the quarter system. This short-term study abroad program typically goes from early January to mid-March, allowing college students to go abroad during their third (winter) quarter. Explore winter quarter study abroad programs. 

AIFS Abroad is happy to connect prospective students with program alumni who can share their firsthand experiences. You can also find student spotlights, testimonials, and student takeovers on our blog and social media channels, like Instagram. 

Yes, first-year college students can study abroad and are eligible for a wide range of AIFS Abroad programs. We also offer dedicated First Year Programs designed for college freshmen and those waitlisted at U.S. universities who want to study abroad while they wait to start on-campus coursework. 

Yes, you can study abroad during your gap year. Many high school graduates choose to study abroad before attending college. In fact, AIFS Abroad offers programs specifically designed for freshman college students and gap year students. 

On the AIFS Abroad program finder, click the “Additional Filters” drop down and then “Gap Year” to browse study abroad programs open to gap year students. 

Yes, you can study abroad as a college graduate or postgraduate student; however, eligibility for graduate students varies by program. Some AIFS Abroad programs are open to graduate students and offer advanced learning opportunities, while others are designed specifically for undergraduates. 

A spring break study abroad program is a short, intensive academic experience lasting about one week that takes place when many U.S. colleges and universities have time off about halfway through the spring semester. 

AIFS Abroad spring break study abroad programs allow students to earn academic credit through an immersive, focused course while making the most of their spring break. They’re a great option for students who want a taste of study abroad without committing to a full semester. 

A January Term or winter study abroad program is a short, intensive academic program that takes place in January during the winter break between the fall and spring semesters (or the January Term, for schools that have it). 

These programs typically last two to three weeks and allow students to earn credit outside the traditional school year—making them a popular option for students with limited scheduling flexibility or those seeking a short-term experience abroad. 

Yes, you can study abroad more than once—many students choose to study and/or intern abroad multiple times. For example, a student may choose to study abroad once during their sophomore year and again in their senior year. Also, certain programs can be done back-to-back, for example, a spring semester followed by a summer program. 

There’s no limit to how many times you can go abroad with AIFS Abroad, and doing so can deepen your global experience and strengthen your resume even further. Plus, participants who go abroad with AIFS Abroad multiple times are eligible for the Go Abroad Again Grant, which reduces the cost of studying or interning abroad again with AIFS. 

Study abroad is an international educational experience that helps college students earn academic credit and advance their degrees while living in another country and discovering a new culture. AIFS Abroad study abroad programs can last from a few weeks to a full semester and include experiential learning opportunities, courses in a wide range of subject areas, cultural activities and social activities with other program participants, as well as trips and excursions that help students make the most of their study abroad experience. 

Students who require accommodations can download and fill out the applicable accommodation forms on the AIFS Abroad Cultural Engagement Resources page. Upon completion, send these forms to the Program Advisor/Manager for your intended program location. If you do not have a location in mind, contact us here and we will provide you with a list of locations that can accommodate you. 

Once the Program Manager/Advisor has confirmed whether they can accommodate you, they will reach out to you. AIFS Abroad cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor your request, but we will do everything within our means to ensure you have the information you need to make the most informed decision regarding your program location.  

Yes, AIFS Abroad is committed to making international education accessible and welcoming for students of all backgrounds. We have resources for students from underrepresented communities in study abroad and our team is available to speak with you about your specific concerns—including questions about cultural acceptance, accommodation needs, or community-specific support. We encourage you to reach out directly to discuss your situation. 

To address your family’s questions or concerns about studying or interning abroad, start by sharing the academic and professional benefits of going abroad and come prepared with specific program details (including safety and support information). It can also help to walk through the financials together, including financial aid, scholarships, and what‘s included in the program fee. AIFS Abroad has resources specifically designed for parents and families that can support these conversations, such as A Parent Guide to Study Abroad. 

Choosing a study abroad program location is a personal decision that depends on your academic goals, language interests, budget, and the kind of cultural experience you’re looking for. A good starting point is to think about what you want to get out of your time abroad—and then explore destinations that align with those goals. 

The AIFS Abroad program finder allows you to filter programs based on several criteria, making it simple to find a destination abroad that aligns with your preferences. The AIFS Abroad team is also happy to help you narrow down your options. 

Yes, for many students, studying abroad is their first time leaving the country. AIFS Abroad programs are designed to support students at every level of travel experience, with pre-departure guidance, on-site staff, and 24/7 emergency support to help you feel prepared and confident throughout your journey. 

The best time to study or intern abroad depends on your academic plan, course sequencing, and personal goals. Many students go abroad during their sophomore or junior year, when schedules tend to be more flexible, but every case is different. 

AIFS Abroad offers programs for gap year students, first-year students and underclassmen, upperclassmen, and recent college graduates across multiple terms (fall, spring, summer, January Term, winter quarter, May Term, and spring break), so there’s likely a time that works for you. Talk to your academic advisor and study abroad office to find a program that aligns with your graduation timeline. 

You can also easily filter programs by term with the AIFS Abroad program finder. 

The best places to study abroad come down to the destinations that you’re most interested in and can provide the kind of cultural and academic experience you’re seeking. If you’re looking for a country to study abroad based on your major, you can use the AIFS Abroad program finder to filter programs that align with your academic interests and the search tool on our blog to narrow down your options.

If you need additional assistance to find the best place for you to study abroad, reach out to our team for guidance. 

Yes, studying abroad can strengthen graduate school applications by demonstrating academic initiative, global awareness, cultural competence, and independence. Students often gain unique academic and research experiences abroad that help differentiate them from other applicants. 

Yes, studying abroad can help you get a job. Studying abroad helps students and recent graduates develop highly valued skills that employers actively seek, including adaptability, problem-solving, communication, and cultural competency. Many employers view international experience as strong evidence that a candidate can thrive in new environments and navigate unfamiliar situations. 

Yes, studying abroad looks very good on a resume or CV and can help you stand out to employers. It shows that you have international experience, including practice developing cross-cultural communication skills, adapting to new environments, and solving issues independently. 

Studying abroad offers a wide range of academic, personal, and professional benefits, including: 

• Earning academic credit toward your degree 
• Experiencing a new culture firsthand 
• Building global perspectives and intercultural skills
• Learning or improving a foreign language 
• Expanding your personal and professional network 
• Developing independence and confidence 
• Enhancing your resume with international experience 

Yes, studying abroad is worth it for students who choose the right program for them and are a curious, engaged, and energetic participant. 

In addition to earning academic credit, studying abroad provides international experience, personal growth, cultural awareness, and professional skills that can help students stand out in job applications and graduate school admissions. Students often return with greater independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills that employers value—not to mention transformative personal and intercultural experiences that they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.