National Center for Education Research

Short Term Study Abroad Option

Three to Four Week Programs as Effective as Long Term Experiences

Recent research indicates that short term study abroad programs may be just as effective in promoting global awareness as the traditional semester abroad experiences.

A recent research study at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities suggests that the duration of college studies abroad does not really matter. Karin Fischer, writing in the February 20, 2019 Chronicle of High Education, states that, “students who go overseas for a short period of time, four weeks or less, are just as likely as those who study abroad for several months or even a year to be globally engaged.” The ramifications of the Minnesota study could be immense. If academic goals, including global awareness programs, can be achieved within four weeks, the “semester abroad” could be replaced with more affordable alternatives.

Three to Four Week Focused Study Programs

High schools have been engaged in student foreign trips for decades. These trips, offered during school breaks, average 10-14 days but can be longer. Many students that eventually avail themselves of semester-abroad programs in college cite earlier high school experiences as the first stepping stones toward global awareness. Colleges and universities considering similar short trips abroad can learn from the high school experience and from the teacher facilitators of such trips.

The Minnesota study should also galvanize professional student tour companies whose primary business has focused on middle and high schools to develop divisions that can facilitate short term college abroad experiences. Some companies, like EF Educational Tours, have already introduced the “Spring Break” tours for college students. However, short term study abroad packages, in conforming to institutional goals, should be more academically focused.

Ms. Fischer notes that “…short-term trips…organized by faculty members…can scare off some professors…” and cites organizations that are already helping faculty members plan and facilitate such trips, like the Danish Institute for Study Abroad. The simple fact is, however, that any professor sold on the idea of leading a short term trip can plan the experience as easily as constructing a syllabus.

Planning and organizing should include the following:

• Deciding on a date (during semester breaks or in the summer)
• Allowing at least 12-18 months from planning to recruitment and departure
• Focusing on one regional destination that correlates to specific areas of academic study (Renaissance: Florence and Rome, Italy)
• Developing a day-by-day itinerary
• Incorporating on-site lectures, specific tours, and relevant readings or texts
• Contacting colleagues in institutions at the destination to explore teaching-partnership opportunities
• Submitting the final 3-4 week itinerary to a professional company that can arrange transportation and lodging.

Establishing Partnerships with Foreign Universities

Many American universities maintain “houses” in key foreign cities that currently serve the needs of semester abroad programs. Phasing in shorter terms may actually enable more students to experience studying abroad, although this would require adjusting semester classes that might be missed during the 3-4 week period if short sessions abroad occur within semesters.

Other options might include developing cooperative partnerships with foreign universities in terms of academic resources while abroad as well as possible short term lodging. If the ultimate goals are academically worthwhile in regard to shorter study abroad programs, institutions need to explore how best to maximize the benefits, even if it means redefining long term programs.

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