Contributor: Melissa Mora-Gonzalez (UC Berkeley), UCEAP participant on the Made in Italy, Florence program

Thinking about studying abroad but not quite ready to spend a semester or year away from home? You’re not alone.

Summer study abroad programs offer the perfect introduction to international education. In just four to eight weeks, you can experience the transformative benefits of studying abroad while managing your time away from home, school, and jobs. It’s an efficient way to gain valuable academic experience, explore a new culture, and grow personally while maintaining the rhythms of your regular academic year.

Let’s take a look at the reasons why summer might be the ideal time for you to study abroad.

1. Summer programs welcome more students

The capacity for summer programs is generally less restricted, so most summer programs can often admit more students than their semester counterparts. This increased availability means you’re more likely to secure a spot in your preferred program, making summer an excellent choice for turning your study abroad aspirations into reality.

 

Group of students in front of temple in Singapore

Photo by Phoebe Li (UC Berkeley)

2. Summer can accelerate your academics

When it comes to academics, summer study abroad offers a practical solution for students with demanding schedules. For STEM majors juggling strict course requirement lists and transfer students racing against the graduation clock, summer may be the only time to gain international experience. Alternatively, and because most summer programs don’t have prerequisites, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore new topics and fulfill general education requirements while doing so!

By junior year, I only had a couple of major requirements to fulfill and was on track to finish my minor by graduation. That meant my summer session could be dedicated purely to my personal and post-grad interests. I’d never taken any media communications-based courses, and my chosen program was structured around the topic, so it was perfect for me.

Melissa Mora-Gonzalez (UC Berkeley), studied abroad in summer 2024

Additionally, UCEAP summer study abroad programs are sometimes very specific and a good fit for specialized academic needs – here are a few examples:

These are just a few examples, though! You can filter the entire list of summer programs based on your academic needs.

There’s also a lesser-known opportunity: students who’ve completed their degree requirements but haven’t reached their maximum units can still study abroad after finishing their major coursework and, in some cases, after graduating.

Summer terms typically offer more intimate class sizes and relaxed schedules, creating natural opportunities to build relationships with professors with more time for mentorship and research collaboration. For students heading to graduate school, these connections and international academic experiences can provide valuable letters of recommendation and help distinguish their applications.

 

3. Summer is great for language development

Summer offers unique advantages for language development, whether you’re making up required coursework, wanting to gain a credit advantage, or seeking genuine fluency.

Unlike semester programs that may require advanced language skills, summer sessions frequently accommodate students at various proficiency levels, making them particularly accessible to beginners and intermediate learners.

The concentrated nature of summer programs creates an immersive environment where language learning extends beyond the classroom—from ordering coffee to navigating public transportation, everyday interactions become practical learning opportunities.

Young student in front of temple

 

Photo by Gina Nguyen (UC Irvine)

While the timeframe may be shorter than a semester abroad, the focused nature of summer language programs and daily real-world practice can lead to significant linguistic progress. Summer programs offer an efficient path forward for students looking to fulfill language requirements or build a foundation for future language study.

 

4. Summer can be more affordable—in some cases

One benefit of taking a UCEAP summer program is that nonresident supplemental tuition (NRST) is not charged for summer programs, so if you typically pay NRST you get a cost break when taking a study abroad program in the summer.

In general, summer study abroad programs cost less than semester- or quarter-long programs, and of course, you earn fewer credits. Scholarships for summer programs are typically less, as well.

Here are a few summer-specific scholarships to consider:

Note: These are just examples – many scholarships can be applied to summer programs.

The financial considerations with summer programs depend on your home campus, your residency status and your financial situation.

  • If you’re a student who relies on financial aid, it’s important to note that UC campuses manage financial aid packaging differently. Specifically, some are defined as summer-trailing, which means the summer term is the end of the academic year in terms of financial aid.
  • If your financial aid is used through fall, winter, and spring, none may be left over for the summer term. However, some campuses overcome this situation with a university grant, so it’s not universal.

See Understanding UCEAP Program Estimates to better understand how the different UC campuses handle financial aid.

5. Summer programs have internships and research opportunities

UCEAP offers a number of summer programs that are ideal for UC students who want to gain international work experience or pursue academic research abroad.

If you’re having trouble arranging a summer internship or academic research project, taking a summer study abroad program could be the answer!

Photo of Jian Hong Shi

 

Photo by Jian Hong Shi (UC San Diego)

6. Summer is great for travel

Summer programs offer distinct advantages when it comes to coordinating travel with friends. With fewer enrollment restrictions and more flexible program options, summer sessions often make it easier for UC students to align their study abroad plans.

The timing also creates unique opportunities for friends and family to visit—they’re more likely to have vacation time during summer months, allowing them to experience your host country alongside you.

Wait for your syllabi before booking any weekend trips or visits from the US. You’ll want to know your schedule, including class field trips or excursions, which are often on Fridays, before finalizing any trips.

Melissa Mora-Gonzalez (UC Berkeley), studied abroad in Florence, Italy

The typical summer program schedule allows for strategic travel planning as well—you can take advantage of the days before and after their program to explore your host location more fully or add additional destinations. This flexibility means you can potentially turn a six-week academic program into a more extensive international experience, balancing your academic commitments with meaningful travel opportunities, whether solo or with visitors from home.

Photo of student in front of Tower of Pisa

 

Photo by Leslie Amarachi Duru (UC Los Angeles)

 

Sometimes, the best reason to study abroad in summer is the simplest—it’s your opportunity to step away from your regular routine while progressing academically. Whether you’re seeking a mental reset or want to broaden your cultural horizons, summer programs offer you a chance to gain both credits and life experience. Even a few weeks of international study can foster independence, build confidence, and provide the kind of personal growth that extends far beyond the summer months.

 

Learn more about how even short study abroad programs can make a big difference