By Eric Tiettmeyer

Sometimes students want to "get their feet wet" first before plunging into a decision such as spending the next 2-4 years studying in another country. So maybe
you want to study abroad for a semester or even a summer to see what it is like. And that is fine!

Short term study-abroad may be a great solution for this. You can apply directly with a university abroad and transfer your credit and use your FAFSA directly through their admissions. Or you can work with a U.S. study abroad provider. There are benefits to both.

MANY UNIVERSITIES ABROAD OFFER SUMMER PROGRAMS JUST LIKE U.S. UNIVERSITIES DO For example, John Cabot University in Rome (www.johncabot.edu) has many summer abroad opportunities during two different summer sessions. John Cabot also has semester, academic year, and even four-year degrees. So you can finish your summer or semester abroad, decide if you want to stay, and then apply to continue.

Nick Atkinson, Director of U.S. Admissions for Richmond, the American International University in London, says that while both summer and semester programs at Richmond are wonderful, he advises those itching to get the most authentic study abroad experience to do a full semester.

"The semester abroad is in the Fall or Spring, and most students are on campus versus the summer," he says "You get a better feel for what the university is like, and what is London is like, compared to the summer."
STUDY ABROAD PROVIDERS ARE ALSO BENEFICIAL FOR SHORT-TERM STUDY ABROAD
These study abroad providers, located in the U.S., have agreements with international universities to handle classes, financial aid, and credit transfer. Another advantage is these study abroad providers go to countries that don't have universities that accept financial aid. And most classes are taught in English.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS CAN WORK WITH THEIR STUDY ABROAD OFFICE OR
ANOTHER COLLEGE OFFICE
The majority of study abroad programs through community colleges in California are faculty-led and over the summer or winter break. California Colleges for International Education at CCIEworld.org has a great directory of programs available throughout California. GoAbroad.com and StudyAbroad.com are also two great sites for exploring study abroad providers.