South America for the winter! Or better yet, for their summer! A week in Japan? Three weeks in Spain? Why not a month in Britain? Short term study abroad programs are an excellent way to gain that college credit in a short, but sweet amount of time.

Here’s to short-term study abroad programs in the summer.
Study abroad short term, even during as little as 1 week study abroad programs, presents stellar alternatives to their semester or academic year-long counterparts. If you’re not willing or able to give up a semester of your studies to galavant elsewhere else on the globe, these condensed programs are right up your alley. Whatever your schedule affords, there are a copious amount of exceptional short term study abroad programs to choose from. One-week, two-week, three-week, or more!
Why short term study abroad programs RULE
Short term study abroad programs are a great option because they’re cheaper, faster, and funner. Oh wait, that’s more fun. But really, let’s be real. Real real. Imagine nearly all the benefits of studying abroad for a fraction of the price and time.
One to four-week study abroad programs offer that cultural immersion that you are certainly seeking without the commitment of months or a year away from home. We wholeheartedly believe that quality trumps quantity any day of the week—and this certainly applies to short term study abroad programs.
Types of short term study abroad programs
Four weeks / one month study abroad programs
Short term summer study abroad programs tend to be the most popular time for student travel—and many programs tend to last around four weeks! Want to escape the cold? Fill that awkward gap between winter semester finals, or jumpstart your summer with a maymester. Embark on a month long language immersion program or special-topic courses. Check out these a wholesome four-week segways into your summer.

1. American Institute For Foreign Study
The AIFS in Cannes, France allows students to earn up to 13 credits in French and culture from AIFS’s international campus along the Mediterranean. This program is welcome to all university students (Freshmen through Seniors) and it only consists of a simple application. Meals are included, along with accommodation, and students can partake in exciting tours and excursions offered by the program. This one month study abroad program starts at around 6,000 USD,
- Related: Read AIFS reviews

2. Equine Summer Study in Scotland - Adelante Abroad
Finally! Something for all of us that wanted a pony but never got it. Located in the Scottish countryside outside of Edinburgh, this study abroad short term program is geared towards students interested in animal science and pre-veterinary studies. Courses offered include equine anatomy and physiology along with equine fitness. Giddyup!
- Related: Read Adelante Abroad reviews

You can even take a short stint for fall break abroad.
3 week study abroad programs
In fashion and design odd numbers are appealing to the eye. In the world of study abroad, three is a figure appealing to the mind. Spend three weeks studying abroad with one of the programs highlighted below. A lot can be accomplished in 3 week study abroad programs (including those three weekends)!

3. African Impact
African impact curates a unique combination of service learning opportunities in cahoots with academic courses. Some of their most popular destinations include South Africa and Zimbabwe. With an excellent overall rating, this program is sure to exceed your expectations of a summer abroad. Check out their site to see where in Africa you can go!
- Related: Read African Impact reviews

4. Meiji Academy
Join a host of other worldwide participants while studying Japanese in Fukuoka, Japan for 3 week study abroad programs. The program offers not only language, but also culture and business courses in intimate classes with no more than six students. This is a stellar option for winter, summer, or spring break alike!
- Related: Read Meiji Academy reviews

5. Spanish Institute for Global Education
A stint in Seville is a superb way to up your Spanish game. Study the language among many other subjects during this almost one month study abroad program in Spain. SIGE adapts to their students’ needs from start to finish. Living with a Spanish family is an unparalleled experience compared to your college roommates at home (unless they’re Spanish, that is).
- Related: Read Spanish Institute reviews

Here’s to postcard-perfect short-term study abroad programs in the winter.
2 week study abroad programs
Two’s a couple! Why not spend a couple of weeks abroad to spiff up your academic and professional rapport. These 2 week study abroad programs are good for more than a couple of reasons. Think of a couple of weeks during winter break to escape the winter blues and gain a fresh perspective. Intern, research, or enroll in a didactic program and create memories that will last a lifetime.

6. GVI
Study the complexity of social issues like Inequality, Education, and Gender in Cape Town, South Africa during 2 week study abroad programs with Global Visions International (GVI). Students will have the opportunity to analyze the social ramifications related to the cycle of intergenerational poverty. This internship displays an excellent example of when theory meets practice. Earn three credits in only two weeks!
- Related: Read GVI reviews

You guessed it—we’re all about alternative spring breaks.
1 week study abroad programs
Talk about bang for your buck! These 1 week study abroad programs are the shortest-term international commitments that you can come by. They’re more than ideal for students interested in a quick stint elsewhere. In only a week you can intern or enroll in an intensive course while gaining college credit and a nifty new cultural experience. Cultural immersion isn’t about the quantity, but rather the quality. One week study abroad or intern programs like these are excellent options!

7. Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) with GoAbroad China
BLCU specializes in teaching Chinese culture and the Mandarin language to international students. This popular destination has hosted students from all over the world. This program provides specialized 1-week study abroad language programs offered during spring break. Spring break in Shanghai, anyone?
- Related: Read GoAbroad China reviews

8. Earth University
This highly-ranked university located in Costa Rica provides convenient one-week study abroad programs. Students have the pleasure of combining didactic work with real hands-on experience in the field of sustainable development and Spanish. “Learn by doing” during your short but sweet stay in Costa Rica.
- Related: Read Earth University reviews

9. Nosara Spanish Institute
This unique 7-day program combines two programs into one. At the Nosara Spanish Institute (NSI), students study yoga and Spanish during a short stint in Nosara, Costa Rica. Learn that downward facing dog and brush-up on your Spanish at the gorgeous Bodhi Tree Resort. As NSI says, this is a unique opportunity to stretch both your body and your mind.
We <3 you, short study abroad
Short term study abroad programs are just the right amount of time abroad to get a good taste for a new country and culture. These programs involve minimal time commitments and are typically a bit more forgiving on your bank account. Imagine, for one month, you could earn the same amount of college credit that you would in an academic semester. But there’s more to these short term programs than financial benefits and college requirements. The examples above offer exceptional opportunities for a fresh perspective without disrupting your grand ole scheme of things.
So, to spend a month studying abroad in Scotland or two weeks in Ecuador? These are some of our favorite short term programs that we are big fans of. Use this to find the short term study abroad programs of your dreams or jump start your own research!
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