Throughout your college career you’re bound to have an eye-opening moment. Whether it’s the feeling of accomplishment after participating in a dance marathon or the realization that you’re way too old to be seen walk-of-shaming it, these moments are part of the collegiate experience.
After spending five months in Madrid, I believe the most eye-opening experience any undergraduate can have is to study abroad.
But financial strains and credit requirements make it difficult for every student to spend a semester abroad. With that in mind, universities and private companies also offer summer abroad programs. We looked into a variety of 2012 summer programs and decided these were the top five:
1.) Semester at Sea
Location: North Africa and Europe
Courses: Range from documentary film production in Barcelona to dating, marriage and family, in Casablanca.
Cost: $12,295
This program takes adventure-seekers to seven countries in 63 days. It’s the best option for students who can’t choose between a sunny vacation and summer classes. Although it’s more expensive than most study abroad programs, it provides a unique collegiate experience. What could be better than cool classes, eight destinations and 719 other undergraduate students?
2. Tropical Marine Biology
Location: Murdoch University, Australia
Courses: Multiplatform focus on coral reef environments and biodiversity
Cost: $6,220
Students who are looking for a shorter summer program that’s still jam-packed with fun can opt for this three-week Australian getaway. The curriculum turns the ocean into a classroom and includes 10 days in Coral Bay, home of the Ningaloo coral reef. If you’ve had at least two general biology courses and would enjoy studying wildlife in the other side of the world, this program is ideal for you.
3. The Grand Tour: Art in Europe
Location: Florence, Paris and London
Courses: Up to 15 credits in art history, studio art, photography, French and Italian
Cost: $12,390
Gelato? Check. Eiffel Tower? Check. London calling? Check. This study abroad program is a European trifecta! Not only does it include visits to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it also provides participants with a versatile workload. During this 10-week excursion, students will enjoy a variety of lessons about what it means to be a citizen of the world. For seasick students, this is a good alternative to Semester at Sea.
4. The Holocaust in Europe
Location: Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow and Prague
Courses: Young Adult Literature of the Holocaust
Cost: $4,610
All European history buffs would get a kick out of this University of Missouri summer program. Participants will witness some of the settings of the Holocaust and strive to understand the motivations behind it. They’ll visit Berlin, a ghetto in Warsaw, Auschwitz and the Prague Castle. It’s the perfect combination of sightseeing and historical acknowledgement.
5. Yale Summer Session in Mombasa
Location: Mombasa, Kenya Coast Republic
Courses: Kiswahili speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
Cost: $9,430
This language program found a spot on our list because of its unique location and eye-opening potential. The culture shock that can be experienced while visiting an African country is bound to impact any courageous undergraduate. A trip to the ancient ruins of Gedi and Jumba la Mtwana is the icing on this 2-month visit.
Photo: at http://www.studyabroaddomain.com/blogs/isa-offers-major-specific-study-abroad-program-site
