<p>I am really torn about whether or not I should try for a year or a semester abroad. I have been planning on just going for a semester to Germany since there are some classes at my college that I want to take next semester and I am also concerned about working on the election in the fall. However, I have also heard that many people who do semesters regret not having done a year. I'm wondering how much me being here in the states for another semester would really matter in the long run of things and if I should just take this great opportunity to go abroad for a year. So I was wondering if anyone with experience could tell me more pros and cons of being gone for a year vs. a semester. Thanks!</p>
<p>I heard from someone to go as long as you can go for. So, if you are finacially able and can go for a year also academically, then I would say for a year.</p>
<p>If you go in the fall, and decide mid-way through the semester that you want to go for another semester, you usually can. I have a friend who went to Australia in the fall and loved being abroad so much that she went to England for the next semester, even though she hadn't planned it at all before. So if you aren't sure, I'd suggest going in the fall semester so that if you want to extend it, you can.</p>
<p>The answer really depends upon your reason for studying abroad. If your primary reason for studying abroad is to obtain language fluency, then stay for the year; if for some other reason, such as to see the world, then just do a semester in Germany so that you can spend time elsewhere.</p>
<p>Don't stay a year unless you are living with a host family.</p>