I’d like to spend a semester studying abroad in Australia, but I want to take college admissions into account. I’ve heard that colleges like when students study abroad, but I’m not sure if it’s just because of the different cultures. I’m considering studying in Spain to complete my Spanish education and learn about that completely different lifestyle, but I don’t want my grades to suffer while I’m still getting used to the language. I know that Australia has one of the best school systems in the world, but the culture is similar to that of the US. So, which would colleges most likely prefer, Spain or Australia?
A year abroad in a non-European, non-English speaking country would impress admissions committees. It represents a real personal and academic challenge and out-of-the-box risk taking.
You’re going only for a semester (which could end up being just 3 months) and your choices are hardly exotic, with Australia not even giving you an opportunity to learn/perfect a foreign language, and Spain being the #2 European study abroad destination for American high schoolers. Neither is going to blow colleges away.
My advice: Don’t pick your destination based on speculation “which would colleges most likely prefer.” Pick whichever sounds most interesting TO YOU. And then go, and have a blast. It’s a great opportunity.
Australia has one of the best school systems in the world,<<<<<<<<
Does it? That sounds hyperbolic. There are a lot of private schools in Australia (with a LOT of public funding) but public schools, like here, will vary. Let’s assume you are only talking about a private school option in a city/populous region. IMO it isn’t going to offer any real study abroad experience (discomfort) and indicates you have enough money to pay for such funsies.
I’ve been to both places, and my vote would be for Australia. It’s on the other side of the world. And it is a whole continent of its own! When else are you likely to get there if not now? Spain is just a quick trip across the Atlantic. You could pop over during a spring break if you really wanted to. On a different-from-here level, other than language, I’d rank them both pretty much equal. You will find lots of new things in both countries, as well as a fair number of similar things.
Pick the country that YOU would like to visit because YOU want to go there for YOUR own reasons. Don’t pick it based on what you think will look good or not look good on your college applications.
“Pick the country that YOU would like to visit because YOU want to go there for YOUR own reasons.”
I agree with this.
My youngest did approximately a semester abroad in high school. It was a great experience for her and I think made her feel more confident going away to university. She got into every university that she applied to, so it at least didn’t hurt in that regard. We also hosted two high school students who came here on exchange (not at the same time) and this also was a really great experience for us and I think for the kids who came here.