<p>Hello, I am a freshman in a four-year university right now and desperately want to consider study abroad options for this coming spring. I realize that some programs have rolling deadlines and others don't start till later in the spring. I would rather an internship or research opportunity, like the Global links program EuroScholars, and I think it would be easier to obtain than a direct enrollment abroad. Do you know any programs? Any ideas?</p>
<p>If by “this coming spring” you mean 2015, you have plenty of time. Most people haven’t gotten to thinking past fall 2014 yet.</p>
<p>If you mean 2014…it could be tricky, to say the least. If you’re looking at Europe (schengen zone), you could only stay for 90 days without acquiring a student visa. If you’re looking outside of Europe, you might need a visa in advance just to enter the country, never mind stay there. </p>
<p>Then there’s the question of flights. Booking at this point would mean booking less than six months out. You’d probably be looking at pretty expensive airfare.</p>
<p>Then there’s your academic situation. Unless you’re on the quarter system or currently on leave, wouldn’t going abroad mid-semester mean losing that tuition and those credit hours that you’ve started? Most transfer credits you would get from a study abroad program would require approval in advance from your registrar, too.</p>
<p>Finally, there’s housing. Most programs hook you up with a host family or an apartment with other students. Some don’t. I interned in Italy for the State Department and we were on our own with housing. For the interns that didn’t speak Italian…Craiglist.it was not an easy resource to use.</p>
<p>I don’t say all of this to deter you if this is the only time you’re able to study abroad or if your heart is set on it; I’m sure if you look hard, you could find “something.” But if you’re hoping for academic credit or an internship, on such short notice, you’re probably going to find it challenging. Many rolling programs have likely filled all of their spots.</p>
<p>Have you thought about summer or fall? Or next spring? You’ve still got lots of time for abroad experiences throughout college (and grad/law/etc. school if you do that)!</p>
<p>Many summer programs are probably taking applications now. State Department (embassies/consulates) fall internship applications are probably due February 1st.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply!</p>
<p>Hi, </p>
<p>Everything amplifiar said is correct. For Spring 2015 you have plenty of time. If you’re interesting in this summer now is the perfect time to really research and look into providers.The first step is to speak with your Study Abroad Office and academic advisor. They should be able to give you a better idea of what’s possible for credit. Just do some research and find the right option for you! I actually work a international internship provider, Global Experiences, and we’re in the busy time for summer right now. Just make sure you ask all the right questions to your study abroad office and/or provider: do they provide housing, what type of visa do I need, do I need to speak the language, etc. </p>
<p>Good luck! </p>