<p>I'm stuck between my decision. I really wanted to study abroad before, but now that I've planned out my schedule with and without study abroad, here's what I've come up with:</p>
<p>With study abroad:
-I would still graduate in 4 years, but I wouldn't get to take as many classes.
-I would have a different experience. And I get to live in another country with friends and really get to experience that. It's also a good way to make new friends and we would have something in common.</p>
<p>Without:
-I could finish a semester early and that's major when it comes to your senior year and you just can't wait to get out.
-I would get to space out my classes a little more and not take 4 classes instead of 3.</p>
<p>STUDY ABROAD!! Seriously, according to every college graduate I know, it’s nearly impossible to travel/study abroad after graduation when you get a job. You basically stop having free time (in the sense that you can’t just pick up and go on vacation for a month). Once in a lifetime opportunity–it’s worth it!</p>
<p>I’d say study abroad if you’re sure of your college plans (classes to take, etc) and do some good research about the classes/whatever you’re gonna take in that country, especially if it’s during the semester.</p>
<p>Really? Wow! Okay, thank you! Yeah, I guess that’s true. The thing that’s most appealing to me is you can spend time with new people that you meet in a country we all love. As far as classes though, none of them have to do with my major and I want to take the minimum so that I will have free time. I’m just kind of worried about how hard they will be since it’s in another country. They’re mostly psychology classes that I’m taking and language which shouldn’t be bad. Also, it is from summer to the end of fall. So I will miss out on TWO semesters where I could take like 5 classes total. But convince me to go! I’ve always tried to get things done early so that it won’t be hard in the end, but if I go that won’t happen.</p>
<p>I mean that’s the risk of SA isn’t it? You get the experience, but then you come back here and you have to play catch-up. And not only should you focus on your major requirements, but also keep in mind any pre-reqs for grad schools/professional schools.</p>
<p>It’s not exactly “catch up” for me because I would graduate in the spring, and will have done 4 years. It’s just if I don’t do it, then I can graduate in the Fall instead. I LOVE getting out early when everyone else is still here but then I would also like to go abroad. I’ve already been to the country though and I can really go whenever. Even if I’m older. Or I can go with my family during my christmas break next year or whatever. So it’s not really that I won’t get a chance to go…</p>
<p>I guess I can also stay for extra semesters if I want to take less classes. </p>
<p>Study abroad! In 5 years, what are you more likely to remember? The classes you took or the semester you spent in (whatever country you go to) studying, partying, meeting new people, and having fun?</p>
<p>Its really cool to study abroad since you will be in another country with people your age. Definitely not like traveling with your parents. When I did study abroad last summer, it was really fun to travel and do touristy stuff on free days and party at clubs at night (the drinking age is lower is so many countries). The classes are alright, and you get to meet other US students from around the country and international students. Also travel sooner before the US currency drops even more against other currencies!</p>
<p>Traveling abroad was definitely fun for me. Lots of fun experiences getting lost and discovering something new. My advice if you do do it is to do a lot of research about where you are going to be and to be as fluent in the language as possible when you get there, as you will get so much more out of the experience. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Why in the world would you even want to graduate early nowadays?! Heck, study abroad AND take an extra semester. Win-Win situation. You basically get the benefits of both of your options!</p>
<p>Yeah, I was thinking about that. I guess in hs I wanted to get out sooo bad but most people want to stay in college right? It sounds fun now that I think about it. I definitely don’t want to go home anymore.</p>
<p>I wasn’t really suggesting to take an extra semester for the “fun” of college or anything like that (although that’s always a plus!). I was thinking more about how difficult the job market can be nowadays - although, it is improving. That’s why there has been an increase in students taking more than four years to earn their Bachelor’s degrees. Of course, the UC’s also have the issue of class enrollment difficulty, but I do think most everyone should be able to schedule things correctly so as to graduate in four years if they wanted to.</p>
<p>Okay, now I’m ranting.</p>
<p>Anyways, TAKE AN EXTRA SEMESTER! It’s worth it - you could be better off in the end, and the extra costs for that one semester could pay off! No need to rush. Study abroad, enjoy yourself, enjoy college.</p>