<p>What're the differences? What're the pros and cons of going for a semester vs. going over summer/for winter or spring break?</p>
<p>I want to major in nursing, so because of clinicals it's recommended I don't study abroad during semester unless it's my freshman year. However, the one thing I want most from college (besides a degree obviously) is to go abroad. I'm more than willing to do it during breaks, I just would like to see if there's any major differences that might effect my overall experience. </p>
<p>If it has any relevance, England and Australia are two of my top priorities to visit. </p>
<p>Also as a side note - if anyone has any experience volunteering abroad I’d love your input on that. If given the opportunity, I would jump to volunteer (especially in a health related setting) at some place in South America or Africa. </p>
<p>UK and Aus universities don’t generally teach during the breaks, so if you go during the break you will be on a customized program intended purely for American tourists. Whereas if you go during the semester, you might actually take some real classes at the target university.</p>
<p>Until you get some real training under your belt, any volunteering will be for your benefit not anyone else’s. What skills do you have that are not present in spades amongst the local population?</p>
<p>Short visits can always be done as a tourist. You don’t necessarily need a class to get on a plane and go to England for a week. If you mean a one-month versus semester, the longer time during a school term gives you more time to get to know the area by living there, bond with more than just other kids on your program. Did you check what your college office recommends for programs? And how any financial aid you now get could be affected? </p>
<p>I’m a nurse and I wish study abroad had been as popular when I was a student. I would look into going during a break as a volunteer of some type. I believe there are problems trying to get paid in other countries since you are not a citizen. You may have to hunt some to find something. You might want to check out Operation Smile, which I believe goes to South America, not England or Aus, but it would be a great experience.</p>