<p>Winter session presents a great opportunity...but also a bit of a quandry for my freshman D. She's University Studies and not having a major yet, doesn't necessarily need to fulfil a requirement and many abroad courses seem geared to majors or particular areas of study too. She could take a general requirement course but that seems (at least to me) a bit too focused and nose to the grindstone. One does after all need some time to decompress after their first semester at college. But there don't seem to be many "fun" courses n the UD Winter Session catalogue like those given at some other schools with winter sessions friends are attending.</p>
<p>I'd be curious to hear from parents of current second, third year and senior students as to what sorts of Winter Session courses or trips your student took during the winter of their first year.</p>
<p>My daughter came home for her freshman winter session because she was tired and wanted to unwind. I don’t think she will do that again because it was just too long. I would like to caution you, that if finances matter, winter sessions are very expensive.</p>
<p>Online courses are an option for winter session. Though not necessarily “fun” they are an effective use of the long break. My D took one sophomore year. She went to our local community college to take the tests. And because our community college was an eligible testing sight, tuition, though more than the in-state per credit rate, was significantly cheaper than the out of state per credit rate.</p>
<p>LOL, doesn’t sound like either of your kids did Winter Session on campus or through a UD overseas trip. </p>
<p>We have a unique situation in that we just (Halelujuiah) sold our house and will likely still be in flux during Winter Term. So either on campus study or classes in another country (despite the cost) would help.</p>
<p>DD came home and was thrilled to really have no school obligations. She got some time at her old job, hung out with friends, and took a trip with me to visit her grandparents. Also, since her friends went back earlier than she did, she took a trip to visit them (Mega Bus).</p>
<p>She wanted to do a study abroad freshman year/winter session, but didn’t have the prerequisites. This January, she is doing a study abroad program (6 credits in her major). If she didn’t get into the program, I was going to suggest either a course at a local community college (less $ than UD) or work experience in her field in NYC (even if they didn’t pay her - it would be worth it to me to buy her the train ticket and have her get a taste of the real world!). Through my contacts and my DH’s, I’m hoping that someone would take free help.</p>
<p>FYI - there are special scholarships just for UD freshmen for study abroad. There are also certain study abroad programs that they really encourage for freshmen. I think the deadlines are coming up though, so check it out soon. I would not discount this as an option, even if she is undecided.</p>
<p>Rodney, she’s not eligible, as she went senior year with her school. She did apply just to be sure and that was confirmed.</p>
<p>I believe she will be applying for the FYE session in Costa Rica, but in case that doesn’t pan out, she wants to have other alternatives. Her friends will be away and she doesn’t want to stay in her mom’s new house with her. Like LINYMOM, we have talked about a short vacation together, trips to see friends and the like.</p>
<p>Another option if you don’t want her to take a class on campus (and have to pay OOS tuition and pay to stay in the dorm) Since so many students study abroad or go home during winter session, she could find someone who would like to rent their room for the winter session. She could then take an online course from an instate public.</p>