Where to Go For Spring Study Abroad

Spring is the time for change and for starting a new chapter! That’s what makes spring the perfect time to study abroad. Warm weather, flower festivals, and cultural holidays allow for more meaningful travel and learning experiences while abroad.

Why not start your year off with meaningful travel?

The best places to study abroad in the spring depend on what time you’re going. You could fly off to a country in the southern hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed and you can experience spring from September to November for once! Conversely, stick to what you are familiar with and stay in the northern hemisphere where springtime happens from March to May..

While there is no limit to the best places to study abroad in the spring, there are 10 countries from six continents that stand out the most.

Is it better to study abroad in the spring?

Spring study abroad programs are just as great as fall, summer, and winter study abroad programs. Determining if it is best to study abroad in the spring depends on a couple of factors.

First, check with your academic schedule. Certain academic programs at colleges and universities in the United States will not allow their students to participate in spring study abroad programs for various reasons. For example, it could be your last semester and you need specific courses to complete your degree. Make sure to check in with your academic advisor and your study abroad advisor.

Next, check with your personal schedule. Do you have a wedding coming up that you need to attend? Perhaps a holiday or birthday you don’t want to miss? If important events in your life are happening back home, it’s best you work around that for your future study abroad plans. This could mean studying abroad in the fall instead of the spring, or vice versa.

Another great perk is that it’s easier to extend your study abroad adventure into the summer! You could study abroad in the summer or travel after your program ends. Essentially, there is no right answer—it just depends on if a spring study abroad program is right for you and your academic or personal goals.

READ: 11 Reasons Not to Miss Spring Semester Study Abroad

10 best places to study abroad in the spring

Northern Hemisphere

1. Japan

Seeing the legendary Japanese cherry blossoms in spring is a bucket list item for many.

• Why? Cherry blossoms popping up all over the country are reason enough to participate in a spring study abroad program. People visit from all over the world just to see the cherry blossoms bloom. Studying abroad in Japan during spring will give you the opportunity to see the trees go from bare and empty to the bursting colors of pink and white.
• Aside from the cherry blossoms, Japan’s weather is at an ideal temperature during the spring. The cool weather allows for fun cultural festivals like the Sanja Matsuri and the Takayama Matsuri festivals to take place. Engaging in these cultural moments in Japan will allow you to learn about a culture other than your own, which is one of the goals of studying abroad!
• Recommended program: CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Tokyo Japan

2. South Korea

• Why? Not only does South Korea have blooming flowers for the spring, but they also have several flower festivals! Locals grow and craft their flowers into pieces of art for all to admire. The Everland Tulip Festival and the Jeju Canola Festival are just two of the popular flower festivals that display the beauty of spring.
• One of the biggest South Korean holidays happens in the spring, Buddha’s birthday! Explore temples and see them covered in brightly colored paper lotus lanterns in celebration of Buddha.
• Recommended program: Semester in South Korea – Sogang University

3. Costa Rica

• Why? Costa Rica is another fantastic place to participate in a spring semester study abroad. The weather is amazing, tourists are not yet swarming the beaches, and there are fun sports to do outside, like surfing and hiking.
• Besides studying and living in a tropical climate, Costa Rica is a great place to give back and volunteer abroad while you’re not in class. Show your appreciation for the diversity in plants and animals in this beautiful country.
• Recommended program: USAC COSTA RICA: San Ramón - Life & Health Sciences

4. Vietnam

During spring in Vietnam, you may avoid some of the typical heat.

• Why? Despite the occasional rainfall, Vietnam has great weather in the spring. The pleasant weather matches the attitude of the locals, especially during the Tết Nguyên Đán or Spring Festival. Vietnamese go all out for this holiday to mark the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
• During the festival, Vietnam will have decorations of paper lanterns, flowers, and more to celebrate this holiday that lasts around seven to nine days. Being able to see the Vietnamese Lunar New Year festivities up close will allow you to have an incredible cultural experience.
• Recommended program: Semester Study Abroad and Service in Vietnam

5. Italy

• Why? Since Italy is a popular country for tourists to visit, the cities can get very crowded with visitors during summer. Participating in a spring semester study abroad in Italy allows you to experience the country as a local, not just a tourist.
• Another reason to participate in a spring study abroad in Italy is the weather. Sunny days and mild temperatures make living abroad a breeze. Easter is one of the biggest celebrations during the spring in Italy. Easter festivities and the observance of Holy Week make living in Italy at this time truly special.
• Recommended program: Experience Rome, Italy with API

Southern Hemisphere

6. South Africa

Who can say no to baby animals?

• Why? South Africa is one of the best places to study abroad in the spring. Baby animals are learning to walk, sea turtles are laying their eggs on the beaches, and it’s the perfect time for whale watching on the coast.
• Keep in mind that South Africa (and other southern hemisphere countries) have their seasons swapped. That means spring and fall are flipped, and the same goes for winter and summer.
• Recommended program: Semester at Sea Study Abroad South Africa

7. Ecuador

• Why? Since Ecuador has a tropical climate, adventure activities like hiking and cycling are popular activities for locals and tourists. The biodiversity and discoveries to be made in Ecuador make this country unique. Explore the Amazon, see the waterfalls, and stand on the line of the equator!
• All are possibilities for you if you participate in a spring study abroad program in Ecuador. On top of this, the Galapagos Islands are within reach, so you can explore and observe animals and other creatures in their natural habitats.
• Recommended program: Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

8. Argentina

• Why? Escaping the city life and taking in the countryside is what spring is all about in Argentina. Stroll down the sprawling vineyards with a glass of wine in hand. Take in the culture and language by going to a Spanish language school. Enjoy the nice weather Argentina offers and head out to their pristine beaches where you can whale watch or simply enjoy the views.
• Recommended program: ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

9. Australia

Spring study abroad in Australia will be incredible.

• Why? Beaches, beaches, and more beaches! As people start to come out of their cold winter hibernation homes and the weather begins to heat up, it’s off to the beach where it’s less crowded and less touristy during the spring. Because it’s less busy and tourism has slowed down, the prices for exploring the city go down, which is perfect for a student budget during spring semester study abroad.
• Recommended program: IFSA: University of Sydney

10. New Zealand

• Why? One of the best places to study abroad in the spring is New Zealand. You can go hiking and chase waterfalls regularly while also having access to beautiful beaches. Studying popular culture at all? Are you a big Lord of the Rings fan? Then this is the ultimate place to go. You will get to see The Shire and the rest of Middle Earth with your own eyes!
• Recommended program: AFS Intercultural Programs Abroad in New Zealand

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Is spring study abroad the right move for you?

There are so many reasons to participate in a spring study abroad program. The festivals, flowers, holidays, weather, and the food alone are reasons to go in the spring. However, you need to make this decision based on your interests, academic plan, and personal life schedule. If you can’t think of a solid reason not to go, then what are you waiting for?

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