What is the Best Age to Study Abroad?

You’ve seen the pictures of your classmates’ espresso and biscotti breaks in Italy and cloud forest hikes in Costa Rica pop up in your Instagram feed. You’ve felt the envy kicking in while catching up with your best friend during their semester in Japan. Maybe you didn’t consider studying abroad at all or just kept putting it off and putting it off. Now, graduation is fast approaching and you’re wondering, What is the best age to study abroad?… and did I completely miss my chance?

There’s so many chances to study abroad! We’re sure you haven’t missed them all.

Or maybe you’re looking back on your 20s with a twinge of regret. Whether you were too busy studying hard for required classes or you couldn’t afford a study abroad program back then—or you haven’t yet had the chance to pursue a college degree—there are plenty of good reasons why you might not have been able to participate in study abroad at a more traditional time.

Good news, study abroad dreamers: Non-traditional student study abroad is a real thing. Yep, you can study abroad after 30! With some thoughtful planning, you can even study abroad during your senior year.

Is there a study abroad age limit?

When your picture of a typical study abroad experience includes a group of twentysomethings jetting off for a long weekend in Paris or London and you don’t see yourself in those imagined faces, it can be tough to envision yourself studying abroad at all. If you’re a non-traditional student, study abroad may seem like a part of someone else’s reality.

The truth is, there is no “typical” profile of a student abroad. Programs are increasingly looking for ways to support non-traditional students looking to study abroad.

With everything from short-term programs that run just a few weeks to full semesters and year-long programs out there, you’re sure to discover an opportunity to go abroad that keeps you on track with the rest of your academic, personal, and career goals.

You’ll find various programs with no study abroad age limit that let you finally get to study and live in that country you’ve been aching to explore.

Is senior year too late to study abroad?

Study abroad your senior year if you need to knock out a few more credits or want additional electives.

Choosing the best year to study abroad depends on individual circumstances, and for many students, senior year offers the ideal chance to fulfill the study abroad dream.

Spending a portion of your senior year abroad means you’ll be more mature as you take on common challenges like homesickness. You may have already finished major requirements so you can explore elective courses while still working on completing your degree. Plus, you’ll have the time to figure out exactly where in the world you want to study—and make sure you save up the funds that will get you there.

Check with your home university to see what rules they have about studying abroad during senior year, and keep in mind that it’s often easier for seniors to go abroad during the first semester. You may need that final semester to get your transcripts and complete the course transfer process in time for graduation.

Can you study abroad your last semester in college?

But if your last semester is your last chance, don’t hit pause on your dream to go abroad just yet. In some cases, you may be able to delay graduation so you can go abroad during your last semester and then wait for transcripts to come in.

Just remember that you may need a diploma in hand for certain jobs or if you’re applying to start graduate school right away. If delaying graduation isn’t right for you, you still have some options.

You’ll find some shorter semester programs that meet the needs of graduating seniors. You can also go for a winter program between the fall and spring semesters of your senior year to get in a study abroad experience and then get back on campus to graduate with your friends.

So...what’s the best year to study abroad?

Okay hear us out…the correct answer is ANY of them.

The best year to study abroad really does come down to personal needs and preferences. Do you have certain classes you need to take at your home university at specific times? Prerequisites you want to get under your belt before enrolling in that awesome class overseas, or language skills you want to brush up on so you can make the most of the experience?

If you’re still early in your college career, now’s the time to map out the next few years so you can stay on track for graduation (and access your financial aid) while you’re studying abroad. Figure out the classes you’ll need to take at home to earn your degree. Save some electives to give yourself flexibility when you do go finally hop on that plane.

It’s not too late even if you’re already approaching your last year, though. What is the best age to study abroad? The age that works best for you!

Am I too old to study abroad?

Even if there’s technically no study abroad age limit, you might worry you’re skimping on responsibilities or stealing time from “real world” pursuits by going abroad as an older student. In reality, studying abroad offers experiences you can’t get any other way.

You’ll broaden your perspective of the world, all while getting more comfortable with getting out of your comfort zone. You’ll gain cross-cultural communication skills and maybe even hone your ability to speak another language.

And while that personal growth is reason enough to embrace study abroad at any age, there’s no denying the practical benefits. Studying abroad will help your career by building skills employers seek and setting you apart in a pool of qualified job applicants.

Look at your later-than-average study abroad as a stepping stone to your other goals.

4 ways to study abroad after 30

Whether you’re young or just young at heart, adventure doesn’t have an age limit.

Still think you might’ve missed your chance to study abroad? Once more for the folks in the back of the room: It’s not too late to go abroad! The right study abroad program can even put you on the fast track to your dream job after college.

Not in college? Not a problem! A gap year abroad offers the perfect way to enjoy the perks of studying abroad (you know, all those eye-opening travel experiences, new skills, and personal growth opportunities), without actually studying for a degree.

Take study abroad to the next level by doing a full degree overseas. No matter if a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD is next up on your list of achievements, plenty of international universities welcome students just like you.

1. IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

Whether you’re looking for career-boosting opportunities like internships and research or sometimes-hard-to-find courses abroad like biology, engineering, or computer science, IFSA has you covered. Plus, IFSA has first-generation and diversity scholarships and grants for students attending state schools and minority-serving institutions, showing that this organization has a serious commitment to making sure all students have access to study abroad.

2. SIT Study Abroad

If you’re searching for an immersive study abroad program that directly relates to your studies and future career, you’ll want to check out SIT’s roster of semester and short-term offerings. Delve into development in Vietnam, learn about renewable energy in Iceland, or gain practical experience in public health in Kenya through experiential, field-based undergraduate programs that give you a head start on your post-college goals.

3. International Volunteer HQ

Make your gap year meaningful by volunteering instead of just globetrotting. There’s no age limit on gap years, either, since you can go right after college before diving headfirst into a job, or at any other time in your life when you want to shift gears.

4. Deakin University

Top-ranked Deakin University features degree programs at all levels as well as several campuses, so you can opt for beachside living or learn in a bigger city. Study creative writing, marine biology, or anything in between while living your best life in Australia.

Get matched with study abroad, gap year, or degree programs for FREE!

It’s never too late to study abroad!

Just because you don’t match the stereotypical image of a study abroad student doesn’t mean study abroad isn’t right for you. The stereotypical image is exactly that: a stereotype.

Grab your suitcase, book your flight, and take your unique and enriching life experience to class across the globe. Study abroad is possible—and just as rewarding—at any age.

NEXT: Read More Travel Articles for 30-Somethings on GoAbroad.com