5 answers
Gabriella
Student
Knoxville, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
581 views
When would be the best time to study abroad?
I am currently a freshman in college. I am a business and marketing major I would love to be able to learn about different cultures and how they approach marketing. Studying abroad has always interested me. I want to make the most of my experience. #fall25
Login to comment
5 answers
Jake Vogt
Regional Partner Manager
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Studying abroad offers many opportunities to learn. I suggest going during your sophomore year, after you have adjusted to college life.
Andrew Dinh
Consultant
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
There’s honestly no single “right” time. It depends on what you want out of it, but a few common options work really well.
I went abroad my senior fall and loved it, mostly because I already had a job lined up, so it felt like a victory lap where I could just enjoy the experience. That said, tons of people go earlier. Sophomore or junior year is super popular because you’ve knocked out some core classes but still have flexibility in your schedule.
You can also look at summer programs. They’re awesome if you don’t want to miss a full semester on campus. It can double as extra coursework or even take the place of an internship if you choose a program with a practical element (which is great for marketing-focused stuff).
Since you’re into business + marketing and want to learn how other cultures think about it, look for programs with local business classes or a small project component.
I went abroad my senior fall and loved it, mostly because I already had a job lined up, so it felt like a victory lap where I could just enjoy the experience. That said, tons of people go earlier. Sophomore or junior year is super popular because you’ve knocked out some core classes but still have flexibility in your schedule.
You can also look at summer programs. They’re awesome if you don’t want to miss a full semester on campus. It can double as extra coursework or even take the place of an internship if you choose a program with a practical element (which is great for marketing-focused stuff).
Since you’re into business + marketing and want to learn how other cultures think about it, look for programs with local business classes or a small project component.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Gabriella. Studying abroad is a great opportunity, and picking the right time to go can make your experience even better.
For many students, the best time to study abroad is during their sophomore or junior year. As a freshman, you have time to plan and prepare. Sophomore year is a good choice because by then, you will have adjusted to college life and can focus on studying in another country. You may also have more flexibility in your schedule to take general education classes abroad, which means you won't fall behind on your degree. Junior year is also popular because you'll have completed more courses related to business and marketing, so you can better understand how marketing works in other cultures.
When thinking about when to go, you also need to consider how long you want to be abroad. A full semester abroad will give you a deeper experience. You'll have more time to adjust to the culture, maybe even learn the language, and take marketing courses that relate to your major. But if you're not sure about being away for a whole semester, summer study abroad programs are a great option. These are shorter but still offer a chance to learn and experience another culture without interrupting your regular college schedule.
Furthermore, as a business and marketing major, you should look for programs that offer hands-on experience, such as internships or visits to local companies. These experiences will help you understand how marketing works in different countries and give you an advantage in your future career. All the best.
For many students, the best time to study abroad is during their sophomore or junior year. As a freshman, you have time to plan and prepare. Sophomore year is a good choice because by then, you will have adjusted to college life and can focus on studying in another country. You may also have more flexibility in your schedule to take general education classes abroad, which means you won't fall behind on your degree. Junior year is also popular because you'll have completed more courses related to business and marketing, so you can better understand how marketing works in other cultures.
When thinking about when to go, you also need to consider how long you want to be abroad. A full semester abroad will give you a deeper experience. You'll have more time to adjust to the culture, maybe even learn the language, and take marketing courses that relate to your major. But if you're not sure about being away for a whole semester, summer study abroad programs are a great option. These are shorter but still offer a chance to learn and experience another culture without interrupting your regular college schedule.
Furthermore, as a business and marketing major, you should look for programs that offer hands-on experience, such as internships or visits to local companies. These experiences will help you understand how marketing works in different countries and give you an advantage in your future career. All the best.
Isaac Reichner
Product Management - Consumer Technology
6
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
I HIGHLY recommend doing a study abroad! One thing I'd add to the other answers is that your business school might have a study abroad that's more like an internship abroad, where you actually do an internship for a foreign company. This can be extremely valuable if you want very hands-on experience abroad beyond what a normal study abroad would offer. There MAY even be programs out there that are free since you're doing work for a company. I'd ask your business school counselors and search online.
Julie Mantey
Global Project Manager
22
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hi and above answers very helpful and I will add a different perspective to share.
I worked full time starting age 18 and eventually attended college in the evening after work,,,my circumstances dictated this approach, although I came from a family that all attended college full-time.
At age 32 , I attended a 5-week study abroad program in London that I saw advertised at my college and made sure the two courses offered in the program could be used toward my degree credits, I took vacation/sick pay/bought time from work so I had my job upon return. It was a large company I had been with a while.
Yes, there were college age attendees but also folks older than me…it was rewarding, challenging and educational.
My point is discuss your options with appropriate school counselors, etc. and I also agree look into Internships via your college to make it more affordable and a Resume builder.
Good luck and keep an open mind no matter your decision!
I worked full time starting age 18 and eventually attended college in the evening after work,,,my circumstances dictated this approach, although I came from a family that all attended college full-time.
At age 32 , I attended a 5-week study abroad program in London that I saw advertised at my college and made sure the two courses offered in the program could be used toward my degree credits, I took vacation/sick pay/bought time from work so I had my job upon return. It was a large company I had been with a while.
Yes, there were college age attendees but also folks older than me…it was rewarding, challenging and educational.
My point is discuss your options with appropriate school counselors, etc. and I also agree look into Internships via your college to make it more affordable and a Resume builder.
Good luck and keep an open mind no matter your decision!