9 answers
Gabriella
Student
Knoxville, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
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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
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9 answers
Maureen Lubeley
Marketing/business development
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Studying abroad is a great opportunity. You can do this through a semester or a summer program. Talk to your counselor for guidance. Also, reach out to people who have done a similar program. Ask them what they liked and how it helped them.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Gabriella
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.
Your advice was so helpful!
Gabriella
Amanda Burke
Finance Manager
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
I highly recommend studying abroad as it's a great way to travel and learn about different cultures & lifestyles, especially if you're thinking of studying business. I was initially a marketing major and found it key to understand your market audience and unique nuances with different cultural habits and lifestyles.
I studied abroad during the fall of my junior year in China and had the best experience! While the timing may depend on your individual circumstances and school program, I felt that junior year was the optimal time as I was able to solidify the base of my college years and relationships, and still make it back in time to enjoy and savor my senior year!
Whatever you decide as far as timing & location, do what makes the most sense for you and truly immerse yourself in the experience.
I studied abroad during the fall of my junior year in China and had the best experience! While the timing may depend on your individual circumstances and school program, I felt that junior year was the optimal time as I was able to solidify the base of my college years and relationships, and still make it back in time to enjoy and savor my senior year!
Whatever you decide as far as timing & location, do what makes the most sense for you and truly immerse yourself in the experience.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Gabriella
Justina Tan
Marketing process transformation
8
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Justina’s Answer
I studied abroad and highly recommend it, but it's important to plan for timing and costs.
In my opinion, the best time to go is during the spring of your sophomore year or your junior year. By then, you've taken some core classes, feel more confident in your studies, and can relate what you're learning to real-world business and marketing in a different culture. This is where I learned the most—seeing how people think, how brands communicate, and how markets work outside my home country.
It's also crucial to consider costs early on by:
- Choosing an exchange or university-partnered program, which is often cheaper
- Selecting a place with a lower cost of living
- Applying for study abroad scholarships
Studying abroad was one of the best parts of my education, both personally and professionally. With good planning and budgeting, you can make the most of the experience without stretching yourself too thin.
In my opinion, the best time to go is during the spring of your sophomore year or your junior year. By then, you've taken some core classes, feel more confident in your studies, and can relate what you're learning to real-world business and marketing in a different culture. This is where I learned the most—seeing how people think, how brands communicate, and how markets work outside my home country.
It's also crucial to consider costs early on by:
- Choosing an exchange or university-partnered program, which is often cheaper
- Selecting a place with a lower cost of living
- Applying for study abroad scholarships
Studying abroad was one of the best parts of my education, both personally and professionally. With good planning and budgeting, you can make the most of the experience without stretching yourself too thin.
Isaac Reichner
Product Management - Consumer Technology
7
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.
Thank you, Isaac!
Gabriella
Charla Bennaji
Partner Success Manager
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Charla’s Answer
Studying abroad can be life-changing. I whole-heartedly agree with what others have said and have a few more tips: There are lots of programs to choose from, like year-long, semester, or summer options. Pick one that fits your acadmic schedule, and see if any classes you take abroad can count towards your degree back home. Also, if you're going to a country where they speak a different language, it's a good idea to learn some of the language. This will help you feel at home more quickly.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Gabriella
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.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Gabriella
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
722
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.
Julie Mantey
Global Project Manager
24
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!