Many students enter study abroad programs to travel and see the world. These programs offer a variety of exciting experiences for students. Penn State has recently seen a 17 percent increase in study abroad programs, attributed largely to the fact that short-term study abroad programs are seeing more and more enrollment.
Students would have to spend an entire semester overseas with the standard program, but these short-term versions allow the students just a few weeks in another country. They provide many positives.
Penn State professors teach the classes in the short-term programs. It gives students the opportunity to get to know their professors and build a relationship with them. This could help students in discussing future classes and receiving recommendations from the professor. In addition, there are no issues with the transfer of credits because it is a Penn State program.
It's economically cheaper than a full-term study abroad program, and a student doesn't have to sacrifice an entire semester in another country.
However, these programs do have their share of downsides. Students looking for a full cultural experience in another country may not achieve that in four weeks.
Because students spend classes with Penn State professors and other Penn State students, they never really leave the Penn State "bubble."
Getting to know other Penn State students is nice, but students could accomplish that back at the university. The program doesn't allow for much time to meet and mingle with the citizens of that country.
In a full-term program, students are taught by that country's professors and learn with students from around the world. That wouldn't necessarily be the case in a short-term program.
Time flies by, and spending much of one's time in class or with people from the university will keep them from absorbing the culture and sights.
Yes, these short-term programs can be beneficial. Students still get to travel to another country. The programs serve as a good medium for those who want to go abroad but don't want to spend a whole semester. However, they are in no way a replacement for the experience students can receive during a full-semester study abroad program.
