Interested in studying abroad, but not sure whether you’d rather go in the fall or spring semester? Read on to discover six advantages to studying abroad during the fall!

Exclusive Fall Programs

Take advantage of Syracuse Abroad’s specialized programs like Exploring Central Europe exclusively available during the fall semester. Also, all students participating in the Fall 2024 program automatically receive a $1,500 location grant. Join a close group of students exploring the rich history of Central Europe with travels to Prague, Berlin, Krakow, Warsaw and more!

Finding a Subletter

It’s much easier to find a subletter for an off-campus lease in Syracuse during the fall! With many students choosing to study abroad in the spring, there will be a surplus of people looking to sublet from you during the fall semester. Contrarily, it can be challenging to find a sublet for the spring semester! The high demand for fall sublets provides a favorable situation for those studying abroad in the fall.

Customizable Housing Abroad

Along with an easy subletting process, there is much less competition for housing preferences when abroad during the fall. Housing type, roommate selection and the choice of where to live will be more flexible. With smaller numbers of students competing for housing, it will create a more tailored experience for you!

Holiday Celebrations

With the number of holidays and celebrations that happen during the fall semester, you will have the opportunity to take part in world-renowned festivities. Among these, Munich’s Oktoberfest stands out, attracting millions of people and, more specifically, study abroad students. Take part in the festival and enjoy the celebration in traditional dirndl dresses and lederhosen shorts! In addition to Oktoberfest, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is another attraction that draws in millions of visitors each year for its enchanting decor, shopping and delicious foods!

More Time

Embarking on a fall semester abroad not only grants you the abroad experience, but also allows for plenty of time to pursue academic goals when you return. This provides a unique timeframe to complete credits, or explore a second major or minor, all guided by the support offered on campus! This strategic planning maximizes the educational opportunities available to you while providing for an incredible time abroad.

Taking Advantage of New Interests

With studying abroad offering so many new opportunities and experiences, it’s likely that you may develop new interests. By studying in the fall, you would be able to capitalize on these interests when you return. In doing the Marine Ecology Seminar in Spain, for example, I developed an interest for both scuba diving and maritime law. At Syracuse, I can take a scuba diving course or international law course to further pursue these interests!

While studying abroad at any time in your college career will be amazing, be sure to consider spending a fall semester abroad!

Written By Callie Amill ’24, Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Syracuse Madrid Global Ambassador