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All we want for Christmas are… winter study abroad programs. We’re going to state an unpopular opinion: winter break is one of the most underutilized times in a student’s life. After surviving what is usually a marathon of a semester and completing probably brutal finals, we get that it’s super tempting to spend a few weeks lounging at home and watching holiday movies all day long. For a lot of students, these few weeks could be the only time you have in your academic schedule to do something new and exciting, so why waste them just sitting at home?

Winter study abroad programs = extra-adorable photo ops

With a lower financial and time investment than a semester or year abroad, winter break study abroad is the perfect way to spend some time off from school and explore a new area during the always-charming holiday season. Plus, if you don’t love the idea of spending several weeks at home surrounded by family asking what you want to be when you grow up, this will totally help you out in that area, too. Whether you dream of lounging away your January in a tropical paradise or racing down larger-than-life ski mountains and ringing in the New Year slopeside, there is a perfect winter study abroad program that will be sure to spice up your break!

11 awesome ways to study abroad over winter break

Every year, more and more program providers start to realize just how lucrative winter term study abroad is, and there are now a massive amount of providers offering 1-2 week options up to entire J-term winter quarter study abroad programs. Since the majority of students have 2-4 weeks off for winter break, we’ve highlighted our favorite short-term winter break study abroad programs to help you narrow it down and ask Santa for just the right one.

1. AIFS in India

Escape the cold this January in the City of Pearls! A true melting pot of Muslim and Hindu cultures, Hyderabad offers an exciting study abroad winter immersion opportunity. For three weeks every January, students can take classes at the highly-regarded University of Hyderabad and explore everything that India has to offer. AIFS covers everything from Indian history classes and international student university dorm fees to Indian dance lessons and a week-long Golden Triangle excursion.

2. CISabroad in Spain, France, and Morocco

Why settle for one winter break study abroad location when you can have like a dozen? CISabroad offers a unique winter study abroad program that covers 8-12 cities across three different countries. Beat the winter blues with three weeks soaking up the Mediterranean sun and exploring the rich Muslim, Christian, and Jewish histories in this exciting region. Students will take language, history, and culture classes while traveling, making this the perfect combination of academics and travel!

• Where? Marrakesh, Rabat, Tangier, Granada, Seville, Aix-en-Provence, and Paris (plus more!)
• When? 3 weeks, January 
• More info: Read CISabroad program reviews

3. Go Abroad China in China

Whether you’re completely new to the Chinese dialects or you’ve committed hundreds of characters to memory, you’ll benefit from Go Abroad China’s cultural and linguistic immersion program in Beijing. At the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), you’ll work with some of the best teachers in the field, live the language through a Chinese homestay accommodation, and participate in cultural experiences like Chinese cooking, performing arts, and taichi. With flexible programs ranging from one month to a full academic year, you’ll probably feel the urge to extend your study abroad winter session well into the spring!

4. IES Abroad on the Galapagos Islands

How does it sound to explore flora and fauna, visit an extinct volcano, and go snorkeling on the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, all for class requirements? Yes, please! IES Abroad offers an exciting three week program at the Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) where you’ll learn all about marine biology and environmental studies. Students will even have opportunities to head to other islands like La Loberia and El Junco Lagoon to experience even more. All of this sounds like a great way to stay warm during your winter break!

5. University of Haifa International School in Israel

If you’re looking for a demanding and enriching language immersion program in a warm climate this winter, look no further than Haifa. Open to high school graduates through adult learners, the University of Haifa International School offers the Intensive Hebrew Winter Ulpan program, one of the most popular study abroad winter break programs in the Middle East. With morning classes Sunday through Thursday, students will have plenty of time outside the classroom for social activities, volunteering, and cultural immersion throughout Israel and the greater Middle East. No better way to spend a winter break than exploring the sunny Israeli coast of the Mediterranean Sea!

6. API in the French Alps

Calling all snow bunnies! Those looking for a more traditional winter quarter study abroad experience will have a hard time passing up a month in Grenoble, the heart of the majestic French Alps. Participants will live with a host family and study French language and culture as part of API’s immersion program, with chances to explore the culturally significant regions of France and greater Europe. If you’re going to be playing in the snow over winter break anyway, why not do in the Alps?

7. CIEE J-Term in Amsterdam, Monteverde, London, and more!

With more than 20 locations to choose from, CIEE J-term abroad allows you to stay on track for graduation while earning credits internationally with course offerings from STEM and business to culture and history. Fight the winter chill and warm up with a winter study abroad program with CIEE!

• Where? London, Kyoto, Buenos Aires, Sydney, and Singapore (plus more!) 
• When? 3 weeks, January 
• More info: Read CIEE program reviews

8. CEA Study Abroad in Ireland

Did you know that it’s possible to fulfill requirements for your major at one of the top 1% of universities worldwide while exploring the heart of Ireland and its western coastline? Now you do! CEA’s program, partnering with the National University of Ireland Galway, will allow you to experience the city’s vibrant performing arts scene, mouthwatering seafood, and spectacular natural and historical sites all in between your academic studies. To supplement your winter study abroad experience, CEA provides volunteer opportunities and cultural activities within Galway as well as cultural excursions to other cities in the region. Talk about an irresistible way to get ahead on credits for that degree!

9. Center for Study Abroad in Costa Rica

We know… school is already expensive enough, so a cost-effective winter study abroad experience is always a good idea! The Center for Study Abroad (CSA) is known for being among the least expensive study abroad options, and their winter term study abroad programs in Costa Rica are no different. Students have the option to participate in language and cultural classes in either San Jose or Jaco Beach, all while exploring everything that Costa Rica has to offer and truly soaking up that pura vida life.

10. Athena Study Abroad in Thailand

Athena Study Abroad in Koh Samui offers a winter study abroad experience quite unlike any other. Students begin their travels with three days in Bangkok, followed by two weeks of studies on Koh Samui, a beautiful island just an hour’s flight away in the Gulf of Thailand. Courses use a mix of classroom instruction and applied learning excursions in both Bangkok and around the island to really solidify the cultural significance of the experience. Sounds like the best way to earn six credits over winter break, ever!

• Where? Bangkok and Koh Samui Island
• When? 1-2 weeks, January 
• More info: Read Athena Study Abroad program reviews

11. Spanish Studies Abroad in Cuba

Want to immerse yourself deeply in Spanish language and Cuban culture, but don’t have a full semester or academic year? Spanish Studies Abroad offers a January program through the Universidad de La Habana where intermediate Spanish language students can advance their skills through instruction from experienced Cuban professors. In between classes, program-sponsored excursions to cultural sites such as Old Havana, the Museum of the Revolution, and Las Terrazas will complement your studies abroad. You’ll definitely be leaving half of your heart in Havana after this experience!

[Browse ALL Winter Study Abroad Programs Now]

This will be your best winter break yet

The best part about study abroad over winter break? You can escape somewhere WARM.

It’s seriously hard to pass up an opportunity to experience so much without having to make such a huge investment. Winter break study abroad is perfect for anyone short on time, trying to be budget-friendly, looking to spice up their time in between semesters, or all of the above! For those students where maybe traditional study abroad semester/year isn’t an option, study abroad winter session could be the perfect solution. Chill out this winter break abroad!

Use MyGoAbroad to Find & Bookmark Winter Break Study Abroad Programs

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