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When to participate

When do most students participate?

The majority of Scripps students study away during their junior year; in fact, more than 55% of the junior class participates in study abroad or semester internship programs each year. By petition to COSA, qualified second-semester sophomores have received approval to participate, however, some programs require junior level standing for acceptance. It can be difficult to study away during senior year due to seminar and thesis requirements but if the major department and thesis requirements allow it, students may petition to participate as a first-semester senior.

Fall vs. Spring

There are factors that may make one semester more appropriate than the other but most students can easili study away either semester.  Things you may want to consider include:
  • Thesis and academic matters - Is there a required class or something you have always wanted to take that is only offered in one semester in Claremont, then the other semester may be your best bet. Students find it easier to work with their major faculty advisors when planning for thesis if they are on campus in the spring, especially if planning to conduct research over the summer.. 
  • Acceptance rates are higher for the fall - Many programs have a set number of spaces available.  The interest in study abroad by students in the US is higher in the spring, so many programs are more competitive for spring.  Applicants to certain programs are less likely to be wait-listed in the fall. Programs with rolling admissions can fill up well before the final application deadline so applying early can help your chances. In the event you are waitlisted or shut out of a program for fall, spring can be easily arranged.  If you are waitlisted for a spring program, you may miss the opportunity to study away if senior year is not an option for you. 
  • Language preparation - Completing the language pre-requisites in the semester immediately before participation is often expected by some programs. With programs requiring a fifth semester of language study (aka 100 level or higher), it may be necessary to be on campus in the fall to meet the requirement. Students are recommended to complete the foreign language GE in an uninterrupted sequence so SAGE participation in the fall, after taking the first two semesters in sophomore year, may make the most sense. . 
  • Summer Internship and fellowship opportunities can be a challenge to arrange if abroad during the spring.  Many internships have required starting dates that occur before the ending dates for many overseas programs, especially if studying at a foreign university.  Requests for alternate exam dates are not considered - if you miss the exam, you fail the course. Additionally, interviews for internships or fellowships typically take place in the spring semester.  While it is possible to interview by zoom from abroad, students abroad have expressed that it can be challenging and awkard to set up because of the time differences. Accessing adequate WiFi in the middle of the night is not always easy and students say they are not at their best if being interviewed at midnight, while also trying not to disturb their roommates or host families. Although rare, some students have had to return to the US for an interview, at their own expense.  
  • Extra-curricular commitments and events on campus - Students involved in team sports may only be able to participate in study away during the off-season. Students who are involved in clubs or organizations on campus may want to be in Claremont for the organization's signature campus event.  Leadership opportunities may have applications in the spring. .  
  • Interesting opportunities abroad - Consider the timing of a study away semester to be able to participate in interesting cultural holidays (Divali, Christmas markets, Lunar New Year, Carnival, etc.). Attending events that appeal to your interests (opera season, film festivals, soccer season, etc.) may affect your choice of semester. 
  • Weather - maybe you want to avoid the more extreme climates in certain seasons, or you plan to pursue warm weather or cold weather activities (snow-skiing in winter, snorkeling in spring). Arriving in the frigid winter months may be shock for student accustomed to our warm climate and may require the purchase of proper attire for winter.  
  • When are your friends going? The most common reason that students select one semester over another is to be away at the same time as their friends.  While students pick the individual program that is best for their interests, some find it hard if all their friends are away one semester and they go abroad in a different semester. That means a whole year away from your friends but, on the other hand, absence truly can make the heart grow fonder and great friendships easily survive separation through the many ways to stay connected in the digital age.