Study Abroad Duration Statistics

Here are the common study abroad duration times for U.S. students broken down by academic type. The data is current for 2008. Our observations are as follows:

  • The large majority of students, more than half, choose to study abroad during their undergraduate term.
  • Most students choose to study abroad for less than a semester, i.e. for approximately 2 - 8 weeks.
Duration of Study Abroad by Academic Type:
Academic Type Short Term Mid Length Long Term Total Students
Bachelor's 55.7% 39.8% 4.4% 141,810
Master's 60.8% 34.8% 4.4% 54,114
Doctorate 42.2% 52.9% 4.9% 36,966
Associate's 70.8% 28.5% 0.6% 6,611
Specialized 61.2% 35.1% 3.7% 2,290
All Academic Types 55.4% 40.2% 4.4% 241,791
Data source: IIE Network's Open Doors 2008: Report on International Educational Exchange

*Short Term = 2 - 8 weeks, Mid Length = 1 semester, Long Term = a year or longer.