10 Best J-Term Study Abroad Programs

Who is J-Term Study Abroad Good For? 

A J-term study abroad program typically takes place during university winter breaks, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for an international adventure that doesn’t interfere with on-campus courses or events. It’s also a great option for students who are looking for shorter travel times and aren’t interested in a semester-long or year-long study abroad commitment.  

What are the Benefits of a J-Term Study Abroad Program?  

There are a ton of benefits to a January study abroad program including:  

• Time on campus: You likely won’t miss out on any on-campus events or activities 
• Extra credits: You’ll get to take some really interesting courses that cover an array of different subjects and score some extra credits towards your degree 
• A brief but robust adventure: You’ll get to dive deep into different cultures and embark on an international exploration, all within a matter of weeks 
• Affordability: With a shorter study abroad program, a J-term program is less expensive with CIEE’s one-time fee that covers most expenses including tuition, housing, 24/7 support, and more 

Read More: Why Study Abroad? Top 7 Benefits of Studying Abroad 

Top 10 J-term Study Abroad Programs 

A J-term study abroad program is a short but incredibly sweet study abroad experience. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, read on as we list 10 of our exciting January study abroad programs across the world.  

Program #1: January in Paris  

Exploring the City of Lights sounds like a perfect way to spend part of your winter, right? With our January in Paris program, you’ll get to learn all about the capital of France and its cultural complexities, history, cuisine, natural beauty, and more.   

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA  
• Cost: $4,250 
• Featured Course: Economics of Wine  
• Excursion Highlight: Visit the world-famous Louvre, the most visited art museum in the world  

Program #2: January in Barcelona  

Barcelona, a beautiful cosmopolitan city in Spain, guarantees a cultural study abroad experience. You’ll learn all about Barcelona’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions with this exciting J-term study abroad program!  

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Cost: $3,950 
• Featured Course: Catalonia and Spain Through the Arts  
• Excursion Highlight: Hike the Carretera de les Aigües for breathtaking views of the city  

Program #3: January in Rome  

Explore iconic Rome, the capital of Italy, for three weeks and indulge in some of the world’s best cuisine while discovering renowned museums, architecture, history, and tons more.  

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Cost: $4,150 
• Featured Course: Power, Politics and Law: Mafia, Camorra, and Gomorrah  
• Excursion Highlight: Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome and get a picture-perfect view of the city  

Program #4: January in Kyoto  

Discover the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan, and learn all about traditional Japanese palaces, temples, gardens, museums, and theater while gaining insight into the modern features of this incredible cultural capital. This is one experience you won’t want to miss.  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Cost: $3,950 
• Featured Course: Japanese Manga and Art  
• Excursion Highlight: Visit Kyoto National Museum, first opened in 1897 

Program #5: January in Monteverde 

Escape to the mountains and rainforests (and more) this upcoming winter with our January in Monteverde, Costa Rica program! This extraordinary study abroad option will dive deep into sustainability and the importance of protecting natural habitats all while taking some intriguing courses.  

• Credit: 3 semester hours / 4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Cost: $3,750 
• Featured Course: Nature Photography, Social Media, and Environmental Engagement  
• Excursion Highlight: Hike in the cloud forest and observe incredible plants and wildlife  

Program #6: January in London  

A global hub for art, music, fashion, literature, and then some, spending your January exploring London means exploring a wonderfully multicultural and historical city. This is a January study abroad program that you’ll be reminiscing on for years to come.  

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA  
• Cost: $4,250  
• Featured Course: Britain’s NHS, the Cost of Free Health Care  
• Excursion Highlight: Watch a live performance in London’s West End are the National Theatre  

Program #7: January in Seville  

A celebratory Spanish city, you’ll get to learn all about Spanish tradition, tapas, soccer, and more with our January in Seville program. This city guarantees a lively study abroad experience.  

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA  
• Cost: $3,850 
• Featured Course: Culture and Cuisine in Spain  
• Excursion Highlight: Visit the historical cities of Cordoba, Cádiz, and Málaga 

Program #8: January in Amsterdam  

Doesn’t spending a winter in one of the world’s coolest cities sound nice? (And no, we’re not biased!) Check out our January in Amsterdam program and learn all about this modern metropolis.  

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Cost: $3,950 
• Featured Course: Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Popular Culture  
• Excursion Highlight: Visit the Rijksmuseum and observe some of the most legendary works of art, including Rembrandt’s masterpieces  

Program #9: January in Sydney 

Visit the Land Down Under and experience Sydney. This exciting Australian city boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in the world! Take interesting courses and make sure to pack sunscreen with our January study abroad program in Sydney.  

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 per session semester hours/4.5 per session quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Cost: $4,250 
• Featured Course: Sustainable Tourism  
• Excursion Highlight: Hike the remarkable Blue Mountains with a guide 

Program #10: January in Prague  

Known as the City of a Hundred Spires, a study abroad program in Prague is like nothing else – you’ll get to observe the city’s astonishing architecture, learn about its complex history, and do tons more with this fascinating J-term study abroad program.  

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Cost: $3,950 
• Featured Course: Prague’s Art and Architecture throughout the Centuries  
• Excursion Highlight: Visit Sychrov, a beautiful Neo-Gothic castle  

BONUS: New for 2024: January in Taipei  

We’re excited to announce a new program for 2024 – our January in Taipei program! Situated in Greater China, Taipei is a modern metropolis featuring incredible modern architecture, bustling businesses, shopping centers, out-of-this-world food markets, and exciting nightlife. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Taipei!   

Program Details:  

• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Cost: $3,950  
• Excursion Highlight: Visit the top of Taipei 101 and Taipei Sky Tower – two of the largest buildings in the world 

How to Apply for J-Term Study Abroad  

The steps to apply for a J-Term study abroad program are simple!  

• Step #1: Choose where you want to go  
• Step #2: Pick courses that sound interesting to you and/or align with your academic goals 
• Step #3: Explore our many scholarship and grant options 
• Step #4: Start and complete your application 

And we’re always available if you have any questions too!  

Read More: How to Study Abroad 

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