Where and Why You Should Study Abroad in Fall

Selecting your location and program are some of the most important decisions you’ll make before you study abroad. But there’s another important factor to consider: when to study abroad?

This guide details the benefits of studying abroad during your fall semester and explores some of the top destinations to choose from for fall.

Five reasons to study abroad during the fall semester

1. You’ll miss the crowds. When you study abroad during the fall semester, you’re more likely to experience your host city in a less tourist-heavy season. Many popular study abroad locations see fewer visitors in the fall, allowing you to engage more naturally with daily life, local traditions, and community spaces.
   
2. You have the entire summer to prepare and save. This extended period allows time to complete applications, secure travel documents, and mentally prepare for your experience abroad without balancing the demands of a full academic term at the same time. Additionally, this extra time allows you to save more and prepare your finances.
   
3. Your academic calendar is more likely to be aligned. Fall study abroad programs tend to be more aligned with the U.S. academic calendar, which makes it easier to return home and continue your spring semester without disruption. Students find that this alignment helps maintain academic continuity and simplifies course planning and credit transfer.
   
4. Wider selection of programs and classes. In the fall, you may have access to a wider range of programs and courses. This is often due to lighter enrollment, which can lead to smaller class sizes, greater course availability, and a more personalized academic environment.
   
5. Natural academic progression. Studying abroad in fall also allows you to immediately apply what you’ve learned once you return for the spring semester. Academic insights, cultural perspectives, and international experiences gained abroad can inform your classwork and discussions once you get back on campus, supporting academic and personal growth.

Top ten locations to study abroad in fall

• Argentina. When you choose a fall semester to study abroad in Argentina, you’ll actually arrive during the spring due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere. Argentina is a popular destination among students, and Buenos Aires is especially vibrant at this time of year. You can expect warm weather, ranging from 59–77°F, with occasional rain showers. Spring is ideal for outdoor activities, as the city comes to life with festivals and events. Students studying abroad during this season can experience highlights such as the annual Buenos Aires Jazz Festival, Pride Parade, and other large-scale cultural events that draw hundreds of thousands of attendees to this bustling city.
  • Explore these fall programs:
    • IFSA Buenos Aires: Health Sciences
    • IFSA Buenos Aires: Business and Economics
    • IFSA Argentine Universities Program

• Australia. Australia is also located in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning fall semester students arrive during spring. Spring temperatures in Sydney typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, and rainfall is relatively uncommon. During this time of year, Sydney begins to awaken—jacaranda trees bloom, whales return to shallow waters, and beaches are more active. Students can take advantage of the beautiful weather by participating in numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, whale watching, and surfing.
  • Explore these fall programs:
    • University of New South Wales Partnership
    • University of Sydney Partnership
    • University of Melbourne Partnership

• Czech Republic. Prague is a top study abroad destination and an ideal location for a fall semester. During this time of year, the city is quieter, with fewer tourists and crowds. The scenery takes on a golden tone as trees and foliage turn shades of yellow and orange. With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-40s°F, students enjoy crisp outdoor days exploring parks and historic streets, and enjoy hearty and savory Czech cuisine. Fall students also get the joy of exploring magical = Christmas markets.
  • Explore these fall programs:
    • IFSA Prague
    • IFSA Tech Career Accelerator

• Ireland. Fall (Fómhar in Gaelic) in Dublin offers incredibly colorful landscapes. While the air is crisp, the scenery includes flares of red, yellow, and orange. Students can experience this by exploring sites such as St. Stephen’s Green, Iveagh Gardens, and the National Botanic Gardens, each with a unique fall ambiance. Temperatures generally range from the mid-50s to low 40s°F, and rain showers are common. Fall programs make it easy to experience the Bram Stoker Festival in late October, a four-day event celebrating the author and Dublin’s gothic literary heritage.
  • Explore these fall programs:
    • Dublin City University Partnership
    • Trinity College Partnership
    • University College Dublin Partnership

“It’s never a heavy downpour like it is back home in New Jersey, but instead a steady misty rain that falls all day and seeps into your clothes and shoes. At orientation, we were told to waterproof and weatherproof everything we own because “there’s no bad weather here, only inappropriate clothing.” Tip #1 for visiting Ireland: Bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes.”–-Jennifer L., University of Limerick Partnership, Ireland

• Spain. Studying abroad in Barcelona during the fall semester means you can expect significantly fewer crowds than during peak summer months. While slightly cooler than summer, the weather in Barcelona during fall remains comfortable, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to 70s°F and cooler evenings, meaning you can still enjoy tapas at an outdoor café with friends after siesta. The weather and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to explore major landmarks such as the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell, as well as enjoy the city’s beaches. Fall is also the height of FC Barcelona’s football season, and you should be able to catch a live match. Fall semester students will also be present for La Mercè, Barcelona’s largest annual festival, featuring fireworks, parades, and concerts such as the BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical) festival.
  • Explore these fall programs:
    • IFSA Business Career Accelerator
    • IFSA Barcelona Universities Program: UAB
    • IFSA Barcelona Universities Program: UPF

• China. Shanghai is an excellent study abroad destination for the fall, thanks to mild and enjoyable weather. Expect temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, with lower humidity than summer months and relatively minimal rainfall. Fall is the ideal time to explore on foot, from historic areas like the Bund and the Former French Concession to modern districts such as Pudong. You’ll also experience cultural highlights like the Mid-Autumn Festival, an annual celebration that symbolizes completeness and unity.
  • Explore these fall programs:
    • IFSA Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language
    • IFSA Shanghai: Social Sciences
    • IFSA Shanghai: International Business

• New Zealand. Choosing a fall semester in New Zealand means arriving during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring, one of the most visually striking times of year in the Otago region. Temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to low 60s°F, with longer daylight hours and landscapes beginning to bloom. In Dunedin, students experience a classic university town atmosphere and dramatic natural surroundings, including rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and nearby beaches, all beginning to spring to life after winter.
  • Explore this fall program:
    • University of Otago Partnership

• United Kingdom. Studying abroad in the UK during the fall allows you to experience the region during a quieter, more atmospheric time of year after the peak summer travel season. Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to low 40s°F, with cooler evenings and more frequent rain. Fall brings a noticeable shift in scenery, as historic cities, countryside landscapes, and university campuses take on vibrant autumn colors. Active cultural calendars include London’s BFI London Film Festival in October, along with theater performances, concerts, and seasonal festivals throughout the region.
  • Explore these fall programs:
    • University of Edinburgh Partnership
    • IFSA Health Sciences Career Accelerator (London)
    • IFSA Biosciences Career Accelerator (London)

• Costa Rica. Study abroad during the country’s green season, when warm rainfall nourishes the landscape and results in lush forests, vibrant plant life, and flowing rivers. Expect warm temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F and short afternoon showers. This leaves plenty of time for outdoor adventure and experiencing Costa Rica’s rich cultural and relaxed pace, as well as its strong emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility.
  • Explore this fall program:
    • Universidad Nacional Partnership

• Italy. Beat the heat and the tourists. Daytime fall temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low 70s°F, with cooler evenings that make walking through historic neighborhoods particularly enjoyable. Fall’s lively cultural season includes the Rome Film Festival in October, which brings international filmmakers and screenings throughout the city.
  • Explore these fall programs:
    • Luiss University Partnership
    • IFSA Rome

Start your journey

Now that you know why fall is a great time to study abroad, explore our fall programs to find the destination and academic experience that’s right for you.

As you research programs and destinations, be sure to consider how seasonality will impact your daily life, your academic schedule, and your opportunities to explore. Understanding what fall looks like in your host country will help you prepare more effectively, pack appropriately, and make the most of your time abroad.