Most U.S. college students get around 12–14 weeks off for summer. That’s nearly a quarter of the school year, pretty significant when you think about it.

But for a lot of students, that time slips by without much direction.

Here’s the part many families don’t fully see: summer break can be one of the best opportunities to explore international education, build real skills, and gain hands-on experience. This is especially true in Europe, where travel is relatively affordable, internships are accessible, and full degree programs are often taught in English.

This is where things start to shift.

Students who eventually earn full degrees abroad usually don’t jump straight into it. They use their summers to test the waters, visiting universities, joining short programs, or simply traveling through countries where tuition is much lower than in the U.S.

So if you’re asking what to do during summer break, it’s not just about отдых or passing time.

It’s about making choices that can open doors later.

What to Do During Summer Break?

There are plenty of options, but most fall into five main categories:

1. Work experience

2. Skill building

3. International travel

4. Academic exploration

5. Career experimentation

The key? Don’t try to do everything. Pick one or two goals and focus on those.

1. Get Internship Experience

Internships are still one of the best ways to build real experience, but a lot of students limit themselves without realizing it.

Summer internships don’t have to be local or traditional. You can look into:

• Remote roles with global teams

• Startup internships (where you’ll likely do more hands-on work)

• Research assistant positions at universities

• International internships tied to cultural or language programs

In Europe, many internships run 6–12 weeks, which fits perfectly into a U.S. summer break.

Why internships matter

Employers consistently care about experience. Internships help you:

• Figure out what you actually want to do

• Build connections

• Strengthen grad school applications

• Learn how workplaces actually function

And honestly, smaller companies or startups often give you more hands-on experience than big corporate programs.

That matters. Experience builds fast when you start early.

2. Travel (But Do It With Purpose)

Travel sometimes gets brushed off as “just a vacation.” But if you approach it intentionally, it becomes something more.

Europe stands out because it offers:

• Short distances between countries

• Reliable trains and budget airlines

• Student discounts

• Strong safety standards

• A wide range of cultures in a small area

For many American students, summer is the only time they can spend a few weeks abroad without interrupting classes.

Budget travel for students in Europe

Travel in Europe can be surprisingly affordable with the right approach.

A typical two-week trip might look like this:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Roundtrip flight from U.S.	$600–$900
Budget accommodations	$30–$60/night
Train or budget flights	$100–$200
Food	$20–$40/day
Attractions & museums	$50–$100

Total: around $1,200–$2,000

That’s often less than one summer class in the U.S.

Here’s the interesting part: a lot of students use these trips to visit universities they might apply to later. What starts as travel turns into research for a major life decision.

3. Join a Summer Study Abroad Program

Short-term study abroad programs are a popular choice. Most last 2–8 weeks and focus on things like:

• Language learning

• Cultural immersion

• Field-specific coursework

• Research projects

Many European universities are also part of Erasmus+, a major program that supports international education and collaboration.

But there’s an important distinction here.

These programs are short-term experiences, they’re not the same as earning a full degree abroad.

Still, they’re valuable. They let you:

• Experience European university teaching styles

• Test living abroad

• Explore potential degree options

• Build international academic connections

This is often how students discover that hundreds of universities in Europe offer full degrees in English.

And that’s when things start to look different.

Many of those degrees cost $3,000–$15,000 per year, significantly lower than many U.S. institutions. According to data from the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing report, average tuition at private U.S. universities now exceeds $40,000 per year.

4. Build Skills While You Have the Time

Summer gives you something you don’t usually have during the school year: uninterrupted time.

That makes it perfect for learning skills that actually matter for your future.

Technical Skills

• Data analysis

• Python programming

• UX design

• Web development

• AI and machine learning basics

Professional Skills

• Public speaking

• Project management

• Financial literacy

• Research writing

Language Skills

If you’re thinking about studying or working internationally, this is huge.

Even basic proficiency in languages like:

• Spanish

• German

• French

• Dutch

5. Explore Degree Options in Europe

This is something a lot of families overlook.

Summer is a great time to research international universities, and the process is often much simpler than in the U.S.

Instead of a complicated, holistic system, many European programs focus on:

• GPA

• Required subjects

• English proficiency

That’s it.

No long essays. No guessing what schools want.

Even better, there are thousands of fully accredited bachelor’s degrees taught entirely in English. These programs are:

• Recognized worldwide

• Accepted by U.S. graduate schools

• Often much more affordable

During the summer, you can:

• Compare countries and programs

• Look at tuition costs

• Review admission requirements

• Visit campuses if you’re traveling

This is exactly what we help students do at Beyond The States.

Cost Comparison: U.S. vs European Degrees

Category	U.S. Private University	European English-Taught Degree
Average annual tuition	$40,000–$60,000	$3,000–$15,000
Program length	4 years	Often 3 years
Total tuition	$160,000–$240,000	$9,000–$45,000
Admissions complexity	Highly holistic	Usually merit-based

That’s a huge difference.

Europe isn’t the right choice for everyone, but for many students, it’s worth seriously considering.

Who Is This a Good Fit For?

Using your summer strategically makes the most sense if you:

• Want to lower college costs

• Are curious about studying abroad

• Enjoy travel and new cultures

• Prefer clear, straightforward admissions

• Are thinking about a global career

It’s also a great option if the U.S. admissions process feels overwhelming or unpredictable.

Common Misconceptions About Studying or Traveling in Europe

Myth 1: European degrees aren’t recognized in the U.S.

Accredited European universities are recognized globally, and many participate in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) framework that standardizes degrees across countries.

Graduates regularly pursue:

• U.S. graduate school programs

• International careers

• Multinational company positions

Myth 2: You must speak another language

Many programs are fully taught in English, especially in countries like:

• Netherlands

• Ireland

• Germany

• Sweden

• Denmark

• Italy

Myth 3: Studying abroad is only for wealthy students

In many cases, it’s actually more affordable than staying in the U.S.

Myth 4: Summer programs are the only option

They’re just one path. Many students go on to complete full degrees abroad.

The Bigger Opportunity Behind Summer Break

Summer break is easy to overlook.

But if you use it intentionally, it can shape your academic path, your career direction, and even where you end up studying.

It can introduce you to new countries, new ideas, and new opportunities.

And sometimes, it leads to something families didn’t even consider at first:

Earning a full accredited degree in Europe.

If you’re curious about what those opportunities might look like, you can:

• Explore country and program options

• Take the Beyond The States university matching quiz

• Or schedule a strategy session to discuss potential pathways.

Summer break may only last a few months.

But the decisions you make during it can shape the next decade.