Just when you thought your days of making monumental decisions about college were over, here comes another one: Where will you go for your summer study abroad sessions?  

Choosing a continent and a country has a lot to do with your current major and your propensity to learn a foreign language, but beyond that, you should choose a destination that thrills you with the mere thought of spending a summer or even a year there. It’s a big world to narrow down, but here are 10 semester and/or summer abroad study programs for you to consider:  

1. South Africa. Studying in South Africa is a sociology major’s dream, given that this country has had more than its fair share of social turmoil. But other majors can also benefit from the IES Study Abroad program in Cape Town, which offers semester- or year-long options. There’s a host of volunteer opportunities and chances to study African culture firsthand, not to mention the gorgeous beaches that are known throughout the world for their surfing.  

2. Costa Rica. What Costa Rica lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in a fascinating and diverse ecological system. Improve your Spanish conversational skills as you study the wildlife in this multi-climate tropical paradise in Central America. The AmeriSpan Study Abroad program in Costa Rica will help you find plenty of things to keep you busy amidst the jungles, parks, beaches, and volcanoes of this “Switzerland of Central America.”  

3. Russia. Say da to a semester or year abroad in Russia, a nation that has changed dramatically in countless ways since the fall of Communism. Enroll in the St. Petersburg program with CEA -- which requires no previous language study -- and get ready to learn about the centuries-old history of the Russian people. St. Petersburg has been called “the Venice of the North” and “the Paris of the East,” so students can be assured that they will be studying in a place as renowned for its beauty as it is for its culture and history.

4. Greece. What better place for a political science major to study than in Greece, the birthplace of democracy? While there are many study abroad programs that will take you to Athens, explore one of the most beautiful Greek islands with the Athena Abroad program in Paros Island. You’ll still have easy access to the mainland by boat, but Paros Island is a great option for students, as it is easily and safely traversed on foot. The Hellenic International Studies in the Arts program allows for a highly interactive classroom format that makes much use of its classical backdrop.  

5. France. Paris is a popular destination for college-age Francophiles, and therefore there are many study abroad options. But if you are interested in cinema and life outside the capital city, consider Cannes. Amidst all the glitz of the annual Cannes Film Festival, it’s hard to believe that this cosmopolitan city was once a fishing village. With the AIFS study/intern abroad program, you can go to Cannes to study or intern in numerous disciplines like business, communications, marketing, theatre, and, of course, film. Proficiency in French is required for the internships, which are usually a minimum of eight hours a week, so get going on your language coursework. 

 6. India. India is a country of extremes, from the big, splashy sound stages of a Bollywood film to the impoverished rural areas. As a result, it offers a lot of options for college students looking to soak in culture or make a difference in the world. Through optiosn like the Mumbai-based India Study Abroad Center (ISAC), you’ll find experiential learning programs that make the most use of the weeks or months that you stay in the land of yoga and the Taj Mahal.  

7. Australia. This island continent has plenty of choices for personalities on either side of the spectrum. Want a cosmopolitan life in a big city? Try Sydney. Like animals and the great outdoors? Try the Outback. Of course, Australia, which is about the same size as the 48 contiguous states of the U.S., offers plenty of in-between treasures, which is why you’ll want to pick a study abroad program like Study Australia, which will make sure that you won’t miss anything that Down Under has to offer.  

8. United Kingdom. Many native English speakers opt for studying in the U.K. so as to avoid the pitfalls of learning a foreign language, but you’ll be learning a new set of English vocabulary anyway when you head across the pond. London, England is a key attraction, particularly if you are an English or theatre major wanting to study the greats in their homeland, but don’t forget that the U.K. also includes Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Colleges with study abroad components will most likely offer options in London or Oxford, but check out IES for an extensive list of programs throughout the rest of the UK, including semesters or summers in Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.  

9. China. China, the most populous country on earth, boasts thousands of years of history that a semester abroad simply won’t cover -- but it’ll be well worth a try. Consider the CIEE program in Chinese Language and Cultural Studies in Beijing, the capital of China and home of the 2008 Summer Olympics. This program and others like it give students an excellent overview of this intriguing country and its people, from ethnic studies and Mandarin language lessons to ethnic dance and Tibetan history. Choose a program that offers field trips or excursions that allow you to see surrounding areas outside of the city for a greater understanding of China’s people and culture.  

10. Argentina. Head to the land of the tango and the verdant Pampas when you choose Argentina as your destination for study abroad. Spanning 3,000 miles down the west coast of South America, Argentina offers a wealth of ecosystems ranging from lush jungles to fertile plains to sub-Antarctic Patagonia. Whether you stay in the city limits of the capital of Buenos Aires or head towards the Pampas, you’ll definitely want to incorporate the best of both worlds to get the full effect of this vibrant country. Consider Expanish as your study abroad option for exploring all the Argentines’ passions, including polo, soccer, and yes, the tango.