Is it okay to study abroad this spring as a current applicant?

[happy_marigold]

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Hello! I am looking for advice on whether I should study abroad this spring as I am applying in the current 25-26 application cycle. I am in my senior year of undergrad, and was just notified that I was accepted to a study abroad program to learn Mandarin in Taiwan. From a language and heritage standpoint, I would really like to go to this program, especially since it feels like one of my last chances to live in another country. The study abroad program runs from January to March. Even though the program is during interview season, I feel fairly confident that I can do interviews abroad even with the time difference.

However, I do have some concerns. As I am in my senior year of college, I am not sure whether this would be a good choice to study abroad as I would not be working at my jobs and clubs. I do think I would be able to step away from my roles fairly easily, but I understand that I have made previous commitments and would be dropping them, which is not a good look. Studying abroad would also require me to drop one of my two STEM majors as I will not be able to complete the classes if I am not at my university during the spring term. I would still be able to graduate on time this spring if I studied abroad.

I would also need to send updates to my schools that I am now studying abroad and will graduate with a single major, along with not being involved in my current activities when I am abroad. I am unsure of whether I should I enroll in this study abroad program, and I am worried that medical schools would see a lack of commitment. The program would be a great opportunity culturally and academically, but I do not want to do the program if it interferes with medical school admissions.

Does anyone have any advice on whether this would be seen as a negative? Has anyone been in this situation and have advice on their experiences? What should I do?

 

[Hollow Knight]

I don't think anybody would blame you or think of you as a flake for taking this opportunity. It's not like you're sitting at home playing video games. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things.

I'm also not sure you'd have to update schools after all unless the thinking has changed. It's why nobody really cares about "intended" hours or whatever they're called; we realize you aren't bound to do those things.

I applied with a minor myself and dropped it because I didn't want to take one annoying class. Nobody cared or ever mentioned it to me.

 

[LizzyM]

How competitive are you as an applicant? You don't need to answer that but ask yourself that question. Have you ever visited any of the medical schools you've applied to? How much do you know about each of them?

My concern is that you may miss out on campus visit days which typically take place in April. These are an opportunity to meet people who may end up being your classmates and to have the school show you around and tell you why they'd like to have you there. If you have one offer, it is a great opportunity to meet current students who can give you lots of good info that you won't find in official materials. If you have more than one offer, it is a good opportunity to compare and contrast and decide which offer you'll accept.

In the end, you have to weigh whether your application is strong enough that you'll have offers this spring or if you will be empty handed in terms of interviews/offers by January and might as well be in Taiwan.