Where to Study Abroad This Summer: Winter Fun!

Explore the great outdoors this summer!

If the thought of spending your summer holiday melting under the depressingly hot sun or lounging by the pool (yawn) doesn't tickle your fancy, don't despair! Even though the ski slopes are green in North America in July and August, thanks to our good friend The Tilt of the Earth (or Altitude), you will find that there are still many cold places for you to explore when you study abroad. Avoid the sticky, sweaty mess of summertime and instead embrace the chills of winter, and all of the awesome hot chocolates (er, adventure sports) that come with it. The snow is waiting - embrace your inner skier/snowboarder and leave your beach chairs at home!

Studying abroad over the summertime is a tried and true method that allows students to avoid high costs, maintain on campus semesterly commitments, and enjoy awesome specialized courses. Even if you've studied abroad already, why not take a victory lap and try it out once again?

To counteract our list of the best eight beaches to study abroad near this summer, we've rounded up the planet's best ski resorts to make sure your summertime dream of snowfall comes true!

Las Lenas, Argentina

Hit the slopes while studying abroad in Argentina.

Located just east of the infamous Patagonia, Las Lenas has 35 runs that drops over 3,000 feet! Chock full of lush snow and a warm welcome, you may find a more European flavor here than you'd expect. Argentina's infamous nightlife rings strong nearby (so much that you may still see people out and about from the previous night when you start making your first runs!). All of Las Lenas' ski lifts are named after Roman gods, signifying once again the epic experiences you will have whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert skier.

You may be able to balance the slopes and your classes, but will you still have legs to walk after a day on the mountain?

Coronet Peak, New Zealand

Hit the slopes while studying abroad in New Zealand.

Words cannot describe the terrain that New Zealand has to offer (which is just about everything!) Get lost for the day on wide open groomed runs, bumping along the moguls, or tackling huge open back bowls. Just a half hour outside of Queensland on New Zealand's South Island, the peak is certainly not the tallest, but it does keep the 280 hectares of lush snow fresh. Beginning in July, they bring skiing/snowboarding to a whole new level bys staying open after sunset on Fridays and Saturdays!

Have you skied under the full moon? I know I haven't, but I sure would love to try!

Portillo, Chile

Hit the slopes while studying abroad in Chile.

Just a short two hour jaunt from the capital city of Santiago, Portillo's ski resorts have been described as both "extreme" and "tranquil." Portillo has been open for over 50 years, perfecting their high levels of quality experience. Because the management places a cap on the number of skiers allowed on the slopes each day, you won't have to share the powder with too many and are essentially guaranteed a skiing experience that is never crowded. The level of humidity is so low in Chile, you may start to wonder if the dry powder is really too good to be true (hint: it's not!).

They say you can kiss the moon from all the way at the top - explore this sweet spot tucked away in the Andes Mountains and let us know how that goes.

Studying abroad has never been so fun.

Perisher Blue, Australia

Hit the slopes while studying abroad in Australia.

Seven mountain peaks, all yours! A little under six hours away from the exciting capital city of Sydney, this ski resort is Australasia's largest, with over 1,000 hectares of awesome skiing potential. If you really want to "do as the locals do" though, you should be sure to take up snowboarding, as the Aussies have taken up the sport wholeheartedly. Skiers and boarders of all levels will be happy with their experiences across these exciting hills.

Australia may be better known for their beaches, but there's no harm in finding out where the Aussies like to party in July and August as well!

Siberia, Russia

Bundle up while studying abroad in Russia.

Okay, maybe there aren't many noteworthy ski hills in this (massive) country, but hey - if it's too cold to stand during the northern hemisphere winter, why not check it out over the summertime (when temperatures move from bitterly cold to just cold)? A summer program does exist, with an emphasis on Russian language acquisition and discerning recent approaches to ecotourism in this vast icy space. Explore the Golden Altai mountains and the Lake Baikal region as you trek through breathtaking mountainous scenery with glaciers and large remnants from earthquakes past. Sweet!

To conclude, several full, all-out skiing mountains are up and running each summer all across the planet - find a study abroad program that will allow you to have a year with two winters.

Photos courtesy of Becky Veenema.