Are most "study abroad" programs for only one semester or are they an entire year?

Select a university, their admission requirements are on their website. Once accepted you need a student visa, which requires proof of being accepted to the university and proof of funds for tuition and living expenses, typically you would do this annually. Then return to the university with the student visa to register for classes.

At t cheapest university in the US this would run about 25,000 euros a year.

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