thenewgreen is right. I've participated in a few study abroad programs. I did 2 months in France and one month in Ghana during my undergrad and one month during my grad program in Brazil. All of them were great and I don't regret any bit of it. I think this kind of "institutional" travel is an excellent way to see a new place because you typically will have better access to things that tourists might not. Assuming you'll be studying a topic of choice will also allow you time to focus your energy to perhaps gain a greater understanding of a particular aspect of the culture you're visiting. You'll then be able to use this insight to infer generalities about said culture that will help you navigate the day to days of living there. Do it.