semester vacation

[səˈmɛstər vəˈkeɪʃən]
nounpl: semester vacations
férias de semestre
1. A break or holiday period that occurs between academic semesters in schools and universities
During semester vacation, many students travel home to visit their families.
Durante as férias de semestre, muitos estudantes viajam para casa para visitar suas famílias.
2. The scheduled time off granted to students after completing a half-year academic term
The semester vacation lasts two weeks before classes resume.
As férias de semestre duram duas semanas antes das aulas recomeçarem.
In Brazil, semester vacation typically refers to the break between the first and second academic semesters, usually occurring in July. This is distinct from the longer summer vacation (dezembro-janeiro). In the USA, the term is less commonly used as American schools typically operate on a traditional calendar year system with summer, winter, and spring breaks rather than semester-based breaks. The concept is more prevalent in universities with semester-based academic calendars.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
midterm breakintersemester breaksemester breakmid-year vacationacademic break
Antonyms / Antônimos
school sessionacademic termsemester

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
férias de semestre
Most common term used in Brazilian educational institutions
Rio de Janeiro
férias de semestre / recesso escolar
Both terms are widely used in the region
São Paulo
férias de semestre / intervalo semestral
Alternative term 'intervalo semestral' is sometimes used in academic contexts
Portugal
férias de semestre / pausa semestral
Less commonly used; Portuguese schools typically use 'férias escolares' or 'pausa letiva'

Related Words

summer vacationwinter breakspring breakacademic calendarrecessholiday break

Related Idioms & Phrases

make the most of semester vacation
semester vacation plans
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