<p>For the upcoming 2008-2009 school year, the first day of classes after winter break (ie, the first day of Spring Semester) is Monday, February 2nd. So I would show up a day or two before that :). </p>
<p>There are some study abroad programs over wintersession, but they tend to be tied to languages or other special programs, so I wouldn’t necessarily bank on finding something that appeals to you. But I’m not the super-expert on study abroad and we have a whole department dedicated to helping students with such matters, so you could always go there and make your inquiries.</p>