Planning, Policies and Forms
It is best to begin the study abroad planning and application process at least two semesters before going abroad. One semester is for researching study abroad options; the second is for preparing and submitting the required application materials.
Do Your Research
- Review the list of Approved Study Abroad Programs.
- Speak with program representatives when they host information tables in Alliot or when they attend the study abroad fair.
- Attend presentations by study abroad returnees.
- Go to the Study Abroad Fair (usually in early spring semester) and ask program representatives questions about countries, courses and program offerings.
Meet with your academic advisor
- Review your course history, plan for graduation, and understand possible constraints.
- Review your transcript for GPA, course requirements (major/minor/core), and sequencing of courses.
- Confirm courses you need to take in order to graduate. Speak with your advisor about classes you may be required to take on campus (and not abroad).
- Choose the best semester or time to study off-campus
- Confirm that your department supports your plan for study abroad
Be aware of SMC Study Abroad Eligibility Requirements
- Only students in good academic and social standing are eligible to study abroad.
- Students must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for semester programs. Some program providers may require a higher GPA for certain programs or destinations. GPA requirements vary for summer and short-term programs.
- Consideration of a student’s disciplinary record is part of the Study Abroad application review process. Students may not participate in study abroad while on disciplinary probation.
Make your decision based on academic and personal goals
Complete and submit two applications:
- Download the Study Abroad Application Forms (click on the tab “Application Forms” below).
- Submit completed application materials to the Study Abroad Office for review and approval.
Note: Application deadline dates are strictly adhered to and late applications are not considered. - After receiving SMC approval to study abroad, apply for acceptance to your chosen program partner. Program applications are available on-line and submitted electronically.
Attend the mandatory Pre-Departure Meeting organized by the Study Abroad Office
Saint Michael’s College Study Abroad application materials for semester length programs.
Saint Michael’s College Study Abroad application materials for summer and winter programs.
There are a limited number of special scholarships available to support students who plan to study abroad. Most scholarships are competitive and application deadline dates are strictly followed.
Partner Program Scholarships
Many study abroad program partners offer scholarships to qualified applicants participating in their programs. Refer to the partner’s websites for information on eligibility requirements, required application materials, and deadline dates. Scholarships are competitive and applicants must submit completed application materials by the stated deadline date.
Scholarship and Grant Information
Crowd-Source Funding
Visit these sites to learn more about traveling abroad and your specific study abroad destination.
Cross-Cultural information:
Travel Information:
Use this database to get acclimated to a country’s business culture and etiquette (greetings & courtesies, ethics, meetings, attire), society and culture (gift giving, food, media, time & punctuality) and travel tips (money & banking, transportation, and more) for聽175 countries
Maps and Geography:
Embassy, Visa and Entry Requirements:
Health and Safety Information for Going Abroad
Welcome to our聽World News section! Here we provide links to news sources from around the globe!聽It is important to note that Saint Michael’s College does not agree with or condone the views presented in the news agencies listed below.聽We provide these links for informational purposes only.
World News
Regional News
Africa:
聽– News about Africa
聽– The news organization’s African site
聽– Perspective and analysis on events in Northern Africa, focusing on business/economics
聽– Daily coverage of news items from all over the continent
聽– News consortium from Europe, Asia and Africa with links to various countries.
Asia:
聽– News from the mainland聽and the Indian Subcontinent
聽– Weekly news from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan
聽– News consortium from Europe, Asia and Africa with links to various countries.
聽– News information and analysis about political, economic and social developments in Central Asia and the Caucasus
Australia/Oceania:
聽– News from Australia and the Pacific Rim
聽– compiles Pacific-Island related stories from sources around the world
聽– Regionally focused radio news from Australia, Asia and the Pacific Rim
Caribbean:
聽– The Caribbean News Agency provides daily news, plus a RealAudio version.
聽– news from around the region
Europe:
聽– News from around the continent
聽– News from Europe
聽– News from Europe
Middle East:
聽– BBC News provides news from the eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia
聽– Middle Eastern and international news
聽– daily news from the Middle East and North Africa
South and Central America:
聽– BBC News provides news from North, South and Central America
聽News from North, South and Central America
News by Country
Argentina:
聽– Argentina’s only English-language newspaper
聽– Argentina’s daily newspaper
Australia:
聽– Australian Broadcasting Corporation
聽– Source of local and national news
Canada:
聽– the Canadian multimedia giant
聽– The Globe and Mail provide Canadian and world news, sports and entertainment
China:
聽– government authorized portal to Chinese news
聽– online version of a Chinese English-language paper
聽– official news and policy information
Costa Rica:
聽– daily online coverage of Costa Rica news
聽– source of daily news and updates from Costa Rica
Czech Republic:
聽– English daily paper
聽– News coverage, interviews, features in six languages
Denmark:
聽– the only English-language newspaper printed regularly in Denmark
聽– source of daily local news in Denmark
England:
聽– Daily paper from Northern England
聽– Featuring news from the daily Liverpool Echo
聽– The Oxford area’s daily paper.
聽– The official newspaper of record in England.
France:
聽– Daily newspaper published in Paris
聽– Latest breaking news and reports on France
Germany:
聽– German daily paper with world news; choose from Cologne, Dusseldorf or Bonn (in German)
聽– Global English-language news and information channel of Germany
Ireland:
聽– News from the Cork, Limerick area
聽– Latest Irish news and updates from around Ireland
Italy:
聽– Italy’s news in English
聽– online version of the newspaper (in Italian)
聽– Number 1 Italian News Agency
Japan:
聽– National news – English version.
聽– National and world news.
聽– National news.
New Zealand:
聽– national and international news
聽– national and world news
Scotland:
聽– Daily paper serving Scotland, especially North Scotland
聽– daily national news
聽– local and national news
South Africa:
聽– South African daily newspaper
聽– an independent, no agenda and bias online news platform
Spain:
聽– English regional news
聽– online version of the newspaper ABC
– Spain’s largest newspaper
Tanzania:
聽– english news site that brings the latest news from Tanzania
What is study abroad (or study away)?
Undergraduate students can study in another country for an academic year, a semester, during academic breaks (summer or winter) or with faculty on short-term Academic Study Trips. Students may also choose to study off-campus through the Washington Semester Program in Washington DC or the SEA Education program in Woods Hole, MA. Students generally study abroad (or away) on pre-approved programs organized by US-based organizations. These organizations arrange for classes, housing, meals, advising, and support services while the student is overseas. Students can take courses at colleges or universities, or participate in programs that offer credit-bearing experiential learning opportunities.
How do I qualify to study abroad?
For semester or year-long programs applicants must have a 3.0 or greater cumulative GPA. Some programs require a higher GPA for admission. Students generally study abroad during their junior year, but seniors can also apply for consideration. GPA requirements for summer and short-term programs have individualized requirements. Students are encouraged to submit completed applications well before the published application deadline dates.
When do I begin planning and applying to study abroad?
Students interested in studying abroad should begin the planning process as early as possible 鈥 freshman year is a good time to start. An annual study abroad fair offers an opportunity for freshmen to begin their search for programs that best meet their academic and personal needs. Academic planning and program research can be a complicated and time-consuming process, so students should allow ample time to speak with their academic advisors, meet with the study abroad director, and complete application materials. Fall semester applications are due in early February. Spring semester applications are due in early April.
Where can I go?
SMC students can participate in pre-approved programs in Latin America, the Caribbean, Western & Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. There are also exciting programs based in the US.
What types of programs are there?
There are several types of study abroad options to choose from:
English-speaking universities. Choose from a wide selection of courses in different academic departments.
Universities in non-English speaking countries. Study the language of the host country (at any level of proficiency) and take content courses either in the target language or in English.
Internship Programs. Take courses and participate in a credit-bearing internship.
Experiential, field-based programs. Learn about a culture and learn a language while conducting an independent research project. Field-based programs offer a wide range of themes, including public health, gender studies, environmental and sustainability issues, peace and conflict, social justice, and globalization.
How many credits do I earn?
Students typically earn 12-18 credits during a semester abroad. Transfer credits for study abroad are pre-approved through the Registrar’s Office and added to the Saint Michael’s College student record after the student completes the program and an official transcript from the institution of record is received. Consistent with the College’s transfer credit policy, students must receive a grade of C- or higher (or the equivalent in the corresponding international grading system) in order for study abroad coursework to transfer and count toward the Saint Michael’s College degree. Study abroad grades are not calculated into a student鈥檚 SMC cumulative GPA. The number of credits earned for short-term programs may vary depending on length and content of the program.
How will I be charged for study abroad? Will I be able to use my financial aid awards toward study abroad?
Policies and procedures currently under review for 2026-2027 study abroad.
How can I get more information?
Students should make an appointment to meet with the Director of Study Abroad for academic and program advice prior to completing the SMC study abroad application.