Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is study abroad?
Undergraduate students study in other countries for a year, a semester, during academic breaks (summer or winter) or with faculty on short-term programs. Students study at universities or on pre-approved programs organized by US institutions (called program providers). These programs provide students with classes, housing, meals, advising, and support services. Saint Michael's College also has a unique semester program in England for education majors, and exchange programs (for all majors) with international universities in Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Thailand.
Q. How do I qualify to study abroad?
Students submit one application to the Office of Study Abroad and another directly to the program provider. Students must meet the eligibility requirements of both institutions. For semester or year long programs, students must have a 2.8 or greater overall GPA in order to gain SMC approval to study abroad. Students generally study abroad during their junior year, but seniors can also apply for consideration. There is no minimum GPA or class requirement for summer or academic break programs, and short-term programs have individualized requirements. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to submit completed applications well before the published deadline date. Students must meet eligibility requirements and space must be available before acceptance to a program can be confirmed.
Q. Is there a difference in studying abroad fall or spring semesters?
Yes. Students are encouraged to study abroad during the fall rather than spring semester. There is a 50-student cap for the spring semester.
Q. When do I begin planning and applying to study abroad?
Students should begin the study abroad planning process as early as possible – freshmen year is a good time to start! Academic planning and program research can be a complicated and time consuming process, so students should allow ample time to speak with academic advisors, attend information sessions and complete application materials. Fall semester applications are due in early February. Students applying for spring semester should consider submitting their applications before the end of the previous academic year (April or May) in order to secure a place within the 50-student cap
Q. Where are there study abroad programs?
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 off-campus semester programs in Washington, DC, Los Angeles and North Dakota.
Q. What types of programs are there?
There are several types of study abroad options to choose from.
• Students can study at comprehensive English-speaking universities, choosing from a wide selection of courses in different academic departments.
• Many programs are offered at universities in non-English speaking countries where students can study the language of that country (at any level of proficiency) as well as take content courses either in the target language or in English.
• A growing number of programs offer regular college courses, plus provide an opportunity to participate in a credit bearing internship within the local community.
• Themed-based field study programs are a good option for students interested in studying the culture and language of a country while formulating and conducting an independent research project. Field-based programs offer a wide range of themes, including public health, gender studies, the environment, peace and conflict, social justice, multicultural studies and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.
Q. How many credits do I earn?
Students earn 12-18 credits during a semester abroad. Credits earned for short term programs vary with the length and content of the program. All courses are pre-approved for transfer credit towards a student’s graduation. Credits earned for courses with grade C- or above will transfer back to SMC, but study abroad grades are not calculated into a student’s SMC cumulative GPA.
Q. How do I pay for study abroad?
Study abroad students pay Saint Michael's College the equivalent of a semester’s tuition, housing, and meals. The College in turn pays the program’s study abroad tuition, housing, meals and in some cases, airfare. 90% of SMC financial aid can be used for one semester only; College aid does not apply for a second semester. Non-institutional aid (except work study) can be used for one or two semesters abroad. Students are encouraged to apply directly for program provider scholarships. SMC tuition payment plans can be maintained during the study abroad semester.
Q. How can I get more information?
All students should make an appointment to meet with the Director of Study Abroad for academic and program advice prior to completing a SMC study abroad application.