Study Abroad Programs
Study Abroad at SMC: Pre-Approved Programs
Saint Michael’s College offers over 100 pre-approved programs for students interested in studying abroad during the summer, winter-session, semester, or academic year. Location, language of instruction, course offerings, method of instruction, and fit with career aspirations are elements that should be considered when deciding upon a program of study.
Language Programs help students learn a new language or increase proficiency in a language taught at Saint Michael’s. Students with advanced language skills may choose to take content courses in the target language.
University Programs offer a wide range of liberal studies courses taught at international universities. Courses may be taken to fulfill major, minor, or core requirements, or with proper planning, courses may also be taken to explore new areas of study or to gain a deeper understanding of familiar topics of interest.
Internship Programs allow students to gain real world work experience by being placed in a credit-bearing academic internship. Students enroll in other classroom or field based courses in addition to the internship.
Field Study Programs provide students with hands-on academic experiences. Theme-based programs commonly focus on global issues such as global health, human rights, climate change, human resilience, and peace and conflict studies.
Academic Study Trips are short term programs (2-4 weeks in length) created and led by SMC faculty. Program offerings change from year to year as new courses are developed based on student and faculty interest.
Approved Programs
Researching programs and destinations is the first step toward your international adventure! Start with an open mind, stretch your imaginations, and explore the possibilities. Tap the purple boxes below and you’ll find SMC’s pre-approved programs. For more information on a program’s course offerings, housing options, in-country support services, and country highlights, tap on Program Partners (see tab on left). Now explore the world, one click at a time!
Program Partners
Academic Study Trips
Faculty-Led Academic Trips provide a remarkable opportunity for an intensive learning experience with a group of Saint Michael’s College students and faculty. The 2025/2026 offerings reflect our commitment to international education and to experiential learning. We recognize that not all students can afford to study abroad for an entire semester, and these courses represent an exciting alternative. Trip destinations have been carefully selected to immerse students in their learning and to integrate their theoretical knowledge with the perspective of place. Most people will agree that this is the best way to learn and to retain knowledge.
If you have questions about any of these trips, please contact the faculty members who are indicated as the instructors for the course as soon as possible. Trip size will be limited, and a minimum number of students must register in order for the course to proceed. Academic Study Trips are not eligible for tuition remission. Half tuition is charged (per credit) during the winter or summer session. A limited number of need based scholarships are available for qualified applicants.
Summer-Session 2026
FRANCE/BELGIUM/LUXEMBOURG: ATLANTICISM AND TRANSNATIONAL DEMOCRACY
Prerequisite: PO 223 (Spring 2026, 2 credits), or permission of the instructors
Date: May 12 – 24, 2026
After a semester-long study of transnationalism and EU–US relations, the course culminates in a capstone trip to Strasbourg, Brussels, and Luxembourg, the key crossroads in the transatlantic relationship. In Strasbourg, students will immerse themselves in the workings of the European Parliament by observing and documenting a multi-day plenary session. The cohort will also explore the Alsace region, shaped by its unique Franco-German heritage, and visit monuments and memorials honoring the Second World War, the conflict that ultimately gave rise to deeply integrated Western institutions. The journey continues to Luxembourg City to visit the Court of Justice of the European Union before heading to Brussels, the capital of both Belgium and the EU. Students will engage with NATO headquarters and the European Parliament, complemented by cultural excursions, exhibits, and time to discover the city on their own. The trip concludes with a train ride to Bruges for a canal boat tour and a free afternoon to enjoy one of Europe’s most picturesque medieval towns. Successful completion of the SP2026 pre-course and the SU2026 field study trip earns students four credits.
Professor Jeffrey Ayres, jayres@smcvt.edu
Assistant Professor Stephon Boatwright, sboatwright@smcvt.edu
ENGLAND: SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE
EN 337 Shakespeare in Performance On Stage (2 credits)
Prerequisite: EN 335/6 Shakespeare (Spring 2026, 4 credits)
Date: May 18 – 30, 2026
The “Shakespeare in Performance” course will be taught again during spring and summer (2026).
The 4 credit Shakespeare course (335/6) will focus on filmed versions of at least 5 plays and will meet every week on the SMC campus. This will be followed by the 2 Credit On Stage (EN337) course that will be taught in England. It will focus on an additional five plays: two performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, and three others performed in London (Globe Theatre) or other venues in England. The Tour will take place May 18-30, 2026(we will fly out 5/18) and be based at Wroxton Abbey outside of Banbury, north of London. Students wishing to enroll in the On Stage course must also take Shakespeare 335 in the spring. Together, these courses will satisfy requirements in English, Theater, and the LSC.
Professor Kerry Shea, kshea@smcvt.edu
Professor Peter Harrigan, pharrigan@smcvt.edu
JAPAN: TREES, SHRINES, AND TEMPLES: SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY IN THE JAPANESE CONTEXT
ES 248 (2 credits)
Prerequisite: One of BI 151; BI 152; ES 105; ES 106; ES 107 OR Sophomore standing or above in Education, Digital Media and Communications, or Digital Marketing
Date: May 11 – 26, 2026
Students will study Japanese sustainable forestry and reverence for trees with forestry experts, a Shinto scholar, and by conducting research in Japanese forests. We will read Japanese environmental literature and respond to hands-on experiences using Japanese literary forms. Japanese culture will be introduced by working with Japanese students in Tokyo and in Tottori, Vermont’s sister state. Both spring enrollment and two-week Japan academic study trip are required; it is not possible to take one component without the other.
Professor Declan McCabe, dmccabe@smcvt.edu
Professor Hideko Furukawa, hkyotofurukawa@gmail.com
Professor Trevien Stanger, tstanger@smcvt.edu
George Ackerman gackerman@mail.smcvt.edu
Winter-Session 2026-27
ECUADOR and GALAPAGOS: FIELD TROPICAL ECOLOGY
BI250 (2 credits)
Prerequisite: BI249 (2 credits)
Date: December 29, 2026 – January 12, 2027
This 15-day trip to Ecuador over winter break builds on the foundational knowledge that students receive as a part of the fall course – BI 249: Tropical Ecology (2 cr.). In Ecuador, we will visit three different tropical ecosystems where students will document and compare the ecology at each site. After a day in Quito, we will travel to the Amazonian lowland rain forest and stay for four days at the Napo Cultural Center, an ecolodge owned and operated by the Kichwa Añangu indigenous community. A combination of forest hikes and riverboat excursions will introduce students to the most biodiverse place on the planet. We will also take part in cultural activities with the Kichwa people. Next we will spend two days in the Mindo cloud forest, a higher elevation, dense forest known for its incredible plant (e.g., > 4,000 orchid species) and animal (e.g., > 600 bird species) diversity. Finally, we will travel to the Galapagos Islands for five days of exploration. One of the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Galapagos Islands offer a unique opportunity to see Nature up close, with a vast number of plant (~30%) and animal species (~80%) found nowhere else on earth.
The importance of these tropical ecosystems for wildlife conservation, evolutionary theory, and global climate regulation will be stressed. Students will also conduct short-term research projects at two of the three sites.
The combination of BI 249 and BI 250 can count as a Biology elective (population level requirement) and as the Digital Media & Communications study abroad experience.
Professor Paul Constantino, pconstantino@smcvt.edu
Professor Peter Hope
Professor Scott Lewins
Freeman Foundation International Internship
Saint Michael’s College is pleased to announce the annual Global Citizenship International Internship Program, supported by a grant from the Freeman Foundation. learn more…
Approved Programs
Researching programs and destinations is the first step toward your international adventure! Start with an open mind, stretch your imaginations, and explore the possibilities. Tap the purple boxes below and you’ll find SMC’s pre-approved programs. For more information on a program’s course offerings, housing options, in-country support services, and country highlights, tap on Program Partners (see tab on left). Now explore the world, one click at a time!
Program Partners
Academic Study Trips
Faculty-Led Academic Trips provide a remarkable opportunity for an intensive learning experience with a group of Saint Michael’s College students and faculty. The 2025/2026 offerings reflect our commitment to international education and to experiential learning. We recognize that not all students can afford to study abroad for an entire semester, and these courses represent an exciting alternative. Trip destinations have been carefully selected to immerse students in their learning and to integrate their theoretical knowledge with the perspective of place. Most people will agree that this is the best way to learn and to retain knowledge.
If you have questions about any of these trips, please contact the faculty members who are indicated as the instructors for the course as soon as possible. Trip size will be limited, and a minimum number of students must register in order for the course to proceed. Academic Study Trips are not eligible for tuition remission. Half tuition is charged (per credit) during the winter or summer session. A limited number of need based scholarships are available for qualified applicants.
Summer-Session 2026
FRANCE/BELGIUM/LUXEMBOURG: ATLANTICISM AND TRANSNATIONAL DEMOCRACY
Prerequisite: PO 223 (Spring 2026, 2 credits), or permission of the instructors
Date: May 12 – 24, 2026
After a semester-long study of transnationalism and EU–US relations, the course culminates in a capstone trip to Strasbourg, Brussels, and Luxembourg, the key crossroads in the transatlantic relationship. In Strasbourg, students will immerse themselves in the workings of the European Parliament by observing and documenting a multi-day plenary session. The cohort will also explore the Alsace region, shaped by its unique Franco-German heritage, and visit monuments and memorials honoring the Second World War, the conflict that ultimately gave rise to deeply integrated Western institutions. The journey continues to Luxembourg City to visit the Court of Justice of the European Union before heading to Brussels, the capital of both Belgium and the EU. Students will engage with NATO headquarters and the European Parliament, complemented by cultural excursions, exhibits, and time to discover the city on their own. The trip concludes with a train ride to Bruges for a canal boat tour and a free afternoon to enjoy one of Europe’s most picturesque medieval towns. Successful completion of the SP2026 pre-course and the SU2026 field study trip earns students four credits.
Professor Jeffrey Ayres, jayres@smcvt.edu
Assistant Professor Stephon Boatwright, sboatwright@smcvt.edu
ENGLAND: SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE
EN 337 Shakespeare in Performance On Stage (2 credits)
Prerequisite: EN 335/6 Shakespeare (Spring 2026, 4 credits)
Date: May 18 – 30, 2026
The “Shakespeare in Performance” course will be taught again during spring and summer (2026).
The 4 credit Shakespeare course (335/6) will focus on filmed versions of at least 5 plays and will meet every week on the SMC campus. This will be followed by the 2 Credit On Stage (EN337) course that will be taught in England. It will focus on an additional five plays: two performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, and three others performed in London (Globe Theatre) or other venues in England. The Tour will take place May 18-30, 2026(we will fly out 5/18) and be based at Wroxton Abbey outside of Banbury, north of London. Students wishing to enroll in the On Stage course must also take Shakespeare 335 in the spring. Together, these courses will satisfy requirements in English, Theater, and the LSC.
Professor Kerry Shea, kshea@smcvt.edu
Professor Peter Harrigan, pharrigan@smcvt.edu
JAPAN: TREES, SHRINES, AND TEMPLES: SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY IN THE JAPANESE CONTEXT
ES 248 (2 credits)
Prerequisite: One of BI 151; BI 152; ES 105; ES 106; ES 107 OR Sophomore standing or above in Education, Digital Media and Communications, or Digital Marketing
Date: May 11 – 26, 2026
Students will study Japanese sustainable forestry and reverence for trees with forestry experts, a Shinto scholar, and by conducting research in Japanese forests. We will read Japanese environmental literature and respond to hands-on experiences using Japanese literary forms. Japanese culture will be introduced by working with Japanese students in Tokyo and in Tottori, Vermont’s sister state. Both spring enrollment and two-week Japan academic study trip are required; it is not possible to take one component without the other.
Professor Declan McCabe, dmccabe@smcvt.edu
Professor Hideko Furukawa, hkyotofurukawa@gmail.com
Professor Trevien Stanger, tstanger@smcvt.edu
George Ackerman gackerman@mail.smcvt.edu
Winter-Session 2026-27
ECUADOR and GALAPAGOS: FIELD TROPICAL ECOLOGY
BI250 (2 credits)
Prerequisite: BI249 (2 credits)
Date: December 29, 2026 – January 12, 2027
This 15-day trip to Ecuador over winter break builds on the foundational knowledge that students receive as a part of the fall course – BI 249: Tropical Ecology (2 cr.). In Ecuador, we will visit three different tropical ecosystems where students will document and compare the ecology at each site. After a day in Quito, we will travel to the Amazonian lowland rain forest and stay for four days at the Napo Cultural Center, an ecolodge owned and operated by the Kichwa Añangu indigenous community. A combination of forest hikes and riverboat excursions will introduce students to the most biodiverse place on the planet. We will also take part in cultural activities with the Kichwa people. Next we will spend two days in the Mindo cloud forest, a higher elevation, dense forest known for its incredible plant (e.g., > 4,000 orchid species) and animal (e.g., > 600 bird species) diversity. Finally, we will travel to the Galapagos Islands for five days of exploration. One of the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Galapagos Islands offer a unique opportunity to see Nature up close, with a vast number of plant (~30%) and animal species (~80%) found nowhere else on earth.
The importance of these tropical ecosystems for wildlife conservation, evolutionary theory, and global climate regulation will be stressed. Students will also conduct short-term research projects at two of the three sites.
The combination of BI 249 and BI 250 can count as a Biology elective (population level requirement) and as the Digital Media & Communications study abroad experience.
Professor Paul Constantino, pconstantino@smcvt.edu
Professor Peter Hope
Professor Scott Lewins
Freeman Foundation International Internship
Saint Michael’s College is pleased to announce the annual Global Citizenship International Internship Program, supported by a grant from the Freeman Foundation. learn more…