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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

  1. Review the list of Approved Study Abroad Programs.
  2. Speak with program representatives when they host information tables in Alliot or when they attend the study abroad fair.
  3. Attend presentations by study abroad returnees.
  4. 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

  1. Review your course history, plan for graduation, and understand possible constraints.
  2. Review your transcript for GPA, course requirements (major/minor/core), and sequencing of courses.
  3. 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).
  4. Choose the best semester or time to study off-campus
  5. Confirm that your department supports your plan for study abroad

Be aware of SMC Study Abroad Eligibility Requirements

  1. Only students in good academic and social standing are eligible to study abroad.
  2. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµmust 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.
  3. Consideration of a student’s disciplinary record is part of the Study Abroad application review process. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµmay not participate in study abroad while on disciplinary probation.

Make your decision based on academic and personal goals

Complete and submit two applications:

  1. Download the Study Abroad Application Forms (click on the tab “Application Forms” below).
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Michael’s College Study Abroad application materials for semester length programs.






Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Michael’s Scholarships

The Brian Lacey ’72 International Fellowship in Social Justice

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 travelling 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 175 countries

Maps and Geography:

Embassy, Visa and Entry Requirements:


Health and Safety Information for Going Abroad









Welcome to our World News section! Here we provide links to news sources from around the globe! It is important to note that Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Michael’s College does not agree with or condone the views presented in the news agencies listed below. We provide these links for informational purposes only.

World News




Regional News

Africa:

 – News about Africa
 – The news organization’s African site
 – Perspective and analysis on events in Northern Africa, focusing on business/economics
 – Daily coverage of news items from all over the continent
 – News consortium from Europe, Asia and Africa with links to various countries.

Asia:

 – News from the mainland and the Indian Subcontinent
 – Weekly news from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan
 – News consortium from Europe, Asia and Africa with links to various countries.
 – News information and analysis about political, economic and social developments in Central Asia and the Caucasus

Australia/Oceania:

 – News from Australia and the Pacific Rim
 – compiles Pacific-Island related stories from sources around the world
 – Regionally focused radio news from Australia, Asia and the Pacific Rim

Caribbean:

 – The Caribbean News Agency provides daily news, plus a RealAudio version.
 – news from around the region

Europe:

 – News from around the continent
 – News from Europe
 – News from Europe

Middle East:

 – BBC News provides news from the eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia
 – Middle Eastern and international news
 – daily news from the Middle East and North Africa

South and Central America:

 – BBC News provides news from North, South and Central America
 News from North, South and Central America

News by Country

Argentina:

 – Argentina’s only English-language newspaper
 – Argentina’s daily newspaper

Australia:

 – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
 – Source of local and national news

Canada:

 – the Canadian multimedia giant
 – The Globe and Mail provide Canadian and world news, sports and entertainment

China:

 – government authorized portal to Chinese news
 – online version of a Chinese English-language paper
 – official news and policy information

Costa Rica:

 – daily online coverage of Costa Rica news
 – source of daily news and updates from Costa Rica

Czech Republic:

 – English daily paper
 – News coverage, interviews, features in six languages

Denmark:

 – the only English-language newspaper printed regularly in Denmark
 – source of daily local news in Denmark

England:

 – Daily paper from Northern England
 – Featuring news from the daily Liverpool Echo
 – The Oxford area’s daily paper.
 – The official newspaper of record in England.

France:

 – Daily newspaper published in Paris
 – Latest breaking news and reports on France

Germany:

 – Bavaria’s monthly English newsmagazine
 – German daily paper with world news; choose from Cologne, Dusseldorf or Bonn (in German)
 – Global English-language news and information channel of Germany

Ireland:

 – News from the Cork, Limerick area
 – Latest Irish news and updates from around Ireland

Italy:

 – Italy’s news in English
 – online version of the newspaper (in Italian)
 – Number 1 Italian News Agency

Japan:

 – National news – English version.
 – National and world news.
 – National news.

New Zealand:

 – national and international news
 – national and world news

Scotland:

 – Daily paper serving Scotland, especially North Scotland
 – daily national news
 – local and national news

South Africa:

 – South African daily newspaper
 – an independent, no agenda and bias online news platform

Spain:

 – English regional news
 – online version of the newspaper ABC
 – Spain’s largest newpaper

Tanzania:

 – 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. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµmay also choose to study off-campus through the Washington Semester Program in Washington DC or the SEA Education program in Woods Hole, MA. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµgenerally 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. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµcan 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. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµgenerally study abroad during their junior year, but seniors can also apply for consideration. GPA requirements for summer and short-term programs have individualized requirements. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµare encouraged to submit completed applications well before the published application deadline dates.

When do I begin planning and applying to study abroad?

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµinterested in studying abroad should begin the planning process as early as possible – 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?

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµtypically 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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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 thecorresponding international grading system) in order for study abroad coursework to transfer and count toward the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Michael’s College degree. Study abroad grades are not calculated into a student’s 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?

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµstudying abroad for a semester will be charged the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Michael’s College’s tuition and activities fee for that semester. This fee will be posted to the student’s account and payment will be due two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµare responsible for any charges above the SMC tuition and activities fee should the program partner’s tuition exceed that amount.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµwill not be charged SMC room and board, but will be responsible for payment of all charges associated with their study abroad program’s room and board. The program’s room charge, and in some cases board fees (including mandatory meal plans) will be posted to the student’s SMC student account after charges have been confirmed with the program partner.

Will I be able to use my financial aid awards toward study abroad?

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµwho have been awarded institutional grants and scholarships (e.g. Book Award, President’s Scholarship) may apply 75% of the award(s) toward study abroad expenses for one semester. SMC scholarships do not apply for a second semester.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµmay use non-SMC financial aid for one or two semesters abroad. These funds include federal and state grants and loans. Work-study does not apply overseas. Some aid may be restricted.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµcan maintain their regular SMC payment plans through Student Financial Services.

Tuition exchange and tuition remission do not apply for study abroad.

Many programs offer need-based (and sometimes merit-based) scholarships to qualified applicants. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµare strongly encouraged to research these scholarships and submit applications when appropriate.

How can I get more information?

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµshould make an appointment to meet with the Director of Study Abroad for academic and program advice prior to completing the SMC study abroad application.