International Programs

Saint Mary’s has a long history of providing quality international programs as an essential part of our educational mission—forming women leaders who will make a difference in the world. As this world becomes increasingly interdependent, the College offers an expanding range of semester, year, semester break, and summer study and service programs in a wide variety of countries, and encourages students to take advantage of them. These programs are coordinated by the Global Education Office (GEO) within the Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership. Since program requirements and credit arrangements vary considerably, students should start the planning process as early as possible in their college careers. The GEO Office will assist students in researching and pursuing their options. Students should work closely with the academic advisors and program coordinators to craft a course of study that will allow them to take full advantage of the opportunities available while making progress toward their major and Sophia Program requirements. For Saint Mary’s College programs, the program coordinator in charge will also guide the student through the application process, and financial aid for semester programs will be applied. Students may apply for institutional study abroad grants and national scholarships. To be accepted for credit, non-Saint Mary’s semester or summer programs must meet pre-defined academic standards and must be approved in advance by the Office of Student Academic Services and the GEO Office. These programs are generally not eligible for Saint Mary’s financial aid.

Córdoba, Argentina

Saint Mary’s College offers a Spanish program in Córdoba, Argentina via its long-term partner, Spanish Studies Abroad. Córdoba is recognized as a center for arts and learning in Argentina with its many universities, theaters, and museums. Students study at the distinguished Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC) and take courses designed for international students in addition to one regular course at UNC. Students must have at least two semesters of intermediate college Spanish with 3.0 GPA in Spanish as well as a 3.0 average overall when they apply for the program.

Fremantle, Australia

In 2003, Saint Mary’s established its first direct student exchange program with the University of Notre Dame, Australia. Eligible students pay tuition, room and board at Saint Mary’s and receive financial aid, but will directly enroll full-time at UND in Fremantle, on the west coast of Australia. Students can choose from a wide range of courses offered, with pre-approval from the Office of Academic Affairs and First Year Studies, and study for a semester. All Saint Mary’s students will be required to take a course on Australian history and society, which includes a field trip to visit aboriginal communities and experience the Australian Outback. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in order to be eligible for this program.

Shanghai/Nanjing, China

Saint Mary’s students may participate in the program at the Shanghai Center on the campus of East China Normal University through our partnership with the Council of International Educational Exchange (CIEE) for the fall, spring semester or the full year (Chinese language). Shanghai, one of Asia’s most exciting business and cultural centers, is the perfect environment for students to take Chinese Language courses, business classes and other courses (Chinese culture, culture studies, history, journalism, etc.) in English to understand China in a global context. Students have opportunities to learn outside the classroom through volunteer opportunities, cultural activities, a three-day field trip with excursions to Chinese companies and factories, or an organizational internship. The Shanghai Program is open to students of any major. Prior study of Chinese at Saint Mary’s is strongly recommended. The Nanjing Intensive Chinese Language and Culture Program at the CIEE center on the campus of Nanjing University is open to students who have studied Mandarin Chinese for two semesters. Nanjing, China’s ancient capital, is rich in scenic and historic sites. The goal of the program is to increase students’ language proficiency and cross-cultural competency through close interaction with community life via small classes, a unique area studies course taught in English and Chinese, and a research project with guidance from individual advisors. Students on the two programs have opportunities to explore Southwest China or Northwest China on a one-week module and other cities in Eastern China.

Oxford, England

Saint Mary’s is one of a few Catholic colleges and universities in the United States that have been invited to participate in the Overseas Student Programme at Blackfriars Hall of Oxford University, which provides highly motivated and advanced students (cumulative GPA of at least 3.8 and turning 21 by their return) with a special opportunity to spend a year studying at one of the world’s most storied universities, as well as at one of the most famous centers for the study of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Participants in the program are able to work one-on-one with world class faculty members, enjoy conversations and forge friendships with other talented students from around the world, and imbibe the history and culture of a medieval university city as well as that of England itself. Blackfriars’ course offerings are most robust in the disciplines of philosophy, theology, history and literature, though it is also possible to take tutorial and lecture courses in economics, politics, and psychology, as well as lectures, seminars and language courses from the full range of offerings across Oxford University.

Twickenham (London), England

St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, London is located on the historic Strawberry Hill area near the river Thames. The campus offers the perfect place to study and is only 30 minutes away from Central London by train. Students can study at St. Mary’s University for either the fall or spring semester. The university offers more than 40 programs of study, such as Arts and Humanities, Education, Theology and Leadership, Management and Social Sciences, Sport, Health and Applied Science, and Drama and Theatre to name a few. Students are housed in shared on-campus accommodations. Students must have completed at least one academic year and earned an overall GPA of 2.7.

Angers, France

Saint Mary’s College offers students the opportunity to study in Angers for the fall, spring, and academic year or for the four-week summer program at the Université Catholique de L’Ouest (UCO) in CIDEF, which is the Institute of French as a Foreign Language. Students enroll in French language courses and, depending on level, one or two content courses toward their undergraduate degree. The semester and full-year programs start with a language intensive period to fully immerse in French. In addition to language, CIDEF course offerings include history, art history, literature, philosophy, politics, culture, and topical subjects. We strongly recommend that interested students complete at least one semester of intermediate French. Students must have an overall 2.5 GPA and a B average in French at the time of application. Admission to the program is finalized through UCO. Students live with host families and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities at the university.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest Semesters in Mathematics (BSM) is an academically rigorous program for motivated undergraduates who wish to study math in the beautiful city of Budapest. BSM classes are taught in English by eminent Hungarian professors. Students can attend BSM during the fall or spring semesters or during the 8-week summer term. Students are expected to take 3-4 mathematics courses during the semester program (2 during the summer), which are all taught in English by faculty affiliated with universities in Budapest. All mathematics courses taken through BSM will transfer to Saint Mary’s, but course selection must be approved by an academic advisor.

Before mathematics classes begin, students enroll in a 2-week intensive course in Hungarian offered through BSM (1 week for the summer program).

Students are offered housing in BSM-approved furnished apartments nearby.

Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or better to apply to the program and must have completed one semester of MATH 353 Abstract Algebra I or MATH 341 Analysis I by the time the program begins, though exceptions are possible.

Maynooth, Ireland

Since 1977, approximately 40 students per year have studied at the Maynooth University Ireland. These students attend regularly scheduled classes with and live among Irish students. They mainly choose sophomore-level general education courses approved for the Sophia Program in literature, history, classical civilization, philosophy, theology, economics, anthropology, or sociology. A course in Irish culture including lectures and tours is required. Students on the Ireland Program may enroll for the Irish academic year or for one semester. Applicants should demonstrate a serious attitude in their college work (a 2.8 cumulative GPA is recommended), and must complete an application process to qualify.

Rome, Italy

Facilitated by our partner in Rome, John Cabot University (JCU), a semester, or summer term in Rome provides a life-changing experience that has a significant and lasting impact on students’ intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. Classes are held in English on JCU’s campuses in Trastevere. All Saint Mary’s students live in JCU owned apartments with Italian and other international students. The units are fully furnished with a kitchen, and RA’s are on site 24/7. A meal plan at JCU’s cafeteria is included, although students will need to take extra funds for cooking or eating out when not on campus. While in Rome all students take an Italian language course. During the academic semester most will take 3–4 other courses selected from a long list and wide variety of courses that have been approved to meet Sophia Program requirements. JCU offers major and minor programs with upper-level courses in many areas. Saint Mary’s students may also apply for internships in Rome through JCU. Italian minors are allowed to study abroad in Rome for a year. Interested students must have an overall GPA of 2.5/4.0. It is strongly recommended that students complete a year of college level introductory Italian before going overseas.

Ifrane, Morocco

The town of Ifrane is a small French-style ski resort nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains. A semester or year (Arabic language) in Ifrane will allow students to gain accurate knowledge of the Arab and Islamic world, both areas that are critical to global dynamics. Saint Mary’s students take courses for the Sophia Program requirements at Al Akhawayn University and all classes are taught in English. Students also have the opportunity to develop language skills in Arabic or French. Prior study of Arabic or French at Saint Mary’s is strongly recommended. The average class size at Al Akhawayn University, a small American style university, is 17, ensuring that students have the opportunity to interact with faculty and classmates. Students live in the residence halls with Moroccan and other international students.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, students study at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Sagrado) in the heart of the city. Founded in 1880, Sagrado is a Catholic, independent, co-educational and non-profit institution that encourages and facilitates spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, and physical development of students. Saint Mary’s students take the integrated studies program for 12-18 credits per semester and choose 2-4 courses from regular course offerings taught in Spanish and taken with local students. One language class is required as part of cultural immersion and there is an optional internship or service learning course. Students are housed in residencias, on-campus dormitories. A minimum 3.0 GPA at the time of application is required. Students applying to the integrated studies program must have completed the intermediate college-level Spanish sequence or the equivalent, or be native/near-native speakers of Spanish.

Cape Town, South Africa

Saint Mary’s College offers an international program provided by International Studies Abroad (ISA) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Cape Town. Students can choose courses taught in English in a wide range of subject areas. Students may take 4 courses or the equivalent of 16 credits per semester and may enroll for fall or spring semester. Upon arrival, students will participate in arrival orientation (the ISA Bridging Cultures Program) before the university orientation for new students. The program excursions include a one-day trip to Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula, multiple days to Aquilia Game Reserve or the Jermanus Backpacker Lodge, and a one-day trip to Langa Township and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Applicants for this program must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Seoul, South Korea

In 2008, Saint Mary’s established a direct student exchange program with Ewha Womens University in Seoul, South Korea, which was established in 1886 as the first higher education institution for Korean women. It is now one of the most prestigious universities in Korea and the largest women’s university in the world. English is a popular language in South Korea and most things are already translated into English. Students choose from more than 500 courses taught in English, with pre-approval from their academic advisors, and can study for a semester. Korean language is not required, but students may take Korean Language Courses at different levels for 6 credits. Students must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible for this program.

Alicante, Spain

In partnership with Spanish Studies Abroad, Saint Mary’s students study at the Universidad de Alicante (UA) and live with host families. Students are immersed in Spanish language and culture studying with international students at the same level of Spanish. Eligibility for the Spanish Studies Program is a 3.0 GPA in Spanish coursework and a minimum of 1 year of elementary college Spanish or the equivalent or heritage speaker. Advanced students of Spanish may enroll in the Integrated Studies Program and take classes at UA alongside Spaniards. Eligibility is 3.0 GPA in Spanish coursework and successful completion of 2 semesters of beginning college Spanish or the equivalent, or heritage speaker.

Seville, Spain

In 1999, the College formally affiliated with Spanish Studies Abroad in Seville, Spain which offers a total immersion program on the study of the Spanish language and culture. Students live with host families and choose courses embracing a variety of disciplines - language, civilization, literature, politics and economy of Spain, art history, Spanish society, comparative marketing, the Spanish business environment, and others. All courses are taught in Spanish, and students must have completed at least one semester of intermediate college Spanish or the equivalent and earned a 3.0 average in Spanish courses. Advanced students may participate in an internship program. Students can study in Seville for a summer, semester, or academic year. Spanish majors and minors typically spend the second semester of their sophomore year studying abroad.

CAPA Internships in Argentina and China

The College is officially affiliated with CAPA The Global Education Network in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Shanghai, China. These programs offer students the internship opportunities in well-known global cities that will develop their professional skills and enhance their resume.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a global city with a rich and complex history, a multidimensional arts and cultural scene, and captivating architecture. The CAPA Buenos Aires Center is hosted at Universidad Austral located in Barrio Norte. CAPA ensures that placements are meaningful, developmental and appropriate for each and every student based on their level of skills, abilities and aspirations in their selected industry areas. Due to local laws, placements are with NGOs, charities or not for profit organizations. To participate in the program, students must be in the 2nd semester of their sophomore year or above and carrying a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Students must have successfully completed 4 semesters of University level Spanish to be eligible for internships in Buenos Aires. Students may apply for the fall or spring semester, or the summer internship program.

Shanghai, China

Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai is China’s largest city and the world’s eighth largest. It serves as the most influential financial, economic, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. The CAPA Shanghai Center is hosted at East China Normal University. Students can take 3-6 internship credits and gain valuable skills. All internship placements are available in English. Students will live in the international dormitory on campus. The program offers a 3-day excursion to Beijing and weekend trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou. Students may apply for either the fall or the spring semester and take 4-5 courses for 12-15 credits. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Summer Study Abroad

CAPA Internships in Dublin

Dublin is an energetic, charming, and culturally rich Global City. With one in every eight residents being foreign-born, Dublin is very much a multicultural hub. This eight-week summer program gives you insight into the significant ways in which Dublin has been imagined, reinvented, and transformed by globalization. Earn 6-9 credits during the summer term (courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted; internships are 3-6 credits). Credits are issued by State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego. Social events and program activities include an arrival reception, mid-term dinner, a farewell ceremony, and a guided tour of Dublin street art. Applicants need to be in good academic and disciplinary standing and have a minimum GPA of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale).

China Summer Program

Realizing the important role that China is playing in the world today, Saint Mary’s offers the China Summer Study Program with a theme of “Seeing China through Women’s Eyes”. It is a three-week summer study program from mid-May to early-June. Students have opportunities to visit Chinese universities and students, GOs and NGOs, different cultural sites, a scenic view site, rural areas and cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, and experience the oldest civilizations and fast economic development in China. The program focuses on Chinese girls’ education and women’s empowerment. Students will complete a community service project and are required to take a 3-credit course. This program is open to all students and Chinese language is not required.

Environments of Ecuador Summer Program

One of the most environmentally diverse countries in the world, Ecuador offers a unique oppor­tunity to experience four distinct ecological settings. Witness 500-pound tortoises on the Galapagos Islands, alpacas of the Andes highlands, and Capuchin monkeys in the Amazon. Students will discover a fascinating world of unusual plants and animals. Open to students in all majors, the course highlights the natural beauty of Ecuador in an 18-day travel experience during the summer. Particular emphasis is placed on local conservation efforts, the intersections between biology and culture, and the rich diversity of life. A one-day service project in the Andes is also included. This course is offered in even-numbered years.

European Summer Study Program

The European Summer Study Program is an introduction to Western European history and culture, via coursework, tours of famous historical sites, and interactions with professionals abroad.  This four-week program is offered from mid-May to mid-June. Classes are held not in the usual four-walled setting, but instead in the places where important events happened and are happening today! Learn about Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre, discuss the Easter Rebellion at Kilmainham Gaol, debate about Malthusian Economics in front of the Old Curiosity Shop. All students enroll in one or two courses; options may include theatre, history, international business, or other topics. In the past this program has visited Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, London, Paris, and Barcelona.

Internships in Seville

Eight week summer internships include but are not limited to: advertising, marketing, public relations, management and finance, politics and inte­rnational relations, arts administration, journalism, etc. Placements are made before leaving campus, are in professional settings, and require full attendance of up to 40 hours per week. Students are expected to complete course requirements, written assignments, and on-site employee evaluation. Once students arrive, on-site program staff will orient students to the city and provide additional mentorship. Students live in home-stays in the Spanish Studies Abroad program in Seville. The program is open to all students, but to participate students need to be either proficient/fluent in the Spanish language or have completed at least one advanced Spanish course at the college level.

Greece Summer Study Program

The Greece Summer Study Tour is a two-week program beginning toward the end of May and continuing into the month of June. The study tour allows students to earn three elective credits for the course. Students immerse themselves in the Greco-Roman world of the first urban Christians converted by Paul the Apostle while traveling throughout mainland Greece. Enrollment is open to students of all class years, but is limited to 16 students. Students do not need to specialize in history, religion, or a foreign language to participate.

Japan Summer Program

Saint Mary's College established a direct student exchange program with Ochanomizu University in Tokyo. Ochanomizu University offers an Ocha Summer Program for Global Leaders. The two-week credit-bearing program in June includes academic courses (3 credits, Culture and Society Course taught in English, three sub-courses), Japanese Language course (3 credits, optional), and extracurricular activities, including welcome & farewell events, a one-day Tokyo tour, a culture exchange session, a Japanese culture workshops (including topics such as Japanese language, food, and Kimono), a movie afternoon and more. The Japan Summer Program is open to students of all majors. There is no Japanese language or GPA requirement. One faculty recommendation is required.

Korean Summer Program

Ewha Womans University offers two different summer sessions to cater to students diverse needs. Session I is a four-week program (from June to July) in which students can choose a maximum of two courses from more than 30 English-taught courses in Korean Studies, East Asian studies, Women’s Studies, Music, Art & Design, and North Korean Studies and earn up to six credits. Four levels of Korean language courses are also offered. Session II is a two-week program (in early August) in which students will earn three credits through an “Introductory Korean Studies” course. All the participants of Session II are required to take some Korean language lessons. The special lecture topics include Art History, Popular Culture, Relations with North Korea, Traditional Music, Cinema, Women & Society, K-pop Dance, and Cooking. Students will engage in hands-on learning through field trips and cultural excursions to places rich in traditional and contemporary Korean culture. The Korean Summer Program is open to students in all majors and Korean language is not required for the application.

London LEB Summer Programs

Students from all majors may take 6 semester hours comprised of a three-credit Practicum Project and another course, or 2 three-credit courses. The Practicum is similar to an internship but based around small-group engagement with staff and experts. Students live in shared apartments or residence halls with kitchen facilities in the Bloomsbury neighborhood of London. Classes are held at Birkbeck, a constituent college of the University of London. Student ID’s allow access to University of London facilities. Field School in Global Health Risk is held in Athens, Greece, and is available following the London summer program for students with junior or senior standing and majoring in Global Studies, Nursing, Political Science, Social Work, or any major with Pre-Med.

Archaeology in Wexford, Ireland

Students who attend the summer program in Wexford, Ireland will participate in the Blackfriary Community Heritage and Archaeology Project. The project offers a hands-on opportunity for students to excavate the buried remains of a 13th century Dominican friary (the Black Friary). Excavations at the site since 2010 have revealed much of the friary’s structural remains and have resulted in the collection of thousands of archaeological artifacts dating primarily to the medieval and post-medieval periods. Students live with local families and experience true home life in the provincial Ireland. On the 6 week program students will complete course work on Introduction to Field Archaeology, Advanced Methods in Field Archaeology, and Bioarchaeology modules. The course work will transfer as 6 credits, shorter programs of 2 weeks and 4 weeks are also available.

Uganda Summer Program

In 2009 Saint Mary’s launched a six-week summer practicum program working with the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Kyarusozi, Uganda. This program is currently only for Education and Nursing majors. It is an opportunity for students to live and work directly with the Sisters of the Holy Cross and immerse themselves in the local community offering skilled assistance in education and nursing. Students take a practicum course in either education or nursing for six weeks, with one overnight outing in a game park midway through the program. Students should have rising Senior status in order to apply.

Semester Break Programs

Education Studies in Ireland

The one-week program is designed for sophomore and junior elementary education majors. During the week, students will visit schools at the respective level, tour campus and visit classes in the Education Department at the Maynooth University and hear speakers on the educational system in Ireland. Students with the elementary major may also have the opportunity to experience classrooms in coordination with Froebel College, Dublin; established according to the German educator Friedrich Froebel, these classrooms offer unique child-centered education. Through readings and these learning experiences, students fulfill requirements of a one-credit course, EDUC 488 Practicum in Intercultural Education.

Belize Marine Biology Program

Saint Mary’s College offers a week-long spring break field experience in South Water Caye, Belize, as part of BIO 209 Marine Biology. This experience is offered in alternate years. Students will stay at the facilities of IZE Belize marine biology field station on South Water Caye. Students will stay on the island in dormitory-style housing and will experience local cuisine in the communal cafeteria. Each day, students will go on boat field trips to nearby reefs for snorkeling with experienced local guides. Students will also design and conduct independent marine biology field experiments that will be part of their final project for the course. This program is open to any student that has taken BIO 156 Foundations of Ecology and Evolution, or by permission of the instructor. Enrollment preference will be given to Biology majors.