Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Advisory Committee (STACC) (composed of the Coordinator of Study Abroad, three additional faculty members and the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs) assists students and faculty in pursuing an academic year, semester, summer, spring break or January Interim program abroad. Study abroad enhances the college experience for students by providing opportunities in academic achievement, global competence, and personal growth through international education. Students may opt to study with Mount Said Mary College faculty (in summer, over spring break, or during the January interim session), or with outside providers through other colleges (for January interim, summer, semester, or year-long programs).

The Mount sponsors its own short-term summer, spring break, and interim study abroad programs. While these Mount-based programs are primarily directed toward its own student body, students from other colleges and universities are welcome to participate. Preference is given to Mount students; secondly, to students from member institutions in the Lower Hudson Valley Catholic Colleges Consortium; and thirdly, to students from other colleges and universities.

In order to participate in a program abroad, students must have earned at least 12 college credits, must have a minimum 2.5 overall GPA, and must be in good academic and social standing.¹In order to be accepted into the study abroad program, the student must complete an application, which will be reviewed by the STAAC. The STAAC will then notify the student regarding whether permission to study abroad has been approved. Students must be in good academic standing at the time of application, and if previously on academic warning or probation, must have completed one semester after returning to good academic standing. Students must be in good social standing to be eligible for study abroad. Students not meeting the requirements above can request an interview with the STAAC to discuss permission to study abroad.

Short-term programs led by Mount faculty may run from 10 days to 4 weeks. Students earn Mount Saint Mary College credits while studying and living aboard in locations such as New Zealand, Italy, China, London, Australia, Greece, Spain, Ireland, and more. Short-term programs require some class work the semester preceding the trip.²

Semester-long programs allow students to study abroad for an entire semester or an academic year. These experiences are arranged on an individual basis with third-party providers. Courses and program of study must be approved by the Study Abroad Advisory Committee. Students are responsible for all provider fees including housing, living costs and airfare, and pay tuition directly to Mount Saint May College. Provider tuition fees must not exceed the costs of Mount tuition. Note: Students must achieve the equivalent of a C grade or better in any courses taken from an accredited foreign or United States college/university, for those credits to transfer to the Mount. All academic Coursework (subject matter, course equivalency, and eligibility for transfer, etc.) is approved prior to travel to assure that appropriate degree progress is being made.

In the past, Mount students have studied abroad for a semester or a year in Morocco, Ireland, Japan, Costa Rica, Thailand, England, South Korea, Italy, and more.