We seek for our students to find both intellectual attainment and cultural engagement in off-campus study; for these to form an enduring part of their liberal arts education; and for their off-campus experiences to serve the core values of Macalester College – scholarship, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society.

We pursue our mission by

• Investigating and evaluating off-campus study programs to identify those that best serve the values of the college.
• In advising students, seeking to find the best match of students' interests and preparation with academic quality and cultural experience in off-campus study programs.
• Maintaining a small number of Macalester-run study abroad programs and exchanges with foreign universities.
• Keeping a Recommended List of high-quality off-campus study programs.
• Communicating regularly with faculty and college administration.
• Engaging students in discussion about study abroad and the liberal arts.
• Participating in study abroad professional organizations, such as NAFSA, CIEE, The Forum on Education Abroad, ACM, and others.
• Promoting student academic achievement abroad through returnee forums.