Approved Programs
Macalester study away programs are reviewed annually by the Study Away Review Committee (SARC) in consultation with faculty from academic departments and concentrations. In addition to meeting the standards of a high-quality liberal arts education, programs are expected to provide opportunities to develop intellectual independence and self-awareness, build cultural understanding and/or language skills, and enhance learning through applied experience and curricular opportunities not available on Macalester’s campus. Many study away programs on the approved programs list are run by study away program providers, which are educational institutions or organizations that manage and host students on-site.
Types of Study Away Programs
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These are semester-long programs led by Macalester faculty and with other Macalester students.
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These programs are offered through long-standing relationships and exchange agreements between Macalester and another institution. Generally, a limited number of students from Macalester study at the exchange partner’s campus, and the same number of students from that exchange partner study at Macalester for a semester. Not all qualified students may be approved for exchange programs because of exchange balance requirements, therefore students applying for some exchange programs must select an alternate program.
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This is the largest group of study away programs, which are meant to meet the academic needs of the majority of Macalester study away students. There are no limits or restrictions to how many Macalester students can participate, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and complete any pre-requisites. Programs in this group offer courses in a wide variety of academic disciplines, are meant to provide a geographically diverse set of options, and include various program structures and experiential learning opportunities. Explore our approved programs.
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Programs in this group have limited enrollment due to a number of different factors: historically we have seen some of these programs have a good deal of competition for spaces; the program may limit the number of Macalester students they will accept; or we may need to limit the number of Macalester students that participate in the program due to a high level of interest. Macalester approval will be decided based upon academic fit, student qualifications, and quality of the study away application. Not all qualified applications may be approved due to the limitations stated above, therefore students applying for a limited enrollment program must select an alternate program.
Limited enrollment programs can be found on our approved program list. If a program has limited enrollment, you will see that on the “Eligibility” tab of the program brochure page.
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You may submit a “Non-Approved Program Request” for programs that offer unique learning experiences that aren’t already available through the approved programs list. As non-approved program requests will only be granted in specific circumstances, all applicants are required to select an alternate program when applying.
SARC will decide Macalester approval based on two primary criteria: unique fit and program quality. Unique fit can include a combination of factors such as individual learning goals, desired academic content, or other learning opportunities that cannot be met through the approved programs list. In considering program quality, non-approved programs must meet the college’s criteria for study away programs (see program review details). Applications for programs that duplicate learning experiences available on the approved programs list are unlikely to be granted.
You are responsible for doing your own research in identifying appropriate program options. Advisors in the Center for Study Away (CSA) may or may not be familiar with non-approved programs in your areas of interest. However, they will offer feedback and insight to the best of their abilities. They can also provide past program evaluations if Macalester students have previously participated in a program in which you are interested.