FALL OF SOPHOMORE YEAR
Get started by attending a Study Away Info Session, then select and apply for your preferred program. The Center for Study Away, often along with professors and other students, support you throughout the process.
Study Away
Where will your studies take you?
Macalester students are motivated to see the world from new perspectives. Study Away is an invaluable experience that will connect you to people and places that will stay with you long after you return.
100
Programs available
3 out of 5
Macalester students study away
15 Weeks
Typical length of program
Programs Around the World
There are many factors that will help you find your top choice for your study away experience. Courses, locations, professor-led experiences, available research, or the requirements for your major can all play a role in the decision. Rest assured, you’ll have help along the way.
Kai Martin
Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
“I am so passionate about Buddhist Studies, and it’s been amazing for me to get to explore Buddhism with a close group of friends under the Bodhi tree. The structure of living in a monastery with faculty who are incredibly connected in this city helps to give us enough of a safety net that we can build independence. I could never recreate this experience.”
Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
“I am so passionate about Buddhist Studies, and it’s been amazing for me to get to explore Buddhism with a close group of friends under the Bodhi tree. The structure of living in a monastery with faculty who are incredibly connected in this city helps to give us enough of a safety net that we can build independence. I could never recreate this experience.”
Megan Twomey
Cork, Ireland
“I joined the ultimate frisbee team at the university I attended to meet people and learn a new sport. At one of our tournaments we got 1st place, it was super special to be part of the team and share the experience with amazing people I wouldn’t have met without studying abroad.”
Cork, Ireland
“I joined the ultimate frisbee team at the university I attended to meet people and learn a new sport. At one of our tournaments we got 1st place, it was super special to be part of the team and share the experience with amazing people I wouldn’t have met without studying abroad.”
Andrew Dong
Aix-en-Provence, France
“It sounds obvious, but it’s good to take a day for yourself sometimes. And it’s okay not every new experience will end up being fun or for you, just find the things that you really like doing and work from there. Painting at sunrise on Lac d’Annecy was a favorite memory for me.”
Aix-en-Provence, France
“It sounds obvious, but it’s good to take a day for yourself sometimes. And it’s okay not every new experience will end up being fun or for you, just find the things that you really like doing and work from there. Painting at sunrise on Lac d’Annecy was a favorite memory for me.”
Dallas Watson
Cape Town, South Africa
“It was insightful to hear about how locals feels about the politics and history of South Africa. Our experience as Black Americans are not so different from Black South Africans and this has been so powerful to look at the commonalities. For me, this experience has been life changing.”
Cape Town, South Africa
“It was insightful to hear about how locals feels about the politics and history of South Africa. Our experience as Black Americans are not so different from Black South Africans and this has been so powerful to look at the commonalities. For me, this experience has been life changing.”
Yvonne Moreira-Andrade
Bocas del Tora, Panama
“I learned how people rely on nature in different ways, that many of us take for granted. Best day, definitely the night dive to a sunken ship!”
Bocas del Tora, Panama
“I learned how people rely on nature in different ways, that many of us take for granted. Best day, definitely the night dive to a sunken ship!”
Olivia Johnson
The Hague, Netherlands
“My perfect day started with International Dispute Settlement, my favorite class at at my university, then a cappuccino using a little Dutch at my favorite cafe, strolling around my favorite museum and neighborhoods, and finishing the day at dinner with my friends.”
The Hague, Netherlands
“My perfect day started with International Dispute Settlement, my favorite class at at my university, then a cappuccino using a little Dutch at my favorite cafe, strolling around my favorite museum and neighborhoods, and finishing the day at dinner with my friends.”
Thomas Pierce
Iceland
“Iceland has a deep connection to nature and sustainability in daily life. There is a strong emphasis on conservation and community. A favorite memory was attending the Arctic Circle assembly in Reykjavík. Seeing the northern lights everyday and exploring the beautiful nature Iceland has to offer were also amazing.”
Iceland
“Iceland has a deep connection to nature and sustainability in daily life. There is a strong emphasis on conservation and community. A favorite memory was attending the Arctic Circle assembly in Reykjavík. Seeing the northern lights everyday and exploring the beautiful nature Iceland has to offer were also amazing.”
STUDY AWAY TIMELINE
SIX MONTHS BEFORE PROGRAM START
Your program choice has been approved, so now it’s time to study the details and prepare. Applying for a passport (or checking dates on a current passport) and planning your budget kick off the process.
JUNIOR YEAR
Typically in either the first or second semester of your junior year, you’ll study away and immerse yourself in a new place with new people. Take advantage of all the opportunities that exist. You won’t regret it.
Answers to Top Study Away Questions
Hear from our Director of Study Away, Shanti Freitas, with answers to some of the top questions students have as they consider studying away.
How do I choose a program?
There is lot of support to help you choose and prepare for your study away experience. Students are connected to an advisor and other students to help you pick the program that matches your goals.
How long will I study away?
Most students at Macalester study away for a semester, or 15 weeks. This allows for an immersive experience that helps you better understand the culture of your study away location.
Will my financial aid apply?
Your financial aid package applies to your Macalester Study Away program. Helping you plan for any expenses or additional costs is part of the orientation process.
CENTER FOR STUDY AWAY
Ready to dive into the details? Explore programs and find planning tools from the Study Away office.