Holy Cross Study Abroad
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The deadline to apply to study abroad is November 30 for semester/year-long programs and November 7 for Maymesters programs
The Office of Study Abroad at Holy Cross offers high-quality, immersive programs that foster intellectual growth, spark cultural curiosity, and support personal development in vibrant global destinations. As international extensions of the College, these carefully designed programs meet the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad and allow you to fully immerse yourself in new cultures while pursuing academic opportunities - all as you earn credit toward your Holy Cross degree. By engaging meaningfully with your host culture and institution, you’ll gain fresh perspectives and experiences that will enrich your academic journey, regardless of your major or focus.
Our distinguished portfolio includes over 50 academically rigorous year-long, semester, and short-term study programs in more than 30 countries and territories - among them Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bhutan, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
We invite you to explore your interests abroad and bring those insights back to Holy Cross and beyond.
Applications for Academic Year 2026-2027 open on September 15, 2025 and close on November 30, 2025
Semester & Year-long Study Abroad
Semester & Year-long Study Abroad
Studying abroad for a semester or year is an incredible way to step out of your comfort zone, experience new cultures, and gain a global perspective that goes far beyond Worcester. You’ll build lifelong friendships, develop valuable skills, and discover more about yourself. It’s more than just travel; it’s a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in ways that will shape your future.
We take pride in supporting a vibrant and diverse community of students in our study abroad programs - from those specializing in STEM fields to others balancing multiple majors, minors, and concentrations. No matter your academic path, our goal is to make study abroad accessible, enriching, and supportive, so you feel empowered to explore the world and make the most of your college experience.
Our team of experienced advisors is committed to supporting you every step of the way, offering personalized guidance that reflects your unique academic interests and future plans. We will work closely with you to help ensure that your study abroad experience aligns with your coursework, personal goals, and career aspirations.
Bridget Thomson, '25, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Steps to Study Abroad
Steps to Study Abroad
The Fall is when your application journey begins:
Attend Study Abroad Expo & program-specific info sessions
Meet with academic advisors & the Office of Study Abroad
Complete an application by November 30-nu\
Drop-in Advising
Drop-in Advising
Drop-in Advising Hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2pm-4pm, Smith Hall 330-334. Students are required to meet with a Study Abroad advisor before November 30 in order to be eligible to study abroad during the next academic year. Those who are unable to attend drop-in hours can check Study Abroad staff appointment booking links for further availability.
Lauren Mlicko'25, Oxford, Mansfield College, UK
Academics
Academics
The educational advantages of study abroad are profound. The Office of Study Abroad has intentionally curated a portfolio of 50+ Study Abroad programs that can integrate seamlessly into any student's academic program. In tandem with Study Abroad Faculty Advisors, the Study Abroad staff guides students with rigorous and multifaceted academic pursuits - often involving multiple majors, minors, and concentrations - in selecting programs that align with their academic objectives.
People say that study abroad changes your life, and I have experienced that first hand. I would like to use my experience in Argentina to inspire future students and help them find their way to their next adventure.
-Ashley Sok '24, Buenos Aires
Spanish major (pre-nursing track)
Sophia Albrysh '28 Bangalore, India
Maymesters
Maymesters
Lasting approximately 4 weeks and typically beginning in mid to late May, Maymesters are academically rigorous, short-term study abroad programs led by Holy Cross faculty. They offer students an immersive learning experience during which you will travel, study, and explore in close collaboration with professors and classmates. You will earn one Holy Cross credit as you engage with new cultures and diverse perspectives. Using a world city as your classroom, you will connect academic concepts to real-world experiences in ways that will enrich your intellectual pursuits at Holy Cross.
Holy Cross's study abroad program spoke to me when I first visited campus as a prospective student. Now that I've actually had the opportunity to study abroad, I find myself absolutely invested in spreading the word and encouraging future students to take the leap!
-Katherine McAninch '24, Galway
Biology major (pre-med track)
Funding Study Abroad
Funding Study Abroad
There is no additional fee to study abroad for a semester or academic year. Semester and Academic-Year Study Abroad Programs at the College of the Holy Cross operate on a home school tuition policy. By continuing to pay Holy Cross tuition while they study abroad, students on HC-approved study abroad programs remain continuously enrolled at the College, which allows them to receive credit for their courses abroad and for grades to appear on their Holy Cross transcript.
Because students remain enrolled at Holy Cross, the Office of Study Abroad provides them with a full range of support services and programming such as pre-departure advising, support while abroad, and orientation when they return to campus.
The College is committed to making study abroad accessible for all qualified students. Under the home school tuition policy, federal and institutional financial aid will be applied to the student’s bill for HC-approved programs. Financial aid eligibility is determined using the same process as for students living on campus, and the award is based on the standard cost of attendance. When calculating aid, the College includes the standard meal plan, even if it is not billed directly to a student’s account.
To help make studying abroad as cost-neutral as possible, the College provides a travel credit to all students, and additional services at no extra charge. These services may include cultural programming, on-site advisors and tutors.
Students should be prepared for out-of-pocket expenses that vary from program to program and can include student visa fees, books, and personal expenses.
Max Reinhardt ‘26, Athens, Greece
Funding a Maymester Program
Funding a Maymester Program
Maymester program costs vary depending on the specific program - typically ranging from $6,000-$8,500. To help make these programs accessible, Holy Cross makes opportunity funds available to eligible students. Out-of-pocket expenses such as airfare, meals, passport/visa expenses and personal expenses are typically not included in the program price and may vary.
Since studying abroad in Melbourne, I have felt a change in myself, a matured social confidence that has allowed me to make some of the greatest friends I've ever had.
-Hannah Smyth '24, Melbourne (academic year)
Chemistry & Asian Studies double major
Maddie Foard '25, Granada, Spain
Insurance, Health & Safety
Insurance, Health & Safety
Insurance: All Holy Cross students who study abroad are automatically enrolled in International SOS (ISOS), a state-of-the art global security assistance and international health insurance provider. lSOS offers comprehensive medical, security, psychological support, as well as logistical expertise to all Holy Cross students during their time abroad. The Office of Study Abroad also provides students with 24/7 access to staff in case of emergency.
Health: In addition to the health insurance provided by the Office of Study Abroad, staff provides in-depth advising on managing medications, mental health, and emergencies abroad.
Safety: The Office of Study Abroad provides bespoke health & safety guidance in its site-specific pre-departure meetings, which occur in the months prior to student travel.
Students are encouraged to read and understand all Office of Study Abroad policies before applying to study abroad.
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