Get Started

Let's get started! 

1. Consider your learning goals for study abroad. Do you want to study a particular issue in depth? Gain a new perspective on your major—and on yourself? Build cross-cultural understanding and communication skills? Take specialized courses in your major that are not available here? Improve language proficiency? 

2. Consider which type of study abroad program is best for you. Do you want to enroll in regular classes alongside local students in a university abroad? Take special courses for international students while learning the local language? Explore an issue through theme-based coursework and practical experience in a field-studies program?  

3. Explore possibilities. Check out Mount Holyoke's approved list of more than 150 programs in 50 countries. Come to info sessions and other events sponsored by the McCulloch Center. Need financial aid? Look into the Laurel Fellowship (need-based financial aid for study abroad, readily available to all students who qualify). Familiarize yourself with application deadlines.

4. Tap the wisdom of others. Talk with your major advisor about how to integrate study abroad into your academic program here. Ask your advisor and language or area studies faculty for advice about programs. Seek out returned students and read their evaluations. 

5. Consider your personal needs. If you have a medical condition or disability and typically receive ADA accommodations at Mount Holyoke, talk with Disability Services, your health care providers, and with the McCulloch Center before you apply about what support you will need abroad. Accommodations, academic support services, and access to counseling and medical treatment vary greatly from country to country. We would be happy to discuss options and identify resources for you.

6. Attend a Study Abroad 101 and/or make a study abroad advising appointment.  Adelia Pope, Study Abroad Coordinator, and April Stroud, Director of Study Abroad are available for follow-up study abroad advising appointments. Our peer mentors are available for initial study abroad advising appointments. All appointments can be scheduled via Pathways. 

Prior to meeting with April or Adelia, students can choose to attend an Study Abroad 101 session in place of a peer mentor appointment. We recommend that students complete one semester of study at MHC before making an appointment. 

Individual study abroad advising appointment are encouraged! We are eager to help you understand the study abroad process and find the program that is right for you!