Smith Programs Abroad Student Handbook

Welcome and Introduction

The Office for International Study staff and the many people on campus who support the Smith Programs Abroad, welcomes you to the journey of exploration and learning that lies in front of you. Each of you will experience your time abroad in different ways, through different pursuits and perspectives, and it is our goal to support you in this process of discovery, growth and inspiration.

This Handbook is designed to provide you with an overview of key policies, resources and tools to aid you in managing your experience abroad. You will find a summary of the academic and student affairs policies that apply to each of the Smith program sites, as well as general information on travel, money, health & safety, and local culture.

Smith’s Equal Educational Opportunity policies are fully supported throughout the enrollment process and while you are abroad. We encourage a culture of respect and community on our programs as central to the intercultural understanding that we seek in a global learning environment.

Welcome to this journey. Our staff are here to support you from afar. If you have questions not answered here or on-site, we encourage you to reach out to us at the Lewis Global Studies Center.

The Smith College programs in Florence, Geneva, Hamburg and Paris are each unique in their cultural histories and practices. Our programs are based in educational mission of Smith, supported by its core value principles that apply to intercultural learning:

A College of and for the World

A college of and for the world, Smith links the power of the liberal arts to excellence in research and scholarship, thereby developing engaged global citizens and leaders to address society’s challenges.

Bold Vision

Created with the bold vision that active engagement in the world enhances the liberal arts curriculum, Smith’s Programs Abroad uphold the premise that engagement is best achieved through language proficiency, cultural immersion and the comprehension of different academic standards and perspectives.

Value on Inclusion and Equity

The Smith Programs Abroad value inclusion and equity, and encourage students with diverse identities to consider studying abroad. Students whose identities include first generation, ethnicity, ability/disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion and spirituality, age, etc. will be supported by a dedicated staff of international educators both on campus and abroad.

Contact Us!

Smith College Lewis Global Studies Center

Office for International Study

Northampton, MA 01063

Tel: (413) 585-7598

Fax: (413) 585-4982

Dean for International Study: Rebecca Hovey rhovey@smith.edu

Asst. Dean for International Study: Lisa Johnson ldjohnson@smith.edu

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