Global Innovation

Study Abroad

Studying abroad provides a variety of exciting possibilities to see the world through the lens of education and enhance your academic pursuits in immeasurable ways. Global Innovation offers multiple opportunities for you to voyage across the waters for an immersive experience of a lifetime.

Program Options

Semester or Full Year Abroad: Exchange

For all exchange programs, Saint Peter’s students pay home school tuition directly to Saint Peter’s based on the regular semester charge. Here’s the good news: Saint Peter’s institutional aid as well as government aid can be applied to these tuition costs! Room and board fees are typically paid directly to the host institution abroad.

International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), Various Locations

Saint Peter’s is an institutional member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a network of more than 300 colleges and universities in over 50 countries that work together to provide affordable international exchange opportunities. Some ISEP programs offer courses in English. Other ISEP programs feature courses in the native language and require participants to have completed advanced/intermediate level language study prior to the study abroad program.

ISEP-Exchange participants pay tuition, room and full board fees to Saint Peter’s University. Similar to other exchange programs, all institutional and government financial aid can be applied to ISEP-Exchange expenses.

WorldStrides

WorldStrides is the nation’s largest educational travel organization that specializes in providing educational travel experiences for students. They offer a variety of programs, including student travel for academic and cultural purposes. These programs involve educational tours, performances, and other enriching activities.

Saint Peter’s has established a relationship with WorldStrides to organize and facilitate travel experiences that enhance students’ learning outside the traditional classroom setting. And just like the ISEP-Exchange program, all institutional and government financial aid can be applied.

Learn more about WorldStrides.


Direct Exchanges

Sogang University, South Korea

Sogang University is a large Jesuit institution located in the heart of Seoul – the bustling cultural, political, and business capital of South Korea. Sogang offers a rich selection of courses taught in English in biology, computer science, economics, history, theology, philosophy, political science, business management, international studies, Asian studies, etc. Korean fluency is by no means required; however students are encouraged to take a Korean language class while at Sogang.

Deusto University, Spain

Deusto University is a private, Jesuit university located in Bilbao, Spain. It is the oldest private institution in Spain. Deusto offers courses in English in business, psychology, law, international business, political science, and history, as well as courses in Spanish. While at Deusto, students can easily explore Bilbao and countless other cultural heritage sites, including the nearby birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. 

John Cabot University

John Cabot University is a private American liberal arts university located in the bustling and historical city of Rome, Italy. John Cabot offers a variety of courses ranging from English and communications to history, economics, finances and international affairs. At John Cabot, students have an opportunity to be at an American institution while immersing themselves in Italian culture.

Faculty-Led Travel Courses

Sometimes it might make more sense for you to learn globally for a few weeks, rather than for a full semester or academic year. If you’re looking for a short-term way to gain cross-cultural insights, a faculty-led travel course could be an ideal option for you. It’s the perfect way to combine classroom learning in Saint Peter’s with experiential learning around the world. Faculty led travel courses are classes that typically take place in the Spring semester. It is a unique class that intertwines classroom learning with overseas travel. All students are welcome to register for such courses!

How do I sign up?

Students can travel overseas and earn credit with a Saint Peter’s faculty member over winter or spring break. Look for courses with the INTL designation in Class Search, Spirit Online or Student Planning. Contact the professor directly for detailed information and steps to register. 

Important points to remember when signing up

If a faculty-led travel course if of interest to you, you must ensure that the following criteria are met: 

  • Faculty led programs are electives. A student must ensure that course is aligned with requirements to graduate (Contact Academic Advisor).
  • Students who register for such courses must be full time (12-18 credits) to apply financial aid to the cost of the credits. 

NOTE: Financial aid does not cover the cost of travel, neither do they cover any overload/underload credits

  • A Financial Travel Agreement Form will be made available and must be filled out before departure

Faculty-Led Programs

  1. Course Design and Approval by Your School or College
    1. If the study tour has never been previously approved, you will need to prepare a new-course proposal for your Academic Dean. All courses must be approved by your Dean prior to submission to the Associate Dean for Global Innovation and Recruitment (“Associate Dean”).All courses must have at least 10 students enrolled in the course to successfully travel abroad. If you are planning to co-teach a course with a different college, the course must still have a combined minimum of 10 students to travel abroad.

      The deadlines for these programs are as follows, meaning students must apply before these deadlines:

      • January Term: October 1
      • Spring Break: October 15
      • May/Summer Term: October 15
    2. If the appropriate Dean has previously approved the course, the study tour course is ready for consideration for inclusion in the department’s workload for the semester during which it is planned.Note that January Term and Summer Session study tour courses often are included in Spring semesters so as to enable students to include such courses in their full-time course loads for no additional tuition. For example, a January Term study tour course may include several follow-up class sessions during the subsequent Spring Semester and receive a grade at the end of that semester.

      Faculty will receive additional compensation for the semester, which will be based on the applicable University semester rate in effect at the time. This is a per-student rate with a maximum amount.

      As with any other new course, once a short-term study tour course has received the appropriate Dean’s approval and is “on the books,” it may be offered again as often as the department and the Dean agree to include it in the workload.

      Study tour courses that change destinations each time they are offered are analogous to special-topics courses in that they need not go back for subsequent approvals by the Dean for a new course but will require departmental workload approval.

  2. Associate Dean
    1. For programs in 2027, your planned short-term study tour proposal should be presented to your College Dean by August 25 and to the Associate Dean by September 1 of the academic year preceding the academic year or summer session in which the study tour will be run.In other words, the proposed study tour should be brought to the Associate Dean’s attention simultaneously with the workload being approved by your Dean.

      For programs in 2028, the deadline will be during the Spring semester of 2027. The date is to be determined. This will allow enough time for proper advertising and recruitment during the summer and orientations.

    2. In a meeting with the Associate Dean, you will provide the study tour course proposal that was already approved by your Dean and the scope of the proposed study tour course. This will enable the staff member to request proposals from at least two pre-approved third-party providers that specialize in your area of interest.We encourage faculty to specifically identify the “required” elements and the “preferred” elements of the program proposal before proposals are requested.
    3. The Associate Dean will request proposals from a minimum of two potential providers, provided the providers offer programs in the requested countries.
    4. After a provider has been selected, a contract will be prepared by the Associate Dean, reviewed and approved by the University, and forwarded to the selected provider for signature.
  3. Once the contract has been fully executed by both parties, the Associate Dean’s office will prepare promotional materials for the study tour course. You will have an opportunity to review and approve these materials and the manner(s) of promotion.
  4. The Associate Dean will conduct an orientation session to assist enrolled students with completing the application process.All payments made by the students will be paid online. The Student Accounts office will register students for their courses. Students will need to make sure they have the 3 credits available in their schedule.
  5. The Associate Dean will process the applications, ensuring that all documentation is fully completed by all students; conducting conduct checks; arranging for reasonable accommodations for students who self-disclose disabilities; and ensuring that all students have provided photocopies of their passports, visas, health questionnaire, and emergency contact information.Faculty participating in international education programs should be aware that students are solely responsible for disclosing any disability and for requesting appropriate accommodations through the University’s Disabilities Services Office (“DS”). It is the student’s responsibility to provide accurate, complete, and timely documentation of a disability and to submit accommodation requests in accordance with DS policies and deadlines when applying for any study abroad program through Saint Peter’s University.

    The University’s DS policies may be accessed at the following link: Disability Services

    Per such policies, the Associate Dean or their office does not initiate disability services or accommodations on behalf of students, as students are responsible for disability disclosure and accommodation requests.

  6. The Associate Dean will work with faculty and staff leaders to ensure all necessary information concerning the students participating in study tour courses is provided.The Associate Dean will provide a health and safety manual and up-to-date information relevant to the program’s destination(s) during the required pre-departure session, which may take place virtually.
  7. Financials: Faculty and staff leaders are responsible for collecting and documenting original receipts for proper reimbursement while traveling.Upon return, leaders should ensure that their reimbursement requests and receipts are submitted to Student Accounts for approval. The Associate Dean is not responsible for assembling and preparing financial reimbursements.
  8. The cost of the international daily pass that your cell phone provider uses will be covered. Please be sure to include a copy of your bill showing these charges in your reimbursement request.Other fees that are able to be reimbursed include meals not included in the program and transportation to and from the airport. These fees are rolled into the student price from the beginning.

    Alcohol and personal souvenirs are not reimbursable.

  9. Car Rental Outside of the U.S.: Anytime there is an auto rental outside of the United States, the renter should always opt to take the local auto insurance policy offered by the car rental company.Saint Peter’s University auto insurance does not cover car rentals abroad.
  10. All programs must have a ratio of 1 leader per 10 students, and a minimum of 2 leaders on any given trip.
  11. Faculty and students must understand that program providers are responsible only for the specific services outlined in program materials abroad (e.g., academics, housing, excursions, on-site support).The availability or delivery of these services may be affected by circumstances beyond the provider’s control, such as strikes, political events, natural disasters, or changes by third-party vendors, for which the provider is not responsible, including any additional expenses or independent activities resulting from such circumstances.

    Saint Peter’s University is not liable for services delivered by any provider, nor is Saint Peter’s University liable for services not directly controlled or delivered by the provider.

  12. Faculty, staff leaders, and students are responsible for completing study abroad waivers provided by the Associate Dean.
  13. Faculty/Staff Guest Policies: As approved by the VPAA and Deans, effective September 1, 2026, Saint Peter’s University will not be responsible for supporting family members, guests, or alumni joining faculty-led programs.
    1. The faculty member will work directly with the program provider to arrange a guest package for any guests they wish to bring.
      1. Any guest must join all activities.
      2. Any guest under 13 years of age must be accompanied by another adult at all times, different from the faculty leader.

Health and Safety Protocols when Abroad

While spending time abroad serves to be a great experience, it is always imperative that we emphasize to practice safety cautions to ensure a wonderful time! Saint Peter’s University aims to protect our students and faculty. Simultaneously, we strongly encourage all travel participants to exercise the following when abroad:

  • Use your common sense, just as if you were home
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times
  • Do NOT walk while talking on the phone or with headphones in; you may become a target because you are not paying attention. Walk like you are confident and know where you are going
  • Don’t put your phone in your back pocket, or have it out while on public transit. This makes you easily susceptible to pickpockets
  • Know the emergency numbers in your host country
  • Know your hotel address
  • Register your travels with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the State Department. This allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad with the respective US Embassy or Consulate. They can also send you alerts about events or other advisories while abroad. Friends and family can sign up to get these alerts as well. https://step.state.gov/
  • Know the location of the US Embassy or Consulate in countries to which you are traveling.

Insurance for Travel Participants

In addition to personal cautionary actions, all travel participants will be insured for the duration of their respective trips. This insurance coverage is included in the cost of travel at an affordable cost. Saint Peter’s University has established a partnership with International Student Insurance. Prior to travel, all participants will receive an insurance card and must keep them for the duration of their stay abroad.

US Embassies Abroad

There is a US embassy located in many countries abroad. It is imperative to note the location should be made aware to every traveler for needs pertaining to US citizens abroad. This can be found here US Embassies Abroad.

Studying Abroad for a Semester

Perhaps you’d like to spend a full semester abroad instead of a couple of days. Perhaps you’d like to experience a different environment a little longer than a few weeks. Saint Peter’s University offers opportunities to make that possible.

Direct Exchange

Saint Peter’s has direct exchange programs with Sogang University, Deusto University, MIC, SMU London. Students who select any one of these institutions will be a direct exchange student.

Cost of attendance at these institutions will be directly proportional to that of Saint Peters. Students will pay for tuition as though they were here! 

Should you choose to select an institution that is not listed above, it is imperative that you inform Global Innovation. Contact the Institution and request information. Provide the School name and contact person to Global Innovation. Prior to your selection, here is what you should consider.

Do your research

This is the first and most important step. Ensure that you have a substantial amount of sufficient information about the country of choice. One such way is to look through the United States Department of State Travel Advisory. This gives detailed and up to date information as well as the level of safety in all respective countries. 

Make sure to find out ahead of time of travel regulations for US citizens or your citizenship if different. 

Have a Passport of Validity of no less than 6 months to Travel Date

All travelers will need a valid passport representing their nationality to be able to travel abroad.

Scholarships

US Department of State Scholarships

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports U.S. undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad.

Critical Language Scholarship

Critical Language Scholarship provides opportunities for American college and university students to study languages and cultures essential to America’s engagement with the world. 

Each summer, American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities across the country, spend eight to ten weeks learning one of thirteen languages at an intensive study abroad institute. The CLS Program is designed to promote rapid language gains and essential intercultural fluency in regions that are critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.