Molly Landis ’27
News Editor
On Monday, September 9, students had the chance to explore the many different options they have when it comes to choosing a place to study abroad. The majority of the programs that Holy Cross offers were set up in the Hogan Ballroom, offering students information about the programs. At each table were student representatives or admissions officers from the partner organizations ready to talk to students about the experience in general, any questions they may have had, and to give personal anecdotes about their experiences.
When picking places to go, students have no shortage of places to choose from. There are programs across the world ranging from language immersion in Jordan to environmental studies in Kenya, and general studies programs in Ireland, the UK, Italy, and so many more. Students have the option to go abroad for the fall or spring semester, a full year, or only for 4 weeks in the summer as part of Holy Cross’s Maymester program. The Maymester is an opportunity for students to go abroad in May and earn one credit. Maymesters for 2025 are located in Brazil, India, Venice, Cuba, and Paris. Staff were present to speak with students interested in the Maymesters.
Julia Kane ‘27 attended the expo and said, “I enjoyed the fair and the opportunity to begin to explore my options for studying abroad next fall. It was beneficial to hear students’ perspectives, and I look forward to my own study abroad experience!” Sophomores are currently in the process of further exploring their options in order to figure out what program would most fit their interests. Studying abroad is a great opportunity for students to “develop greater levels of self-confidence and independence, grow their capacity to connect with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and gain newfound perspective on their home country as well” (Holy Cross Study Abroad website). Abel Lidonde ‘25 said, “From my own experience studying abroad, I can confidently say that it was one of the most transformative opportunities I’ve ever had. Immersing yourself in multiple new cultures, along with gaining deeper understandings of diverse global perspectives, all whilst making lifelong friends and memories along the way, is something that I will truly cherish for the rest of my life. With all that said, if granted the opportunity to study abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend it.”
For the 2025-2026 year, there are 55 programs available. For the 2023-2024 year, there were 34 host locations around the world. In 2024-2025, there will be 351 students taking part in semester and year-long programs, and there were 95 students that took part in the 2024 Maymester. In general, Holy Cross is ranked #1 “among baccalaureate institutions in the United States for long-term study abroad programs according to the Institute for International Education” (Holy Cross Study Abroad website). Students interested in learning more can attend information sessions about different programs, can visit the Holy Cross Study Abroad website, or can book an advising appointment with a Study Abroad staff member.
Featured image courtesy of College of the Holy Cross
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