Kaitlyn Richards ‘29
Chief News Editor
Students in the Holy Cross Class of 2029 can officially commence planning their international academic adventures as applications for the College’s study abroad program opened on September 15th
Sophomores interested in studying abroad have until November 30th to submit their applications, giving them ample time to explore program destinations, choose a location, and complete the application process.
In addition to semester-long programs, the College is offering a variety of Maymester programs that provide students with a shorter-term international academic experience. Applications for the Maymester programs are due November 15, which is earlier than the general study abroad applications, and Maymester opportunities are open to students in all class years, except for graduating seniors.
This year, the Maymester programs offer students the opportunity to study in destinations across Europe, South America, and Asia. These include Saints and Sinners around the World: Rome and Assisi, Paris: Arts & Architecture, Brazil: Music, Movement, Culture, Social Justice in India: Technology, History, Culture, Sulmona: Literature and Landscape, and Wales: Building a Sanctuary Nation. Each Maymester is a faculty-led program focusing on a different academic discipline, while allowing students to experience the culture, history, or language that they are learning about while immersing in real time. The programs range from the study of art in Paris to explorations of music in Brazil and technology in India.
To help students learn more information about the opportunities available, the Office of Study Abroad held its annual Study Abroad Expo on September 14, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom.
The Office of Study Abroad states that the event is an excellent opportunity to “hear inspiring stories from students who’ve experienced studying abroad firsthand, and meet the passionate staff who make these incredible programs possible.” Additionally, students will be able to “discover the unique Holy Cross Maymester opportunities and get energized about the endless possibilities awaiting you.”
During the expo, prospective study abroad students had the opportunity to speak with students who attended each program to understand their experiences from a new perspective, and representatives from each Maymester Program were present. Some students shared that “their host family was incredible”, that “it was a life-changing experience,” and that “the full immersion program truly changed the way they spoke and understood the language”. Additionally, students learned that some programs require fluency in the language; thus, students must complete a specific level of the language at Holy Cross before leaving for abroad.
Additionally, specific programs will have their own respective information session; thus, students are encouraged to keep in touch with the office through their Ignite page.
Ultimately, with applications opening Sept. 15 and deadlines approaching, students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to begin exploring their options. The Study Abroad Expo and the information sessions offer opportunities for students to learn about available programs before submitting their applications.
Image Courtesy of the Office of Study Abroad
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