Study Abroad
Immerse yourself in a life-changing experience.
Explore our portfolio of high impact, academically rigorous study abroad programs.
Experiential Learning at Home and Abroad
Holy Cross supports a vibrant and diverse community of students in our study abroad programs — from those specializing in STEM fields to others balancing multiple majors, minors and concentrations. No matter your academic path, our goal is to make you feel empowered to explore the world and make the most of your college experience.
Our team of experienced advisors is committed to supporting you every step of the way, offering personalized guidance that reflects your unique academic interests and future plans. We will work closely with you to help ensure that your study abroad experience aligns with your coursework, personal goals and career aspirations.
Study Abroad at a Glance
- #1 In the nation amongst baccalaureate institutions for yearlong study abroad according to the Institute for International Education
- 70+ Study abroad programs across the world View Programs
- 100+ Students participate in the Maymester program each summer
- 40% Of Holy Cross students go abroad each year, mostly in their junior year
- 33% Of study abroad students are STEM majors
Programs
Maymesters
Lasting approximately 4 weeks and typically beginning in mid to late May, Maymesters are academically rigorous, short-term study abroad programs led by Holy Cross faculty. They offer students an immersive learning experience during which they travel, study and explore in close collaboration with professors and classmates. Students earn one Holy Cross credit as they engage with new cultures and diverse perspectives.
Maymester programs change each year and are offered on a rotating basis. The lineup is announced in early fall and students have until Nov. 1 to apply for all Maymester programs running the following summer.
Semester & Yearlong Programs
Studying abroad for a semester or year is an incredible way to step out of your comfort zone, experience new cultures, and gain a global perspective that goes far beyond Worcester. You’ll build lifelong friendships, develop valuable skills, and discover more about yourself.
Funding Study Abroad
There is no additional fee to study abroad for a semester or an academic year.
The College of the Holy Cross operates on the 'Home School Tuition Model', which means that a semester abroad costs the same as (and sometimes a little less than) a semester at Holy Cross. Financial aid 'travels', and student financial aid packages are not impacted by study abroad. In addition, all students will receive a travel credit on their Holy Cross bursar account to help subsidize the cost of a round-trip flight from Boston to wherever they are headed.
The travel credit is a one-time credit (discount) applied directly to a student’s Holy Cross tuition bill. It is intended to help offset the cost of travel to and from the study abroad destination. The amount of the credit is recalculated annually and represents a good-faith estimate of the cost of a round-trip flight from Boston to the host institution or program. Travel to a student’s home during holidays or winter break is not included in this estimate. Once a student has been accepted by their host institution, they will receive an email notifying them of the travel credit amount. Please note that this is not a reimbursement; the credit is applied directly to the Holy Cross bill.
Students who still have a credit on their account after tuition has been paid and all financial aid, loans, scholarships etc. have been disbursed should contact the Bursar's Office, who will be able to return excess funds upon completion of the "Refund Request Form," which must be completed and signed by the student.
Maymester program costs vary depending on the specific program, typically ranging from $6,000-$8,500. To help make these programs accessible, Holy Cross has made opportunity funds available to support eligible students participating in Maymesters.
Out-of-pocket expenses such as airfare, meals, passport/visa expenses and personal expenses are typically not included in the program price and may vary depending on the specific program.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive - actual expenses will differ by program.
Steps to Study Abroad
All students who plan to study abroad during their Junior Year apply during the fall of their Sophomore year.
Study Abroad Expo
Happening in early September.
Study Abroad “General” Information Session
Happening in mid-September.
Drop-In Advising
Fall: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 p.m., Smith Hall; and Spring: Thursdays, 2-4 p.m., Smith Hall rooms 331-334
Decisions
Decisions are made by Feb. 1. Students will be notified via HC email when their application status changes.
International Health and Security Insurance Coverage
Student health and safety is a top priority for the Office of Study Abroad. All Holy Cross students participating in semester, academic year, or Maymester study abroad programs are automatically enrolled in International SOS (ISOS), a best-in-class global health, safety and emergency assistance provider.
Our Team
- M.A., University of California Davis ; M.A., Brigham Young University
- Smith Hall, Office 334A
- jsummerhays@holycross.edu
- 508-793-3057/3082
- Oversees: Japan, China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Latvia
Emma Meade, Assistant Director
- M.A., University of Galway
- Smith Hall, Office 331
- emeade@holycross.edu
- 443-468-8953
- Oversees: Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Ireland, South Africa, Jordan, School for Field Studies Programs
- Book an Appointment
Sue McCrory, Assistant Director
- PhD, Harvard University
- Smith Hall, Office 332
- smccrory@holycross.edu
- 508-793-2755
- Oversees: Italy, France, Germany, Greece, the UK, Northern Ireland, Cameroon, Australia, New Zealand
- Book an Appointment
Tammi Valeri, Study Abroad Manager (Study Away & Short-term Programs) and Finance & Billing Coordinator
- BA, Worcester State University
- Smith Hall, Room 334
- tvaleri@holycross.edu
- 508-320-1591
- Oversees: All Maymester Programs, Gallaudet University (Washington, DC), Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA), Spelman College (Atlanta, GA), Sea Education Association Program (SEA) (Woods Hole, MA)