Study Away Opportunities
As a traditional liberal arts institution, Mount Saint Mary's University recognizes the value of the study away experience. Qualified students have the opportunity to gain knowledge, cultural awareness, and personal maturity as an integral part of their Mount education by participating in study away programs. Each program affords students unique and valuable experiences at other institutions, while they earn academic credit from the Mount.
Traditional study abroad opportunities are provided by the university’s partner organizations in countries around the world. International exchange options include Nanjing University, Jinling College of Nanjing University, Gannan Normal University, Richmond, The American International University in London, Universidad Anáhuac Mayab, Universidad Latina, and University of Shiga Prefecture. The ACSSJ Student Exchange, Yes We Must Coalition, and Washington Semester Program permit students from the Mount to attend other schools in the U.S. for one or two semesters. For a complete list of possible options, visit the Study Away Office or consult its web page at www.msmu.edu/academics/study-away and, especially, its internal page at myMSMU>Academics>Study Away.
Qualified students may study in one of these programs during their junior or senior year. Minimum requirements to participate include a cumulative 3.0 GPA and "good standing," as indicated by Student Affairs. Applications and other relevant information are available online or in the Study Away Office. Students who plan to study away must attend a mandatory information session during the semester prior to their desired semester away. MSMU deadlines to file an application and a Transfer of Credit Clearance form for study away are April 1 for Fall semester and October 1, for Spring semester. (Weekend/Evening College students must submit Summer semester forms by March 1.)
All students must obtain approval from the Director of Study Away in order to be eligible for financial aid while studying away. They must complete the appropriate academic year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have that information sent to Mount Saint Mary’s University. They also must submit the Aid Renewal Request Form and a breakdown of anticipated costs for the semester to the Office of Student Financing. Study away students must follow the same deadlines as students not participating in the program. They do not qualify for Federal Work Study or Mount Work funds while away, but they may be awarded work monies when they return to campus. If a student receives any type of outside award, including a scholarship or stipend from their study away program, they must report it to the Office of Student Financing, so it can be considered in the evaluation of their aid. All students participating in study away programs are required to meet with both the Office of Student Financing and the Student Accounts Office beforehand. Any additional questions regarding funding of study away programs should be directed to the Office of Student Financing.
All study away students are required to purchase and show proof of travel insurance. Travel insurance should include health, life and disability coverage. Third party providers (ex. AIFS, CAPA, CEA, IPSL, etc.) provide travel insurance by participating in their program. Students going to one of the international exchange destinations are required to purchase and show proof of travel insurance.
The GPA earned in these programs is included in the student's overall GPA and used for the conferral of honors at graduation. Each study away program may have additional requirements. Please consult the Study Away Office for more information.