Advising students on Learning Abroad
Immersion in another country and culture offers students one of the most powerful personal and intellectual experiences to advance their academics, their understanding of global issues, and their sense of self in the world. Students who are encouraged by their advisors to think about learning abroad and how it can fit into their academic program are much more likely to go abroad.

Study Abroad: Semester/Year

Programs.  Students may choose from more than 20 Mount Holyoke programs and exchanges, or from more than 150 other programs that we approve, in more than 60 countries altogether. Our list of approved programs reflects careful review and consultation with faculty about the best options in their areas of expertise. 

Cost: Most programs abroad cost less than studying at Mount Holyoke. Except for certain MHC programs and exchanges, students pay fees to their host university or program, and they pay only an administrative fee ($750 per semester) to Mount Holyoke.

Financial Aid: Mount Holyoke aid does not travel automatically. Students eligible for need-based financial aid may apply for Laurel Fellowships to substitute for the aid they would have received here. Last year, 97% of Laurel applications were approved.  Students applying for Laurel Fellowships should select programs that we have designated as “bolded,” meaning that they are high-quality programs competitively priced for their location. Taking program cost into account helps us meet our goal of funding more students for study abroad.

Requirements: Students must have a GPA of 2.7 or better, approval of their major department, appropriate language proficiency, and be able to meet graduation requirements on schedule.  

Key Deadlines
See our website for the complete list of deadlines.

Planning to study abroad in...	Applying for Laurel Fellowship	Not Applying for Laurel Fellowship
Fall 2010 or for the academic year 2010-2011	December 4, 2009	December 4, 2009 for MHC programs March 1, 2010 for non-MHC programs
Spring 2011	March 31, 2010	March 31, 2010 for MHC programs November 1, 2010 for non-MHC programs

“Being in Italy for four months, I saw myself become a stronger, wiser, more honest, and more courageous woman. I was given the distinct and profound opportunity to test and solidify my belief system, and to advance my understanding of my major at the same time .” Linda Senecal ‘09, Ancient Studies, Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies, Rome, Italy

Summer International Internships

Students engaged in work abroad are typically fully immersed in the host culture; they work in a professional environment and contribute to the daily operations of their host organization.

Programs:  The MHC International Internship Program (MHC-IIP) offers a unique selection of funded international internships that have been arranged through MHC faculty, alumnae, and parents.  We also encourage students to develop their own international internship using the resources in the McCulloch Center, Web resources, and cultivating opportunities through their personal networks.

Application and Funding:  Students apply for MHC-IIP opportunities through the Universal Application Form (UAF). Funding will include a travel allowance and cover living expenses in the host city.  Students who develop their own international internship may apply for summer funding through the UAF.

Requirements for MHC-IIP:  Varies depending on internship; see the guidelines on our Web site.

Deadlines:  Students interested in the MHC-IIP must schedule an appointment with Jale Okay by February 29, 2010.  All students seeking funding must submit the Universal Application Form by February 26, 2010 at 5 p.m.

Examples of 2009 Internships:

• European Union, Brussels, Belgium
• Career English Island, Tokyo Woman’s
  Christian University, Japan
• UNICEF, Bangkok, Thailand
• The Global Fund for Women, San Francisco
• Center for Science and Environment,
  Delhi, India

Global Studies Summer Fellowships (GSSF)

The GSSF provides funding for students for collaborative student-mentor research abroad during the summer.  While the mentor will ideally be a Mount Holyoke faculty member who is on-site with the student, the mentor may also be a faculty member who remains at MHC, or an outside expert. GSSF projects typically become the basis for a senior thesis.

Application : Apply through the Universal Application Form. 
Deadline: February 26, 2010 for summer 2010 projects.