Study Abroad Programs

Semester or Year Programs

The Center for International Programs (CIP) offers students 27 approved/affiliated semester or year-long study abroad options. Each program is unique and will offer something different in terms of size, academic offerings, housing, student experience, eligibility requirements, and cost. It's important to consider all of these factors and to carefully research your options before making a decision. Not every program will be the right fit for every student. We encourage you to use the "Advanced Search" feature on our online program portal to help navigate and narrow down the options, or browse a list of all 27 programs. In addition, students with a valid academic need can also consider petitioning for a non-approved program.

Please also be sure to review the Semester Abroad Policy, our FAQs sheet and some information about the application process before getting started.

Featured Programs

Group of students from the American College of Greece on a cliff in front of the sea

wooden park benches facing a river in Tokyo under cherry blossoms

The campus of Universidad Alberto Hurtado

Three students sit on a hill overlooking Auckland, New Zealand

The American College of Greece: Located on a breathtaking hillside at the edge of Athens, an American-style, 64-acre campus offers an ideal setting to study in Greece: modern classrooms, the ACG Library, with extensive print, online and audio-visual resources, and the College’s athletic facilities, including the FIFA designed soccer field, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor and outdoor courts and fitness and exercise studios. With three schools — the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and the Frances Rich School of Fine and Performing Arts — and over 1,000 courses offered each year, there is a wide variety of subjects to choose from, such as business, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, communication and environmental studies.

Sibanye Cape Town: Marquette University’s Sibanye Cape Town program has helped students gain new perspectives and immerse themselves in South African culture through coursework at the University of the Western Cape and community-based learning. Alumni tell us the experience has made a transformative impact on how they see the world. Put your education to work to address global challenges. You will serve with a community-based organization two days a week during the semester. These service learning sites let you make a difference in the ongoing transformation of South Africa through working on community education, health issues, gender inequities, sustainable living, and youth education.

Sophia University: Saint Joseph's University has a direct exchange with Sophia University, our fellow Jesuit institution in Tokyo. Tokyo provides an amazing backdrop for a yearlong or spring semester study opportunity. Students from Saint Joseph's are considered exchange students at Sophia and will be eligible to enroll in the program of study in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and, on a space-available basis, and in other Sophia faculties for which they are linguistically and academically qualified.

Universidad Alberto Hurtado (UAH): Saint Joseph's University has an exchange partnership with the Universidad Alberto Hurtado (UAH), a Jesuit University located in the heart of downtown Santiago, Chile. The University places particular emphasis on the fields of social sciences and humanities in order to understand the complexity of the economic, political and cultural situations that form the Chilean - and indeed Latin American - social reality. There are approximately 4,300 students currently at UAH. The campus has a very intimate and friendly environment, and exchange students will especially feel at home with the support of an on-site coordinator. This is a perfect option for students looking for a linguistically and culturally immersive program in Latin America.

IFSA - University of Auckland: See what it’s like to live in one of the world’s top-rated cities for quality of life with a semester at prestigious U of Auckland. Students will be fully integrated into the New Zealand academic system and will take courses alongside local students and other international students. New Zealand’s largest city is known for a beautiful maritime setting, and subtropical climate, full of parks, galleries, museums, shopping, and cafés—with hiking, beaches, and more outdoor getaways an easy hop away.

1 of 5

SJU Summer Programs

We realize that not every student will be able to spend an entire semester or year abroad. Therefore, we offer multiple short-term options, including faculty-led SJU summer programs, which are unique study abroad programs designed to introduce you to other countries and cultures as you live and study abroad for one month. The goal of a summer program is to offer an enriching experience abroad to students from any major who may not have the flexibility to spend a semester abroad but want a longer immersion than a study tour. It is great for student-athletes or those considering taking summer credit.

The Center for International Programs (CIP) plans, coordinates and implements all aspects of SJU summer programs. The courses are taught by Saint Joseph's faculty from a variety of academic disciplines and departments, and a coordinator (appointed by the University) is available for the duration of the program.

Featured Programs

saint joseph's university student in greece

Giacomo della Porta's Fontana del Pantheon in Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, Italy

saint joseph's university students reading newspapers during summer program in south africa

SJU Greece Summer Program: Two courses (different every year) are offered by SJU faculty as students explore the Greek peninsula and its islands, with segments in Athens, Syros, Crete, and Santorini.

SJU Rome Summer Program: Known as "The Eternal City," Rome holds some of the world's most important monuments and archaeological sites. Professors will use Rome as a classroom, and many learning experiences will take place while visiting historic landmarks and museums.

SJU South Africa Summer Program: This summer program in South Africa offers students an opportunity to study the culture, economics and politics of pre- and post-apartheid South Africa through lived experiences. Students will get to learn in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, which is home to nearly 8 million people, while studying Communications.

1 of 3

An SJU Summer Program is a month-long academic course offered by SJU faculty during the summer. We currently offer programs in Greece, South Africa, and Rome. Academic learning takes place on-site, with required pre-departure meetings and assignments that help prepare students for the immersion experience. Summer programs are designed to give students a longer immersion experience in other countries and cultures than study tours.
Any student who is not on academic or disciplinary probation may enroll provided that they have received academic advisor approval and have met course prerequisites. There is no GPA requirement. CIP recommends that students meet with their academic advisor to make sure that they have met pre-requisites (if applicable) and to discuss GEP or academic program requirements.
The programs begin in May, June, or July, and last one month. In addition, students will be required to attend pre-departure meetings during the preceding spring semester.
All students must take the summer program courses for credit. Students cannot enroll in a study tour course “for the travel portion only.” This means you must register for the course, for which you will get a grade and pay tuition. Once you register, your SJU account will be billed for both tuition and the program fee.
Students pay a program fee for all summer programs that covers airfare, lodging, site visits, insurance, some meals and more. Program fees vary based upon location. Students are also charged summer tuition at the undergraduate or graduate rate.
Prior to departure, students complete reading and assignments that help them prepare for the upcoming travel. They meet with their professor and classmates occasionally during the preceding spring semester to prepare for the class and travel. Students must also attend a mandatory pre-departure meeting and a mandatory health and safety meeting held by the CIP. Here, students receive important information on their itinerary as well as tips for traveling related to topics such as packing, currency, and much more. They also receive information on emergency procedures and health and safety issues among other topics. See the Health & Safety page for more information.
If Saint Joseph's cancels a program, the $300 deposit is refundable. However, if the program runs and a student decides not to participate, the deposit remains non-refundable. Depending on when a student withdraws their participation in the program, there will also be other program fee withdrawal penalties.
Yes. CIP offers grants to several summer program participants. Applicants must be full-time degree-seeking undergraduates applying to one of the SJU Summer Programs. Please see the application for more information. The grant committee will select students based on merit, need, and an essay shortly after the summer program application deadline has passed. Students should also check with academic departments for any scholarships they may have available.

Students can also search for outside funding with the following search engines: IIE Study Abroad Funding, GoAbroad.com, International Scholarships.
After the program fee has been posted to the student's account, the program fee can be paid online just as one pays their regular tuition. You may also pay by check made payable to Saint Joseph's University and sent to the Office of Student Accounts. Please be sure to include the program name in the ‘memo’ section of the check. The program fee can be paid all at once or in installments adhering to payment deadlines. If a student has any questions regarding Summer Program payments, they should contact the Office of Student Accounts at 610-660-2400.

Non-SJU Summer/Winter Programs

If you are interested in a summer or winter study abroad program offered by another university, please carefully review the Non-SJU Summer/Winter Study Abroad Procedures, which vary greatly from the policies and procedures for SJU-sponsored summer and winter programs.

Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about studying abroad over the winter or summer term, please make an appointment with a CIP staff member by emailing cip@sju.edu.

Study Tours

A study tour a short-term period of group travel that is part of a semester-long course taught on Saint Joseph's campus. A study tour is designed to introduce students to other countries and cultures by bringing to life what is being learned in the classroom.

Saint Joseph's offers study tours in multiple disciplines and to several destinations each year to allow a variety of students to participate. The courses are taught and led by SJU faculty with logistical coordination provided by the Center for International Programs, a tour coordinator, and a tour provider/organization.

Stay tuned for an announcement of our study tours for 2025, and browse our 2024 study tours below for examples of our offerings. You can also find more information about our study tours by attending an info session and reviewing the study tour policy.

2025 Study Tours

Students posing for a photo in Costa Rica

students and faculty cross a footbridge in Northern Ireland

The stage of the reconstructed Globe Theatre, London

Just Healthcare in Developing Nations (HCE/THE 368): Students enrolled in HCE/THE 368 in Fall 2025 with Father Peter Clark will travel to Costa Rica in January 2026. The course examines the issue of just health care for all peoples from both a public health perspective and an ethical perspective. Participants will have the opportunity to visit public and private health care hospitals, clinics, and centers. More information and application forthcoming.

Religion, Violence, and Terrorism (REL 275): Students enrolled in REL 275 with Dr. Paul Aspan in Spring 2025 will learn from community members and community partner organizations throughout their immersion in Belfast, Ballycastle and Derry in May. In Belfast students will spend time learning about the marginalization of identities during the "Troubles" as well as the impact it has on today's society. Time will also be spent at Corrymeela, an ecumenical community committed to the work of reconciliation by providing a “safe and shared space” where people can meet as Protestants and Catholics, British and Irish, rich and poor, and through open dialogue and interaction grow in trust with one another.

Honors Study Tour: Global Shakespeares (ENG 304): Students enrolled in this honors course, team-taught by Dr. Jason Powell and Dr. Deron Albright, in the Spring of 2025 will travel to London, England, to explore the history behind Shakespeare's works and take in performances at the Globe Theatre.
Photo credit: Alex-David Baldi, Creative Commons License.

Study Tour to Spain (SPA 356): Students enrolled in this Spring 2025 course with Dr. Theresa Zmurkewycz will explore the past and present of Spanish society, both in the classroom at Saint Joseph’s University and on site during the trip to Spain in May, where they will visit Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Córdoba, Sevilla, Málaga, Granada, Barcelona, Figueres, and Girona. Students will examine historical events to help them understand present day Spain. They will advance their knowledge of Spain through the study of its geography, art, architecture, languages, music, film, literature and celebrations. They will determine if there’s a unique Spanish manner of seeing and understanding the world. The class will examine the Spanish immigration and politics in proportion to the European Union and the world.
Photo credit: SkareMedia, Creative Commons License

Global Perspectives in Leadership (EDL 885): Graduate students enrolled in this summer study tour course with Dr. Chris Heasley will learn about the history and culture of Peru while visiting educational, health, and community organization sites.

1 of 5

A study tour is an academic course offered by SJU faculty combined with a required short-term travel component. The course is held on campus, primarily during the spring or fall semester. Study tours are designed to enhance coursework by introducing students to other countries and cultures.
Any student who is not on academic or disciplinary probation or deferred suspension may enroll provided that they have received academic advisor approval and have met course pre-requisites. Some study tours may have participation restrictions such as class year, course pre-requisites or GPA.
It varies. Some tours are spring courses with travel over spring break or travel in May. Others are summer courses with travel in May or June. Occasionally there are fall courses with travel in January.
Most last 7-10 days, while others may last only a few days or even two weeks.
All students must take the study tour courses for credit. Students cannot enroll in a study tour course for the travel portion only. This means you must register for the course, for which you will get a grade and pay tuition. Once you register, your SJU account will be billed for both tuition and the program fee.
Students interested in gaining international experience may be unsure as to whether to pursue a study tour course or a semester, year or summer program. Here is a brief outline of some of the considerations. However, many students choose to have more than one type of international experience!
- Courses: Semester abroad students must get pre-approval to take courses overseas so that they will transfer back to SJU for degree requirements. When enrolling in a study tour, a student is registering for an SJU class, taught by an SJU professor who will both meet with the group on campus before and after travel and who will lead the group in classes or site visits during the study tour.
- Immersion: Semester abroad is typically done during a fall or spring semester with the individual U.S. student enrolling in an overseas university or host program to take a full load of courses. Semester abroad allows students many months to immerse themselves in the host country, culture, and language. A study tour is a short travel period designed for a group of students to visit one or several countries. Study tours will have class meetings on-site, and students may engage in service learning or other experiences with host country nationals. Study tours move as a group from site to site quickly, with lots of bus, train, and airport transfers in a short time.
- Housing: Semester abroad students may be able to live with a host family, with host country nationals, with other international students, or with other Americans in dorms or apartments (depending on their program). A study tour will typically have students living in dorms or tourist-class hotels.
- Free Time: Students who live in a host country for a year, semester, or summer will have time outside of classes to explore the host city, culture, and country, or neighboring countries. For study tour students, the focus is on the group visiting the sites associated with the course, so there is less free time for students to do their own thing.
There is a program fee for all study tours that covers airfare, lodging, site visits, insurance, some meals, and more. Program fees vary based upon location and length of stay.

If the academic course is part of the student’s full-time semester load, there is no additional tuition charge. Any financial aid or payment plans will apply. If the study tour course takes place during the summer or is an overload course, the student is required to pay summer or overload tuition as well.
Deadlines vary from program to program. Students applying for spring courses with spring travel will apply in the preceding fall semester. Students applying for fall courses with January travel will apply in the preceding spring semester. Please see each program for individual application deadlines. Please keep in mind that spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Some programs fill before the advertised deadlines.
Prior to departure, students complete reading and assignments that help them prepare for the upcoming travel portion of the class. They meet with their professor and classmates throughout the semester to prepare for travel. Students must also attend a mandatory pre-departure meeting and a mandatory health and safety meeting held by the CIP. Here, students receive important information on their itinerary as well as tips for traveling related to topics such as packing, currency, and much more. They also receive information on emergency procedures and health and safety issues, among other topics. See the Health & Safety page for more information.
If Saint Joseph's cancels a tour, the $300 deposit is refundable. However, if the tour runs and a student decides not to participate, the deposit remains non-refundable. Depending on when a student withdraws their participation in the program, there will also be other program fee withdrawal penalties.
Yes. CIP offers grants to several study tour participants. Students must be full-time degree-seeking undergraduates applying for one of the SJU Study Tours. Please see the application for more information. The grant committee will select students based on merit, need, and an essay. Students should also check with academic departments for any scholarships they may have available as well.
After the study tour program fee has been posted to the student's account, the student can pay the program fee online just as they pay their regular tuition. You may also pay by check made payable to Saint Joseph’s University and sent to the Office of Student Accounts. Please be sure to include the program name in the ‘memo’ section of the check. The program fee can be paid all at once or in installments adhering to payment deadlines. If a student has any questions regarding Study Tour payments, they should contact the Office of Student Accounts at 610-660-2400.