For students who want to immerse themselves in a new culture, Stonehill’s study abroad program offers many opportunities to spend a semester in a foreign country.
Study abroad programs appeal to many because they offer a way to engross yourself in a new culture while expanding your network and growing yourself academically and personally.
“My study abroad program planned day trips to Seville and Cordoba, two other cities close by in Spain, along with visiting important historical sights in Granada,” said Aneka Andrews ‘26.
Andrews was one of eleven Stonehill students who studied abroad this summer. She studied in Spain at the University of Granada, a Stonehill-affiliated university.
Although Stonehill has several university partners for its international study abroad programs, if you choose to study during the summer, you may attend any university worldwide. This gives you more freedom when deciding where to study and what courses to take, and it can be tailored to your specific academic interests.
Stonehill had ten students studying in four countries this summer, and one student who participated in the SeaMester program. This program offers unique educational voyages where students spend their time sailing between countries and continents. Stonehill has over 35 affiliated universities in 24 different countries around the world.
During her time abroad, Andrews learned a lot. She improved her Spanish skills by being fully immersed in the culture, and she gained a better appreciation for Spain's cultural differences with the United States.
Before attending classes in Spain, Andrews had to take a placement exam to test her Spanish skills. She was then accurately placed into the correct courses that met her speaking level, as all her classes were in Spanish.
Erin deMacedo also studied abroad this summer at the Florence University of the Arts in Italy. Unlike Andrews, deMacedo’s classes were all in English, and she did not have to take a placement exam before studying abroad.
“I gained a lot of perspective, and while I really enjoyed my time abroad, I also came home with a much greater appreciation for where I'm from,” said deMacedo.
Andrews has some advice for other students who are considering going abroad but are hesitant: “Going abroad may seem like a scary experience, but it is a great way to do something outside of your comfort zone, challenging yourself academically, and expanding your views,” said Andrews.
For more information about the study abroad programs offered at Stonehill, attend the Getting Started Sessions, held every Monday from 11:30 to 12:30 in Duffy 120. This is a mandatory first step in exploring study-abroad options. The deadline to submit a study abroad application for Spring 2025 is October 1st.
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