Global Studies
Study abroad and let the world be your classroom.
St. Kate's vision is to be respected globally for educating women who transform the world.
What is Global Studies?
Global studies programs provide opportunities for students to take college courses in a foreign country or at another university within the U.S.
St. Kate’s partners with a vetted group of organizations that offer programs in numerous destinations and for varying lengths, from a few weeks to a year.
The Global Studies office supports students in selecting a program that aligns with their interests, academic goals, and course timeline and offers continued support from the application phase through to the return to campus.
Interested in talking with one of our advisors?
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Benefits of Global Studies
Engaging in a global studies experience is an opportunity to learn about a destination’s culture, landscapes, and language while earning college credits. The experience also provides the opportunity to learn about oneself in the context of a global community, often resulting in students developing a broader international perspective.
- Academics
Students can study any topic from a different perspective and in a new environment while earning credits toward their major, minor, or liberal education requirements. - Language
Students have the opportunity to study a language more efficiently and accurately while being immersed in it abroad. - Intercultural Learning
Learning abroad strengthens students’ ability to interact with people from different cultures. - Personal Development
Students increase their self-confidence, maturity, and global identity. - Career Development
Time abroad enhances students’ resumés with international experience and allows them to expand attractive skill sets for future employers.
Getting Started
Planning a global studies experience early in a student’s academic career is best. Students start by meeting with a Global Studies advisor. In this meeting, students can narrow their search for the right destination, and carefully consider the financial commitment to determine if global studies is right for them. Know that there are scholarships available.
Eligibility
Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing, with an overall GPA of at least 2.5. Individual programs often have additional requirements.
Financial Aid
Any financial aid that your student is already receiving from the university should be transferable to a global studies experience. Federal financial aid can be applied to any program as long as credit is earned and the home institution accepts the transferred credit.
A global studies program can be affordable. The majority of costs are going to be predetermined before your student departs.
Staying Safe
Common sense and good judgment are the best tips for staying safe anywhere in the world, so one of the most important things you can do for your student is to make sure they are mature enough for a global studies experience and approach it seriously.
The Office of Global Studies conducts a risk assessment of the program site using government websites and travel advisories prior to your student’s departure.
Deadlines
Semester and Year-Long Programs
The deadline for most fall semester and year-long programs is March 1. The deadline for most spring semester programs is October 1. Some programs have earlier deadlines or rolling admission policies; check with the Office of Global Studies.
Short-Term Programs
The deadlines for short-term programs will vary somewhat depending on who is sponsoring the program and when it runs.
Summer Programs
Summer courses run through an outside program provider are subject to the March 1 deadline. Summer courses and St. Kate's faculty-led courses (such as GSJ) are subject to the priority deadline, usually around mid-December. After the priority deadline, applications are accepted until the program fills, or until mid-February, whichever comes first.
January-Term Programs
St. Kate's faculty-led courses (such as GSJ) are subject to the priority deadline, usually in mid-April. After the priority deadline, applications are accepted until the program fills—or until late September/early October—whichever comes first. J-term courses through an affiliate partner programs (CIEE, AIFS) are subject to the October 1 deadline.
Graduate Programs
Deadlines for graduate programs vary from course to course. Please check the course description for deadline information.
Planning your global studies experience
The Office of Global Studies is here to support students in planning for virtual, international or U.S. programs. Check out some of the information below about how you can apply to global studies programs.
Application Process & Academic Planning