Many Economics majors choose to spend a semester or two away from Wellesley, usually in their junior year. The department wholeheartedly supports study abroad and at other U.S. colleges and universities. While some of our students have focused their study abroad experience around the study of Economics, most notably at the London School of Economics and at Oxford or Cambridge, many others use the time away to focus on other areas of study, especially language. Both approaches are valuable and can be incorporated into the major with sufficient planning, and students are encouraged to explore a variety of options before selecting a program.

Because we generally do not accept transfer credit for 201, 202 and 203, and because these courses are prerequisites for the 300 level courses students need to take as seniors, students planning to study abroad for a full year are encouraged to try to take all three of those core courses by the end of their sophomore year. Should that not be possible, the best strategy is to do 201 and 203 before going away and do 202 in the fall of the senior year.

Students considering studying abroad should consult with both the Office of International Studies and with the department’s Foreign Study Advisor for advice on selecting a program and incorporating it into the major. Students planning to study at other U.S. Institutions, including the 12 College Exchange, should consult the Transfer Credit Advisor.