Study Abroad Programs

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Each year several hundred Wellesley College students spend a semester or year abroad, with opportunities available in every world region.

To view the 180+ pre-approved semester and academic year programs available to students, visit the Study Abroad Program Browser

 

Types of Programs available include: 

Wellesley-Sponsored Programs

Wellesley College sponsors and co-administers programs around the world primarily focused on language immersion. Approximately 30% of Wellesley students abroad attend a Wellesley-sponsored program.

 

Direct Enroll & International Exchange Programs

Wellesley partners with higher education institutions worldwide to provide students the opportunity to spend a semester or year as a matriculated student. In addition, Wellesley participates in bilateral exchange partnerships with select schools through which we both send and receive exchange students. 

 

Provider Programs

Students may also elect to participate in a program offered by a third party study abroad provider. Sometimes referred to as “center-based”, such programs are diverse in destination and theme but all are thoroughly vetted.

 

Domestic Study Away

In addition to numerous options abroad, students may also elect to spend a semester or year studying domestically at another institution or program in the United States. Wellesley students may study away through the Twelve College Exchange or participate in domestic exchange at Spelman College. 

 

Wintersession & D-Lab

In addition to fall and spring semester programs, Wellesley sponsored 6-8 faculty-led international Wintersession courses each January. Wellesley students are also eligible to participate in D-Lab: Development short-term trips abroad during the MIT Independent Activities Period (IAP) each January. Financial aid is available to support the costs of D-Lab trips. 

 

Summer Study Abroad

For students who remain on campus during the academic year, summer study abroad can be an excellent opportunity. 

 
So many options! How do I choose a program?

Make an advising appointment with an OIS staff member or Study Abroad Ambassador (seniors who studied abroad during their sophomore or junior year). Attend an OIS event. Speak with your advisor or professors. Reach out to students who have studied abroad in an area or on a program that you’re interested in. Not sure where to start? Check out our Getting Started webpage.