Study Abroad & Away
In today's global society, even someone who has never traveled outside their home state or country is connected to the larger world. At Roanoke College, we want to give students a chance to see and be part of that world because we know those experiences can open minds, broaden perspectives and prepare you for a future of amazing opportunities.
If this sounds interesting to you, check out one of our 100+ internationally themed courses, including Intensive Learning Term (May Term) classes and semester- or year-long international exchanges with more than 50 schools around the world.
Study Away Options
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We can arrange semester and year-long study abroad in over 50 countries through Roanoke-led, affiliate or exchange programs.
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Every year, Roanoke professors host month-long experiential courses around the world. In May 2023, you can choose from Ireland and Britain, Austria and Hungary, Israel and the West Bank, Italy, Japan, Greece, and Spain.
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Roanoke College offers a fall and spring semester study abroad program in Lugano, Switzerland and Rwanda through the Linking Lives program.
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Leipzig
Roanoke is offering a faculty-led semester in Leipzig Germany - an exciting opportunity to spend a semester learning German politics, history, culture, and language.
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Yucatan Semester
Roanoke is offering a faculty-led semester in the Yucatan — a unique opportunity for study abroad, service learning, internships, research and cultural immersion in Mexico.
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If you'd like to do something good while experiencing other people and places, we often host service trips during semester breaks in the United States and Latin America, where you can help with building and educational projects. Recent brief service trips have included Guatemala, New Orleans, Nicaragua and Washington, D.C.
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50+
study abroad countries
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150
students traveled overseas for May Term 2023
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10
travel courses planned for 2024, including in Peru, France, Belize, Japan, Scotland and Spain
Adventure Awaits
Check out photos of our students during their study overseas -- from Europe to Africa to New Zealand and everywhere in between.
Every year, more than 200 Roanoke students take advantage of month- and semester-long study abroad programs to experience life in countries like Belize, India, Korea, Spain and South Africa.
“Leipzig was an awesome experience. I had opportunities to be more independent and travel around on my own. To see that I could live and work and succeed in a totally different cultural environment, that was a real confidence-builder. It showed me what I could do.”
George Kendall '23 took part in the Liepzig Program, which allowed him to travel and study abroad in Germany with a Roanoke College professor and fellow students.
International Events and Programs
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International Festival
Each spring, Roanoke College presents International Festival, featuring the sights, sounds, and tastes of countries around the world. Hundreds attend to see the display tables hosted by students, faculty, and staff representing our many countries and to enjoy international music, dance and refreshments.
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International Club
The Roanoke College International Club emphasizes awareness of cultures throughout the world, providing a forum for international students, American students and faculty to come together. The international club sponsors the annual International Festival, as well as weekend field trips to Washington, D.C. and Charleston, S.C. The International Club also organizes day trips to local destinations, such as Monticello (home of Thomas Jefferson) and the University of Virginia.
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Friendship Family Program
Through the Friendship Family Program, new international students have an opportunity to get to know a local American family who helps students when they first arrive, invites them to community events and shares holiday meals with them. These local families become an important "home away from home" for our international students.