Marist Abroad Opportunities Study Abroad Marist University
- 01. Marist Abroad Opportunities: What Stands Out for Study Abroad Students
- 02. Signature Program Structures That Define Marist Abroad
- 03. National Recognition and Participation Statistics
- 04. Signature Destinations With Full-Time Support
- 05. Cost Structure and Financial Accessibility
- 06. Application Process and Key Deadlines
- 07. Student Learning Outcomes and Career Impact
- 08. Contact Information and Next Steps
Marist Abroad Opportunities: What Stands Out for Study Abroad Students
About 50 percent of Marist University students study abroad during their undergraduate years, with more than 75 program offerings across 35 countries on six continents. Marist ranks 1st nationally for academic year programs among Master's-level universities and 4th overall in study abroad participation rate per the Open Doors Report. The university's signature destinations in Florence, Dublin, and Madrid feature full-time in-country staff and offer options ranging from two-week faculty-led attachments to complete four-year bachelor's degrees overseas.
Signature Program Structures That Define Marist Abroad
Marist's study abroad architecture centers on five distinct program types designed to fit every major and timeline. The First-Year Abroad program lets incoming students begin their college journey in Florence or Dublin with dedicated support staff, including a $5,000 scholarship consideration for all participants.
- First-Year Abroad: Full first year in Florence or Dublin with foundational coursework and cultural immersion
- Florence Bachelor's Degree Program: Complete your entire four-year degree in the birthplace of the Renaissance
- Semester/Academic Year Abroad: 15-week semester or full academic year immersion across 35 countries
- Faculty-Led Attachment Programs: 10-14 day travel components integrated with campus coursework, offering about 15 attachment courses annually
- Winter/Summer Programs: Break-time options for classes, internships, or both in destinations worldwide
National Recognition and Participation Statistics
Marist's study abroad program has earned multiple top-tier national distinctions that demonstrate its leadership in international education. The Open Doors Report consistently places Marist among elite institutions for undergraduate global engagement.
| Ranking Category | Marist's National Rank | Comparison Group |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Year Abroad Programs | 1st | Master's-level Colleges & Universities |
| Semester Study Abroad Programs | 1st | Master's-level Colleges & Universities |
| Total Students Participating | 3rd | Master's-level Colleges & Universities |
| Undergraduate Participation Rate | 5th | Master's-level Colleges & Universities |
| Short-Term Study Abroad | 11th | Master's-level Colleges & Universities |
| Overall Participation Rate | 4th | National (all institutions) |
Marist received the Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for Campus Internationalization specifically recognizing its First-Year Abroad programs' impact.
Signature Destinations With Full-Time Support
Three flagship locations distinguish Marist's global footprint through dedicated on-the-ground infrastructure and integrated academic programming. These signature destinations provide students with full-time Marist staff and trusted local partners.
- Florence, Italy: Offers four-year bachelor's degree, first-year, and semester options; students explore art, language, cuisine, and iconic sites like Ponte Vecchio and Michelangelo's David
- Dublin, Ireland: Features first-year and semester programs with courses in business, liberal arts, psychology, technology, and communications; includes Big Zero Carbon Literacy & Action micro-credential
- Madrid, Spain: Semester-only option with elite academics, hands-on internships, and host family connections creating immersive personal experiences
Study tours are included at no additional cost, with Florence trips including Bologna, Mantua, Torino, and the Apennine Mountains, while Dublin tours feature Abbeyleix Bog Restoration, Causey Farm, and the Walls of Derry.
Cost Structure and Financial Accessibility
Marist's pricing model ensures that study abroad remains accessible across economic backgrounds through its tuition-inclusive structure. Standard Marist tuition covers student fees for most programs, with only an additional abroad fee required.
Short-term spring attachment programs range from $3,000 to $6,000, covering plane tickets, hotel, and planned activity costs. The university offers Spring Attachment Program funds specifically enabling talented students with financial need to access the same experiences as classmates, covering part or nearly all program costs.
All First-Year Abroad students are automatically considered for a one-year $5,000 scholarship supporting their international experience.
Application Process and Key Deadlines
Planning begins with academic advisor consultation, as students require advisor approval for abroad applications and must understand credit transferability. The Study Abroad Fair occurs Wednesday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Murray Student Center River Rooms, featuring program affiliates, staff, faculty, and alumni with free food, t-shirts, and raffle prizes.
- Schedule appointment with academic advisor to discuss major requirements and credit transfer
- Attend Study Abroad Fair or on-campus information sessions for program depth
- Complete personal statement and basic paperwork for selected program
- Submit applications by program-specific deadlines: spring semester due September 20, spring attachment due November 1, summer by March 15
- Visit Marist Abroad Office in Hancock Center, Room 2007 for questions
Student Learning Outcomes and Career Impact
Abroad experiences offer students opportunities for personal, cultural, and academic growth that translate directly to workplace competitiveness. During their time abroad, students develop intercultural competencies and appreciation for different places, perspectives, and contexts-skills needed to succeed in a globally engaged society.
Studying abroad makes graduates a highly desirable asset to prospective employers, regardless of destination or duration spent outside their home country. Faculty note that First-Year Abroad students return with positive attitudes, maturity, and a wealth of experiences that enrich classrooms campus-wide.
Contact Information and Next Steps
The Marist Abroad Office serves as the central hub for all international programming inquiries and support.
- Address: 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
- Phone: 575-3330
- Email: international@marist.edu
- First-Year Abroad Admission: 575-3226, admission@marist.edu
- Social Media: @maristabroad, @Marist_Italy, @Marist_Ireland
- Website: marist.edu/study-abroad
Students unable to find their desired destination can use the Program Petition Process to request Marist Abroad review a new program.
Everything you need to know about Marist Abroad Opportunities Study Abroad Marist University
What percentage of Marist students study abroad?
About 50 percent of Marist University students study abroad during their time at the university, paving the way for an expansive global education.
How many study abroad programs does Marist offer?
Marist Abroad currently offers more than 75 international experiences in 35 countries, with a wider variety of programs and more academic courses than ever before.
Can I complete my entire degree abroad at Marist?
Yes, students can earn their four-year bachelor's degree overseas through the Florence Bachelor Degree Program, one of Marist's signature offerings.
What makes Marist's First-Year Abroad program unique?
The First-Year Abroad program allows motivated incoming students to start college in Florence or Dublin with foundational coursework, full-time in-country staff support, and automatic consideration for a $5,000 scholarship, all while completing Marist's core curriculum.
How does Marist rank nationally for study abroad?
Marist ranks 1st for academic year and semester programs among Master's-level universities, 4th overall in participation rate nationally, and received the Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for Campus Internationalization.
What short-term study abroad options exist at Marist?
Marist offers faculty-led attachment programs (10-14 days), winter programs, and summer programs, with about 15 attachment courses annually letting students study on campus then travel globally for credit.
