Study Abroad Marist: What Students Gain Beyond Travel
- 01. Study Abroad Marist: Programs, Participation Rates, and Global Impact
- 02. Signature Marist Abroad Destinations
- 03. National Rankings and Recognition
- 04. Cost and Financial Aid for Study Abroad
- 05. Popular Programs and Academic Options
- 06. How to Apply for Marist Study Abroad
- 07. Student Learning Outcomes and Global Competency
- 08. Marist Education Authority: Values-Driven Global Learning
Study Abroad Marist: Programs, Participation Rates, and Global Impact
About 50 percent of Marist students study abroad during their time at the university, with more than 75 program offerings across six continents, making Marist a national leader in semester and academic-year study abroad programs. Marist ranks 1st among Master's-level universities for academic year abroad programs and 4th nationally for overall study abroad participation rate according to the Open Doors Report.
Signature Marist Abroad Destinations
Marist operates three signature locations with full-time in-country staff: Florence (Italy), Dublin (Ireland), and Madrid (Spain), each offering unique academic pathways.
| Destination | Program Options | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Florence, Italy | Four-Year Bachelor's, First-Year, Semester | Only location offering full bachelor's degree + master's in museum studies |
| Dublin, Ireland | First-Year, Semester | Dedicated full-time staff; First-Year Abroad option |
| Madrid, Spain | Semester | Host families, elite academics, immersive community |
- First-Year Abroad: Spend your first full year in Florence or Dublin with dedicated support staff
- Semester/Academic Year: 15 weeks or up to a full academic year immersed abroad
- Faculty-Led Attachment Programs: 1-3 week short-term programs with travel components
- Winter/Summer Programs: Take classes or complete internships during breaks
- Four-Year Bachelor's in Florence: Complete your entire degree at Marist Italy
National Rankings and Recognition
Marist's study abroad participation ranks among the highest in the nation, receiving the Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for Campus Internationalization.
- 1st for academic year abroad programs (Master's-level universities)
- 1st for semester study abroad programs
- 3rd for total number of students participating in study abroad
- 5th for undergraduate participation rate
- 11th for short-term study abroad programs
In 2021, Marist achieved its highest-ever ranking: 2nd in the country overall for study abroad participation.
Cost and Financial Aid for Study Abroad
Student fees are covered by standard Marist tuition with an additional abroad fee for housing, health insurance, orientation, and program support. All Marist financial aid, loans, and scholarships transfer to your travel bill.
| Program Type | Typical Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term (2 weeks) | $3,000-$6,000 | Plane ticket, hotel, activities |
| Semester Abroad | Marist tuition + abroad fee | Housing, insurance, program support |
| Full Academic Year | Marist tuition + abroad fee | Housing, insurance, orientation |
Students can also apply for external funding like the Gilman Scholarship and Boren Scholarship, plus Marist-specific funds for students with financial need.
Popular Programs and Academic Options
Marist offers more than 50 semester, summer, and short-term opportunities beyond year-long options, covering core, elective, major/minor, research, and language courses.
- The Struggle for Racial Justice in the South: 1-3 week faculty-led program
- Environmental Sciences in Alaska: Short-term immersive course
- Criminal Justice in London: Dozens of subject-specific options
- Latin American and Caribbean Studies Minor: Requires immersion experience in Latin America/Caribbean
Florence remains the most popular destination, with students like Sophie Grace Spagna '25 noting how being surrounded by sculptures and museums deepened their art appreciation.
How to Apply for Marist Study Abroad
The first step is talking to your academic advisor, who must approve your abroad application and verify credit transferability.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss classes and credit transfer
- Attend the Study Abroad Fair (Wednesday, September 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Murray Student Center River Rooms)
- Visit the Marist Abroad Office in Hancock Center, Room 2007, for information sessions
- Complete the personal statement and basic paperwork for your chosen program
- Apply for scholarships (Gilman, Boren, Marist-specific funds)
Contact the Marist Abroad Office at 575-3330 or international@marist.edu for support.
Student Learning Outcomes and Global Competency
Study abroad helps students develop intercultural competencies and appreciation for different places, perspectives, and contexts essential for success in a globally engaged society.
"Be more than a tourist: Experience what it means to live and study abroad!" - Marist Abroad motto
Students themselves serve as the best ambassadors through "The Globetrotter," Marist Abroad's magazine featuring student experiences and advice from abroad.
Marist Education Authority: Values-Driven Global Learning
Marist's study abroad programs embody Marist values of educating compassionate citizens inspired by Christian principles, nurturing each young person as a unique individual. The university's global education mission blends academic rigor with spiritual and social purpose, preparing students for responsible leadership across diverse Latin American and global communities.
With over 70 programs supporting broad educational objectives, Marist Abroad enables students of any major to study abroad while graduating on schedule.
Key concerns and solutions for Study Abroad Marist What Students Gain Beyond Travel
How Long Can You Study Abroad at Marist?
You can study abroad for two weeks to a full year, or even earn your entire four-year degree overseas through Marist's flexible program structure.
What makes Marist study abroad different from other universities?
Marist is the national leader for academic year programs among Master's-level universities and offers the only four-year bachelor's degree program abroad at Florence. About 50% of students participate, creating a global community rare at peer institutions.
Can I study abroad if I have financial need?
Yes-Marist provides funds for Spring Attachment Programs that enable talented students with financial need to access the same experiences as classmates, covering part or almost all program costs. All financial aid transfers abroad.
How many countries does Marist offer programs in?
Marist programs span more than 30 countries on six continents, including Italy, Ireland, Spain, Greece, England, Ghana, Netherlands, UK, Iceland, and U.S. territories.
Do I need to speak the local language to study abroad?
No-Marist offers courses in English across all destinations, though language proficiency is required for the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Minor (200-level Spanish or higher). Short-term programs often require no prior language experience.
What safety measures are in place for study abroad?
Marist provides full-time in-country staff at signature locations (Florence, Dublin, Madrid) for support. During COVID-19, students were required to be vaccinated and follow local regulations, with testing and mask protocols in place.
