Study Abroad

Widen your perspective of the world through Carlow’s study abroad programs

Study abroad program opportunities for 2025

Study Abroad in Jamaica
Duration: March 8 – 16, 2025 (9 days)
Faculty: Susan Mihaljevic and Bernadette Sherman

Award-winning program focusing on service to the local Jamaican community. Volunteer in a soup kitchen, schools, and provide community health checkups. Cultural activities include a visit to Bob Marley museum, the Marroon community, the beach, and more. Experience authentic Jamaican cuisine and learn about the history and settlement of Jamaica.

Study Abroad in Cuba
Duration: March 8 – 16, 2025 (9 days)
Faculty: TBD

The group will visit a number of faith-based social service projects, such as: services for children with Downs and Autism and for their families, a leprosarium, a bioethics institute, a self-employment project for young single mothers, and a child care facility. There will also be opportunities to go deeper into Cuban culture: a visit to the Shrine of Saint Lazarus with a Santeria lecture, a synagogue, Hemmingway’s home, Havana city tour with Cathedral and Plaza San Francisco, Plaza of the Revolution, Museum of the Revolution, and a visit to the beach. Going beyond Havana: The group will visit Cienfuegos (built at the height of the sugar market in beautiful Neoclassical style) and Trinidad (a Colonial jewel). Both cities are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The visit will also include a stop at the Bay of Pigs, which includes a museum.

Study Abroad in Honduras
Duration: March 8 – 16, 2025 (9 days in Spring)
Faculty: Katie Shroyer
or
Duration: May 12 – 21, 2025 (10 days in Summer)
Faculty: Milsha Reid

Join us on a 10-day trip discovering Honduras! Start with a tour of Comayagua’s colonial heart, exploring its historic architecture and cultural landmarks. Then, travel to Juticalpa, where you’ll dive deeper into Honduran life by participating in hands-on classroom activities and projects at Nazareth School, supporting students with disabilities. Unwind with beach outings in Trujillo, where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the sun. Throughout the trip, you’ll connect with local community members, learn from dedicated educators, and indulge in the rich flavors of Honduran cuisine. This trip offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and community service!

Study Abroad in Northern Italy
Duration: June 18 – 28, 2024 (11 days)
Faculty: Sarah Zeffiro and Britney Smith

Experience the art, culture, and cuisine of Northern Italy with this short-term study abroad program perfect for artists, educators, and art enthusiasts. Explore Florence, Milan, Venice, and the Italian Riviera, visiting iconic museums and landmarks like Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and Michelangelo’s David. Enjoy a traditional cooking class in a Tuscan villa, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, and wander through medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano. This affordable, faculty-led trip offers a rich immersion into Italy’s history, art, and culinary traditions. 

Study Abroad in Sligo, Ireland
Duration: Late May – Early June 2025
Faculty: Mary Burke and Elizabeth Sherman

This is a 3-week faculty led study abroad program. Participating students will stay in Sligo, Ireland where they will be assigned to a school, hospital or community setting which provides services to individuals with special needs.  Monday – Thursday, students will be transported to these field experiences where they will assist the staff in daily activities. On Fridays, students will reflect and share their experiences with other participants in the morning.  Friday afternoon through Sunday evening will include cultural and sightseeing opportunities for students.

The world is at your fingertips

While spending a semester in Italy with the Ciao! Carlow program, Kristin writes, “Studying abroad has always been a must for me and the Carlow faculty and staff were so helpful in getting me here. The world is literally at your fingertips! I plan to visit Greece and France while I am here as well since getting from country to country is much closer than in the U.S. The school I am attending is located right in the heart of Rome and the top sights are only a bus ride away. Eating gelato and pasta among ancient ruins and beautiful scenery is what makes this trip so extraordinary!”

– Kristin, a Senior Art Therapy major

Study Abroad in Sicily, Italy
Duration: Late May – Early June, 2025
Faculty: Jessica Huber and Dawn Deihl

The Study Abroad in Italy program, available to undergraduate students in nursing, respiratory care, and social work, offers students an international experience in a UPMC affiliate in Palermo, Italy. The program includes 90 hours of hands-on practical experience working with Italian healthcare providers in a hospital setting focusing on transplant surgeries and cancer care. Nursing students will complete clinical hours in three different departments at the transplant institute, while Social Work students gain experience with community care professionals. Respiratory Care students will complete practicum hours with the respiratory care specialists in the hospital. Opportunities to interact with a variety of related healthcare providers enhance the experience while offering students multiple perspectives and procedures in patient care.  In addition to the clinical/practicum experience, students will gain an understanding of Sicilian culture, history, and explore the natural beauty of Sicily through sightseeing tours and activities. 3 credits.

Study Abroad in Galapagos
Duration: May 13 – 21, 2025 (9 days)
Faculty: Frank Ammer

Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad trip to the **Galápagos Islands**, famously referred to as “the land of craters” by Charles Darwin. As you descend onto Baltra Island, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views showcasing Earth’s geological extremes. This 9-day program explores the unique environments of **Santa Cruz Island** and **San Cristóbal Island**, where you will encounter incredible flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet, from giant tortoises to marine iguanas. Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and natural wonders of these islands, all while learning from expert guides.

Study Abroad in Uganda
Duration: March 4 – 16, 2025 (13 days in Spring)
Faculty: Mary Burke

Gender-Based Violence & Human Trafficking Focused Study Abroad Uganda.

Study Abroad in Uganda
Duration: June 21 – July 8, 2025 (18 days in Summer)
Faculty: Aimee Zellers

This program includes volunteering in schools and communities to improve the lives of vulnerable children. Students will continue the work that Carlow has been involved in for 10 years. Activities include eye glass distribution, healthcare clinic, building school desks, teaching children, leading conversations with parents about nutrition and healthy practices. Safari at Murchinson Falls Natural reserve, white water rafting (level 3 or 5), hike to the largest waterfall in Eastern Africa, coffee tour and general adventures await participating students and alumnae.

University-sponsored or third-party study abroad programs 

Travel to a country not offered in a Carlow program through another accredited U.S. university. Credits easily transfer from the sponsor school to Carlow. Other programs through third-party providers such as companies or organizations also provide opportunities to travel abroad and study a specific interest like art or language. Carlow financial assistance can’t be used with these programs, but government aid or loans are sometimes available.

Next steps to get abroad

• Begin your pre-departure planning with a study abroad advisor by scheduling an appointment through the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). Learn about funding options, plan coursework and apply to the program
• Apply for or renew your U.S. passport, which can cost up to $150 and take as long as 12 weeks to arrive
• Meet with Carlow’s financial aid office about available options and make a plan to finance your travels
• Meet with your academic advisor: Plan the best time of year for your experience

Funding your trip

Most students can find an affordable study abroad experience. Our Financial Aid office is here to assist you as you make plans to study in another country. We recommend that you prepare early so that everything is in place before you depart.

Students who have never traveled outside of the US, may be eligible to apply for the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship Program. Schedule an appointment with the CGE to see if you qualify.

You may use your Carlow institutional aid with the Rome, Italy; Carlow, Ireland; and 50-plus countries in the ISEP Exchange program. 

After your trip

Your travels may be over for now, but it is important to foster new skills you’ve learned and reconnect with your international experience. Carlow’s Center for Global Engagement is here to help with your post-study abroad needs, including the following:

• Incorporate your study abroad experience into resumes and job interviews. Get tips on how to format your resume for an international employer and apply for international jobs.
• If you want to study abroad again, the CGE will help you explore program and funding options. Get advice and help with applying for post-graduation opportunities:
  • Fulbright U.S. Student Program
  • Peace Corps
  • Graduate school abroad
  • Teach English abroad
• Explore careers in international education be exposed to the  behind-the-scenes work of study abroad by working in the CGE for a semester
• Network with international educators at events and conferences such as the Lessons from Abroad Three Rivers Returnee Conference

¹“Why Study Abroad” The Power of International Education