Marist Abroad: The Experience You Didn’t Know You Needed

Florence, Italy the site of Marist's primary abroad campus. Courtesy of Marist Abroad

Study Abroad; the enriching, eye-opening experience of pursuing your studies in a new place. Amongst the millions of colleges that offer this valuable experience, Marist is a promising contender.

The Marist Abroad program, represented in more than 30 countries and on six different continents, is popular worldwide. In 2019, Marist was ranked 3rd by Open Doors for Master’s college and university semester study abroad and 4th for long-term study. They’ve certainly lived up to the title. In the last several years, students have had the opportunity to travel to locations across the globe such as Greece, England, Ghana and hundreds more.

Going abroad doesn’t have to mean a year’s worth of packing. In addition to their year-long options, Marist offers more than 50 semester, summer and short-term abroad opportunities. Based on graduation credit needs, students may choose to take core, elective, major/minor, research and language courses of various lengths while abroad -- as well as pursue specific internships. 

In addition, short-term programs, typically ranging between 1-3 weeks in length, provide students with the chance to learn about specific topics in locations that give enhanced access to the material. Of these courses, The Struggle for Racial Justice in the South, Environmental Sciences in Alaska and Criminal Justice in London are just a few of the dozens available to Marist students.

Of the many abroad locations to choose from, Marist Italy remains the most popular destination.

Marist Italy is a year-round program in which students have the opportunity to pursue their studies at the school’s Florence campus. Unlike other locations, Marist Italy is the only one that offers a four-year bachelor’s degree program and a year-long master’s in museum studies.

Regardless of what motivates you to choose Italy, the beauty and rich culture of Florence is undeniable. One of the many who have taken advantage of studying there is Sophie Grace Spagna ’25.

“Studying abroad in Italy has re-immersed me in art,” Spagna said. “Being surrounded by these incredible sculptures and museums, it’s hard not to have an appreciation for art. I’m really grateful that I decided to come to Florence.”

Whether hoping to learn a new language for your major, pursue a specific program of interest, or a simple yearning to explore a new place, students decide to travel for many reasons. 

“I decided I wanted to study abroad because I wanted to experience living outside of my comfort zone,” Spagna said. “I have stayed in the same town my whole life and didn’t know anything outside of it. I wanted to gain worldly knowledge by immersing myself in a new culture I knew nothing about.” 

At first consideration, many students believe they won’t be able to afford a trip abroad. However, you might be surprised how much is already covered. In terms of cost, student fees are covered by your standard Marist tuition -- graduate or undergrad -- with the addition of an abroad fee for housing, health insurance, orientation and program support. 

Any financial aid, loans or scholarships received from Marist are transferable to your travel bill. Students also can apply to a multitude of funding scholarships such as the Gilman Scholarship, Boren Scholarship and hundreds more. 

Like many things in 2021, traveling does not look the way it used to. In the age of COVID-19, there have been a few adjustments to the typical study abroad experience. Before departure, all students are required to be fully vaccinated and must wear masks to all indoor gatherings/events and follow the local regulations.

In previous years many study abroad institutions have been known to plan weekend trips for visiting other countries. However, with COVID-19, these trips have become less frequent, many opting for day trips instead. Despite these changes, students’ experiences this year do not seem adversely affected by the virus.

“I got lucky in the sense that I went abroad while the COVID situation wasn’t too horrible,” Spagna said. “I still had to get tested a few times, we still have to wear masks, but it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined.”

The first and most important step for planning a trip abroad is talking to your advisor. Not only are students required to get abroad applications approved by their academic advisors, but having a detailed understanding of your classes, credit transferability and traveling options is essential. 

Additionally, research and appointments with counselors can help you gain valuable information about what you need to do in advance. Marist Abroad offers various on-campus information sessions for learning about programs in depth.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns about your next steps, visit the Marist Abroad office in Hancock Center, Room 2007. Visit marist.edu/study-abroad for more information.