A semester or year abroad is a life-changing experience like none other. No matter your major, language abilities, financial situation, or commitments on campus, there are many programs to choose from and options to meet just about everyone’s needs.
Semester Abroad
Don’t let borders be a barrier
It is a powerful experience to live and study in a different country and culture for several months. A semester abroad takes some planning, so it is wise to start researching programs and becoming familiar with OIE’s nomination process as soon as you can.
There’s lots more information for students on the Office of International Education internal Buzznet page.
“Studying abroad in Morocco was the most rewarding experience of my life, making me more independent, adaptable, and confident. Navigating language barriers challenged me, but most importantly, I learned to engage cross-culturally, which is a skill I use every day now.”
Matty Grace Gilliam ’24
Semester abroad in Morocco
Eligibility Requirements and Application Deadlines
The Office of International Education strives to provide every interested and qualified student with the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. To provide these opportunities to the greatest number of students, the following criteria apply to all students at the time of submitting your application to OIE:
- Be in good standing with RMC
- Complete 27 credit hours of course work by the time you will go abroad
- Possess and maintain a 3.0 GPA up until the program start date
2.75 GPA accepted with additional provisions, please contact the OIE to learn more - Possess the curiosity, maturity, responsibility, and persistence to navigate ambiguity and handle the inevitable ups and downs of long-term cultural immersion
RMC works closely with each student who spends a semester abroad. It is essential that all materials are submitted before the deadline in order to receive full consideration. Please click HERE for exact application deadlines.
Plan ahead! Please note that students are not permitted to participate in a semester/year-long program abroad during their last semester at RMC.
The OIE Nomination Process
Getting started
All interested semester abroad students should attend a Semester Abroad Info Session to learn more about the nomination process, identify program options that fit you, and plan next steps. Students who apply to a semester or year-long study abroad program without going through OIE’s nomination process are not eligible to remain Randolph-Macon students while enrolled in their study abroad program.
After attending an Info Session, you should meet with the OIE to discuss program options and begin an application to our office. Only after you submit your application to OIE and are officially nominated to participate in a semester abroad will you apply to the program provider or host university of your choice.
The application process for each program offered by a provider will vary and there may be an additional application fee paid to the provider (typically $100). You will receive detailed information from the Study Abroad Program Coordinator after you have been nominated.