So, you're a Swattie, or thinking about becoming one, & you've got that itch. The one that whispers about ancient cobblestone streets, bustling marketplaces, & conversations in a language you're just starting to wrap your head around. You're thinking about studying abroad, & let me tell you, you've come to the right place. Swarthmore College doesn't just have a study abroad program; it's a core part of the Swat experience. Honestly, it’s one of the best-kept secrets about the college's incredible offerings.

About 40% of Swarthmore students pack their bags & head off for an adventure at some point during their four years. We're talking about a choice of over 300 approved programs in more than 60 countries. That’s a mind-boggling number of options, & it can be a little overwhelming. But don't you worry. We’re going to break it all down, from the different types of programs to what it’s really like to live & learn in a whole new corner of the world. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood guide to all things Swarthmore Off-Campus Study.

First things first, let's talk about what "studying abroad" at Swarthmore actually means. It's not a one-size-fits-all deal. You've got choices, & lots of 'em.

This is what most people picture when they think of studying abroad. You spend a full semester, or even an entire academic year, living & learning in another country. This is the deep dive, the full immersion experience. You’ll have time to really get to know a new city, make friends with locals, & maybe even become a regular at a little cafe down the street.

Not sure you want to be away for a whole semester? No problem. Swarthmore has a bunch of summer & short-term study abroad options. These are a great way to get a taste of another culture without the long-term commitment. You might spend a few weeks in the summer on an intensive language program or a faculty-led course that travels to a specific region.

Now, this is something pretty special. Swarthmore has its own programs coordinated by Swarthmore faculty in places like Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Poland, & South Africa. These are super unique because you get the Swarthmore academic experience, but in a completely new context. You’re learning from professors you already know & trust, but instead of being in a classroom in Parrish Hall, you’re out in the world, seeing your studies come to life.

For example, you could be in Prague, a city that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale, studying at the Academic Experience in Prague (AEP). Or maybe you're more drawn to the vibrant culture & biodiversity of Costa Rica. These faculty-led programs are a fantastic way to have a structured, academically rigorous experience abroad.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can opt for direct enrollment at a foreign university. This means you’ll be a student at that university, taking classes with local students. It’s a fantastic way to really challenge yourself & get an authentic taste of another country’s academic culture.

Then there are the third-party providers. These are organizations that specialize in creating study abroad programs for American students. They often offer a lot of support, like housing, on-site staff, & planned excursions. Swarthmore has a huge list of approved third-party providers, so you can find a program that’s the perfect fit for your academic interests & personal style.

Swarthmore also has exchange programs with a few select institutions, like Ashesi University in Ghana & the University of Tokyo. This is a true exchange – a student from the partner university comes to Swarthmore while a Swattie goes to their school. It’s a pretty cool way to foster a deeper connection between Swarthmore & other academic communities around the globe.

Okay, so you’re sold. You’re ready to trade the Swarthmore bubble for a little while & see what the rest of the world has to offer. So, how do you actually make it happen? The process at Swarthmore is a little different than at other schools, & honestly, it’s designed to make sure you’re really thinking through your choices.

First, you’ve got to get yourself to a Study Abroad 101 session. This is where you’ll get the lowdown on all the basics. Then, you’ll fill out a Pre-Advising Questionnaire. This is your chance to really think about what you want to get out of your time abroad. Are you hoping to become fluent in another language? Do you want to do an internship or volunteer? Are you trying to fulfill requirements for your major?

Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a one-on-one advising session with someone from the Global Engagement Office (GEO). This is where the magic really happens. Your GEO advisor will talk you through your options, help you narrow down your choices, & even create your official Swarthmore Approval for Study Abroad application for you.

That’s right, you have to apply for approval from Swarthmore before you can apply to your actual study abroad program. It might seem like an extra step, but it’s actually a REALLY good thing. It means that Swarthmore is making sure that the program you’ve chosen is a good fit for you academically & personally.

For your Swarthmore application, you’ll need to provide your transcript & your degree audit. You'll also have to answer some short questions about why you want to study abroad & why you've chosen the programs you have. You can list up to three programs on your application. The good news is, you don’t need letters of recommendation for the Swarthmore application, though your chosen program might require them for their own application.

So, what’s it actually like to be a Swarthmore student abroad? I’ve talked to a bunch of students who’ve done it, & here’s the inside scoop.

First off, don't expect it to be as academically intense as a semester on campus. One student who studied in Budapest said, "It honestly feels like a vacation compared to Swarthmore." Another student who was in a different program agreed, saying her workload was less rigorous, giving her more time to explore and immerse herself in the new city. This isn't to say you won't be learning – you'll just be learning in a different way. A lot of programs have more hands-on learning opportunities that you might not get at Swarthmore.

The social scene can also be a big change. Swarthmore is a pretty small, tight-knit community. When you're abroad, you might be in a program with students from all over the United States, or you might be the only American in your classes. One student who studied in a program with other American students said she "found very like-minded people." Another student, who went on a program where she didn't know anyone, said she "grew a lot from having to start from scratch socially, similar to starting at Swat."

Living situations can also be a big adjustment. At Swarthmore, most students live on campus, and the dining hall is always there for you. Abroad, you might be living in an apartment with other students, or in a homestay with a local family. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to be more independent, from navigating public transportation to figuring out how to cook for yourself.

And let’s not forget the incredible personal growth that comes from living in another country. One student who studied in South Korea called it "a dream come true." Another, who was in Sweden, said, "Sweden soon became more than a foreign country in which I studied abroad; it became a place I began to call home." A first-generation, low-income student shared this advice: "If you're on the fence about studying abroad, I highly recommend doing it! I went with a small language program and had a great time. It gave me a sense of independence that I never got in the US."

Now for the questions that are probably on everyone’s mind: How much does it cost? And will my credits transfer?

Here’s the great news about the cost: you pay your regular Swarthmore tuition for your semester abroad. Swarthmore then covers the tuition, room, & board at your program. Depending on your program, you might even get a check to cover your dining expenses. This makes studying abroad SO much more accessible for so many students.

As for credits, that’s a conversation you’ll have with the relevant academic departments at Swarthmore. Generally, classes abroad are a little less rigorous than Swat classes, so you might get .75 credits for a class that would be worth 1 credit at Swarthmore. It’s super important to get your courses approved for credit before you go, so you know exactly how your time abroad will fit into your overall academic plan.

One thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re planning a semester abroad, is what to do with all your stuff. Let's be real, dorm rooms are small, & you've probably accumulated a fair amount of things. You can't take it all with you, but you also don't want to lug it all back home, especially if you live far away. This is where a service like Prked can be a total lifesaver. Instead of paying for a traditional, expensive storage unit, you can use Prked to find affordable, convenient storage space right in the Swarthmore area. You can rent someone’s garage, attic, or even a spare closet to keep your things safe while you’re off having the adventure of a lifetime. It’s a pretty cool way to save some money & stress, & it connects you with people right in the community.

With over 300 programs to choose from, how in the world do you pick the right one? The Global Engagement Office has a searchable database on their website where you can filter programs by location, area of study, housing options, & more.

Think about what’s most important to you. Are you dying to learn a new language? Look for programs that offer full immersion. Do you want to get some work experience while you’re abroad? Many programs offer internships or field experiences. Do you want to live with a local family and really get to know the culture, or would you rather live with other students?

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, either. You can even petition to have a non-approved program considered, as long as you have a strong academic reason for wanting to go on that specific program.

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to learn more about the world, & more about yourself. It's a chance to step outside your comfort zone, challenge your assumptions, & come back to Swarthmore with a whole new perspective. It’s not just an add-on to your education; it’s an integral part of what makes a Swarthmore education so special.

I hope this was helpful! The world is a pretty big place, & Swarthmore gives you the keys to go out & explore it. Let me know what you think in the comments