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Semester Study Abroad Options

A world of possibilities

Find new ways of learning through the lens of other cultures. You won’t just earn credits while having new experiences, you’ll also have a transformational, global perspective.

If you are a Bridgewater student looking for study abroad opportunities, the Office of Study Abroad will provide you with the information and resources you need to find the program that’s right for you.

Exchange Programs

Bridgewater empowers students to learn all over the world while also inviting international students to campus via semester-long exchange programs. Participating students are charged the same for their international semester as they would be for an on-campus semester, aside from travel-related costs such as airfare, country visas, travel insurance, etc. Tuition, room and meals are included in these diverse programs. All applicants must pay a one-time study abroad fee. Participating students can apply for support through the College’s Globalization Fund scholarship program to help pay airfare and other expenses.

Bridgewater proudly partners with ISEP, the International Student Exchange Program, which is a global exchange program that provides students with an immersive semester or full-academic year abroad experience. ISEP offers programs at over 300 institutions in over 40 different countries around the world.

Placement can be competitive depending on a student’s preferred site. The application deadline for ISEP Exchange programs is generally mid-August for Spring programs and mid-February for Fall and Academic Year programs.

Soka University offers both a quiet, welcoming campus and also access to bustling Tokyo. Students can choose to focus entirely on Japanese language studies, or they can combine language studies with other courses taught in English.

Because of Japan’s Academic Calendar, this site is only offered for Spring or full-year placement only, and interested students should contact the Office of Study Abroad by February prior to when they would like to study abroad.

Affiliated Programs

Bridgewater students can study off campus for a semester on many other non-Exchange programs. These are ideal for students who would like a specific choice in location and program.

Participants in these Affiliated programs are billed the cost of their selected program, which is dependent on the program and site. All federal aid and loans, Pell Grants, and VATAG can be applied. However, BC institutional scholarships are not available.

For a semester abroad, students should budget for travel-related costs such as airfare, country visas, travel insurance, and meals and housing if not included in the program base price. Participating students can apply for support through the College’s Globalization Fund scholarship program to help with airfare and other expenses.

Affiliated Study Aboard Programs – students can explore a wide range of providers, but here are a few that BC students have studied abroad with recently:

  • ISEP Direct programs: ISEP Direct offers a wide range of immersive programs, guaranteed placement at the university of choice and a thoughtfully customized experience.
  • ISA: A high-touch provider with programs all over the world. In recent years, BC students have traveled to Spain and Morocco on ISA programs.
  • Global Semesters: The Global Semesters program on the beautiful island of Cyprus has been popular with BC students for years. The University of Nicosia offers a wide variety of classes and modern accommodations.

Domestic off-campus programsSmithsonian-Mason Semester and BC2DC program.

Paying for a Semester Abroad

BC believes all students should be able to pursue their goals and dreams. Students thinking of studying abroad should speak to the Director of Study Abroad and the Office of Financial Aid, as well as exploring online resources.

Questions? Contact Us!

Anne Marsh
Director of Study Abroad
540-828-8024
atmarsh@bridgewater.edu

  
Other Affiliated Programs
Students can study away from campus in either Washington D.C. or at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.