Study Abroad Opportunities

Choose Your Own (International) Adventure

Study Abroad opportunities at Saint Francis offer students the experience of a lifetime 

Every Saint Francis University student has a story to tell. And for those willing to step outside of their comfort zone and seize their opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience can become a unique part of their journey. 

With so many student photos and stories already covering the new Study Abroad Wall in Scotus Hall, it stands as a testament to those brave enough to take the leap while also inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

“It’s not just a picture of a student from a trip or a pin on the map, but it is more of a story of each student who had the confidence to come out of their comfort zone and be introduced to a new culture and be ready to be introduced to new people,” said Nidhi Bhutani, Coordinator of International Education at Saint Francis. “So that is exactly what we envisioned for this wall- that whenever a student passes by and sees something on the wall and feels like, ‘this is something I want to do; this is something I will do.’” 

Whether it’s a service trip, a spring break abroad, or a full semester in a new country, Saint Francis offers many chances for students to choose their own international adventure. These University-sponsored trips make exploring the world more accessible and affordable, while also cultivating appreciation for diverse cultures and fostering lifelong connections. 

“Studying abroad is one of those opportunities that you may not have again in the same way once you graduate. As a student, you have a unique opportunity to learn not only from your classes, but from the people, cultures, and places around you,” said Naomi Cho, a 5th-year Physician Assistant Sciences student who participated in the semester-long exchange program in France. “I think studying abroad is important because it gives students an education that you simply can’t get inside a classroom. You’re learning about the world while also learning about yourself.” 

“I would simply say: ‘Go’” 

With nearly a dozen opportunities for study abroad at Saint Francis, those interested in an international education can find the experience that best aligns with their interests, goals, and academic requirements. 

During semester-long programs in Lille, France, Parma, Italy, and Gaming, Austria, students can spend months exploring Europe, embracing new cultures, learning new languages, and building international friendships.

 “I made friends from different countries and learned about cultures I knew very little about before. One of my closest friends from the program is from Russia and we still keep in touch today,” Naomi said.

 “I loved being able to travel almost every weekend to different cities and countries while also experiencing what university life is like for French students,” added Emma Szymanski, a 5th-year MPA student who also spent a spring semester in Lille, France. “My study abroad experience helped me become more independent and confident.” 

But at Saint Francis, students don’t have to commit to an entire semester abroad to benefit from an immersive, cultural experience. Offering numerous short-term trips, students have opportunities for course-specific international programs, spring break service trips, and summer excursions in new places. 

With programs like Fall Break in the Cayman Islands or Spring Break in London with the Shields School of Business, Field Biology in the Galapagos Islands, Spanish in Costa Rica, Scuba Diving excursions to destinations like Curacao, St. Lucia, and Key Largo, and Engineers in Action trips to Bolivia, Peru, or Eswatini, students can explore the world while also utilizing their classroom skills, expanding their knowledge, gaining hands-on experience in their field, and making new professional connections. 

“My trip to London showed me how big the world really is. I had several opportunities to talk to locals and tourists from several countries,” said Jelana Boldizar, a junior Communications and Spanish double major who participated in the Spring Break in London trip. “Going abroad can open so many doors. No matter what country you travel to, you will learn valuable information that you can use for the rest of your life.” 

Even the HUGS International Service trips to places like Guatemala and The Bahamas, offer students in Education, Health Sciences, and the Occupational Therapy program, the chance to apply their skills through clinical services, community outreach, health education, and work with children with special needs. Through these experiences, students can make a lasting impact, find purpose, and create meaningful connections and memories all in one life-changing trip. 

Exploring New Places 

Saint Francis understands the value of immersive, cultural, and hands-on education that students can only get through study abroad. It is the goal of the Office for International Education to make these unique and authentic experiences attainable to any student willing to seize the opportunity. 

Even those in accelerated programs, like the 5-year MPA and 6-year DPT programs, can incorporate one of the many study abroad trips into their already intensive schedules. 

“I knew I wanted to study abroad ever since I applied to college,” said Naomi, who spent the spring semester of her junior year in Lille, France. “One of the things that really made Saint Francis University stand out to me was that, even as a Physician Assistant student in an accelerated program, I still had the opportunity to study abroad.”

 Despite her already rigorous schedule, Noami, who also earned a minor in Communications & Digital Media, was able to take extra courses and enroll in a required anatomy class at the Universite Catholique De Lille so she could stay on track while still making her dream come true. 

“I have always been fascinated by different cultures and wanted to travel, and I’ve even considered becoming a travel PA in the future,” Naomi said. “France felt like the perfect combination of my academic interests and my desire to experience the world.”

While there are already numerous study abroad trips for Saint Francis students to choose from, the University is working to create even more opportunities for students in every field of study. It is their goal to continue to expand options and offer unique, major-specific international programs for each academic discipline. Currently, the Office for International Education is developing a future Honors Program experience at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway as part of the new Honors Program Peace Initiative.

 “Many students have never been out of the country,” said Nidhi. “Along with the opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and experience another culture, traveling through an SFU-sponsored program can also make international travel more affordable than planning a similar experience independently. Group arrangements and university partnerships can help students experience more while keeping costs manageable.” 

For students who have already participated in one of the many SFU-sponsored international trips, their journeys may have been different, but their sentiment is all the same – if you have the chance to explore the world, you should take it! 

“If you have the opportunity to study abroad, go for it!” said Emma. “You definitely have to plan ahead when it comes to scheduling classes and saving up money to travel, but it is incredibly worth it in the end. Grab a few of your friends and explore Europe together!”