First-Year Student Guide
Welcome to St. Thomas!
The Office of Study Abroad is truly glad you’re here. We have compiled some resources specifically for you. Take a look, and we will see you soon!
Studying abroad is a unique experience, and our programs are designed to help you grow academically, personally, and professionally. In fact, St. Thomas alums consistently rank study abroad as their most impactful college experience!
As a first-year student you can study abroad as soon as this January Term (J-Term). Once you’ve reached sophomore standing you can participate in semester, academic year, and summer programs. Regardless of the major you’ve chosen or are considering, there is a program (yes, for EVERY major) that will keep you on track to graduate.
Below is a snapshot of possibilities, along with digital stories from past study abroad students.
J-Term and Summer Programs
Semester and Year-Long Programs
Studying abroad for a semester or academic year is an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a new culture and begin to understand it on a deeper level. You will take a full course load, and you might also be able to volunteer, conduct research, or complete an internship. ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ offers semester programs led by St. Thomas faculty for cohorts of St. Thomas students, as well as programs through our partner organizations taught by local faculty and attended by St. Thomas, U.S., international, and local students. With such diversity of programs, there IS an option that will fit YOUR academic schedule.
Our Peer Advisors are ready to help you find a program that fits your academic and personal goals.
Highlighted Programs for First-Year Students
Each of these programs fulfills a core requirement that all students must take in order to graduate.
Fulfills: 1st Theology core requirement
Explore the contents of the Bible and Christian history in the Catholic tradition. Understand the human experience as interpreted by major areas of Christian theology including revelation, God, creation, Jesus and the Church. Learn Rome's role in Christian history and experience the cultural expressions of Christianity found throughout the city.
To Apply: This program is reserved for first-year students only. Applications will open on July 6, 2023. We encourage you to apply by the priority deadline of Friday, Sept. 8, 2023; limited spaces are available. Applications will be accepted after the first Friday after Labor Day on a space-available basis until the final application deadline of Oct. 1.
Fulfills: Fine Arts core requirement, Writing Across the Curriculum
Study art history through museum visits, archeological tours, meetings with contemporary artists, lectures, and discussions in London, a city rich in architectural history and art collections. Your studies will allow you to examine structures of power and their impact on the creation and consumption of works of art, all while experiencing London as a diverse, multicultural city.
Learn More About Brilliant! Introduction to Art History in London
Fulfills: Global Perspectives Flag. Fine Arts or Integration in the Humanities.
Students will immerse themselves in the culture of Southern France while surveying contemporary art practices along the Mediterranean with a focus on cross-cultural exchange between Europe, North Africa, and the Levant. Classes will be taught by local faculty (in English!) with extensive knowledge of the region. Students can participate in group excursions in and around Aix-en-Provence to places like Marseille, Arles, Cassis, or Roussillion with the company of a St. Thomas staff member.
Designed for first-semester sophomores, the Rome Empower Program offers a unique St Thomas community along with courses fulfilling core requirements, helping you stay on track for graduation.
- Choose up to four courses from a list of classes fulfilling core requirements. You will also take a 2-credit Italian language course.
- Live with your fellow student cohort members in the St Thomas Bernardi Residence along with St. Thomas faculty directors and the on-site resident director.
If you would like to apply for this program, attend an information session during the fall semester, and submit your application by the priority application deadline of December 15.
Where to Start
Financial aid can be applied to semester study abroad programs, which makes the cost of a semester abroad comparable to being on-campus. Additional scholarships are available for semester programs, as well as summer and January Term programs. There are some scholarships specifically for first-year students!
St. Thomas strives to holistically support all students as they study abroad. While certainly not comprehensive, our Diversity and Identity Abroad page offers some resources and considerations around identity and the study abroad experience. Know that the Office of Study Abroad and Student Diversity & Inclusion Services are always available as resources.
Passport processing times are currently estimated to take 11 to 13 weeks. This is longer than normal, so if you need to obtain or renew your passport, we strongly encourage you to apply immediately! Do NOT wait until the fall semester. Go to to begin an application for a first-time passport or a renewal. You may choose to expedite your passport application for an additional fee. The processing time for an expedited passport is currently estimated at 7 to 9 weeks.
Note: International travel requirements stipulate passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of return to the U.S. If your passport expires before then, you will need to renew it. If you have a passport and it is valid for six months past your date of return to the U.S. you may disregard this information.