Global Learning
At MCLA, the world is your classroom.
The World is Your Classroom
Expand your education beyond MCLA through Global Learning opportunities across the United States and around the world. Students may study abroad through MCLA's affiliated partners, participate in National Student Exchange, complete an internship through The Washington Center, or join a faculty-led travel course. These opportunities provide academic credit while offering new perspectives, valuable skills, and meaningful learning experiences in diverse communities and environments.
Why Study Away?
Global Learning supports academic, personal, and professional growth. By learning in new environments and engaging with different cultures and communities, students strengthen their communication, adaptability, and critical thinking skills while gaining experiences that complement their education. These experiences can also enhance a résumé and prepare students for future careers or graduate study.
Personal
Through meaningful cultural experiences and new environments, students develop self-confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
Academic
Academically, Global Learning expands learning beyond the classroom, helping students gain new perspectives and apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Professional
Professionally, Global Learning prepares students for future careers by developing workplace skills, expanding networks, and building confidence in diverse environments.
Contact Global Learning
The Global Learning Office provides guidance and support throughout the Global Learning process. Whether students are exploring program options, planning coursework, navigating the application process, or identifying funding opportunities, the office is available to help every step of the way.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact En-Ting Hsu, International Services and Off-Campus Studies Coordinator, at en-ting.hsu@mcla.edu
Programs & Opportunities
MCLA offers a variety of Global Learning opportunities that allow students to study, intern, and learn beyond campus while earning academic credit. Explore the programs below to find the opportunity that best aligns with your academic interests, personal goals, and professional aspirations.
Partnered Study Abroad Providers
Study abroad through MCLA's affiliated partner organizations. Programs are available in a variety of countries and include semester, summer, and short-term options. Visit each provider's page for information about available programs, locations, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.
AIFS Abroad offers study abroad and international internship programs across Europe,
Asia, Australia, Africa, and Latin America, with semester, summer, J-Term, May-Term,
and spring break options. Students can choose from programs in a wide range of academic
disciplines, as well as full-time international internships that build professional
skills and global career readiness. In select locations, students may also study through
AIFS Abroad's Global Education Centers (GECs), which combine classroom learning with
cultural activities, experiential learning, and local excursions. AIFS Abroad provides
housing, pre-departure advising, on-site support, 24/7 emergency assistance, and scholarships
and grants to support students throughout their Global Learning experience.
https://www.aifsabroad.com/
CEA CAPA offers study abroad programs in destinations across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Australia. Students can earn academic credit in a variety of academic disciplines while enhancing their experience through internships, research opportunities, and co-curricular activities that promote cultural engagement and career development. CEA CAPA provides housing, on-site support, and scholarship and flight grant opportunities to help students prepare for a successful experience abroad.
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) offers semester, summer,
and January study abroad programs in destinations around the world. Students can choose
from multidisciplinary and field-specific programs while earning academic credit toward their degree. CIEE also offers internship
opportunities and need- and merit-based scholarships to support students throughout
their Global Learning experience.
https://www.ciee.org/
WorldStrides offers study abroad, internship, research, and experiential learning programs in destinations around the world. Students can earn academic credit while participating in experiences that support their academic, personal, and professional development. Scholarship opportunities, financial aid resources, and comprehensive on-site support help make Global Learning more accessible.
Semester at Sea offers a unique study abroad experience aboard a floating campus that
travels to multiple countries during a single semester. Students earn academic credit
while combining classroom learning with field experiences in ports around the world.
The program encourages academic exploration, intercultural learning, and global engagement
both at sea and in port.
https://www.semesteratsea.org/
Other Study Away Opportunities
National Student Exchange (NSE) provides students with the opportunity to study at colleges and universities across the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada while remaining enrolled at MCLA. Students continue paying MCLA tuition through the Home Tuition Payment plan, and most MCLA financial aid applies. Because participating institutions are accredited, credits typically transfer with advance academic planning. NSE provides an affordable opportunity to experience a different campus, region, and academic environment while earning credit toward an MCLA degree.
The Washington Center (TWC) offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience in Washington, D.C., through academic internships and experiential learning programs. Students earn academic credit while participating in internships, career development programming, and networking opportunities. TWC also offers short-term seminars and immersive learning experiences that connect classroom learning with professional practice.
Participate in credit-bearing courses that combine classroom instruction with short-term travel led by MCLA faculty. These courses provide experiential learning opportunities in destinations connected to the curriculum.
2023-26 Travel Snapshots
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements vary by Global Learning program and provider. Students should generally meet the following MCLA eligibility requirements:
- Complete at least 30 credits before departure. (Study away is generally recommended for second-semester sophomores through second-semester juniors. Special approval is required for participation during the final semester at MCLA.)
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. (Some programs or providers may require a higher GPA.)
- Be in good disciplinary standing.
- Have no holds on an MCLA account (e.g., Student Accounts or Financial Aid).
- Have a declared major before applying to facilitate course selection.
- Transfer students should complete at least one semester at MCLA before participating. (This recommendation does not apply to National Student Exchange.)
- Students participating in The Washington Center must have junior standing.
Please Note: Individual programs and providers may have additional eligibility requirements. Students with questions about eligibility or a specific program should contact the Global Learning Office.
Getting Started
Planning ahead is the first step toward a successful Global Learning experience. Before selecting a program or submitting an application, students should:
- Meet with their faculty advisor to discuss academic goals and degree requirements.
- Schedule a meeting with the Global Learning Office to explore program options, review eligibility, and discuss the application process.
- Meet with Financial Aid to understand how financial aid may apply and explore funding opportunities.
Funding Your Study Away
The Global Learning Office is committed to helping students explore funding opportunities for Global Learning experiences. Students are encouraged to meet with the Global Learning Office and Financial Aid early in the planning process to discuss available financial resources, scholarship opportunities, and how financial aid may apply to their chosen program.
Scholarship and funding information will continue to be updated as additional opportunities become available.
