Studying abroad is a sought-after experience at Rollins College, where, on average, 75 percent of students study abroad during their four years. “Fall 2025 will be the largest semester abroad group ever at 140 students,” said Giselda Beaudin, Director of Global Initiatives.
Within those large numbers, the most popular programs are ones that “are perceived to be more similar to the U.S. (Europe, Australia/New Zealand), and International Programs is actively working to try and generate more excitement and awareness of programs in less-popular destinations like Morocco, South Korea, and Argentina, which are also incredible places to spend a semester abroad,” said Beaudin.
Programs that have an internship attached to the abroad experience are also very popular in the upcoming fall semester, with locations in Sydney, Australia, and London, England.
90+ plus programs are offered, with opportunities for 10-day field studies, summer programs, and semester-long programs. Students can be immersed in different cultures and gain knowledge for their future careers. This is the main goal of the Rollins International Programs: to create “Global Citizens.” Beaudin describes Global Citizens as “people who can be dropped into environments with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures and successfully navigate that.”
Noah Denmark (‘26) studied abroad through the SIT program in Samoa, where the Pacific Ocean was a short walk away from his homestay. After meeting new people and traveling to other islands like Fiji, he said, “studying abroad creates an experience to better understand other people’s perspectives.”
Rollins International Programs showcases their opportunities to students before they even step foot on campus. An endorsement for the First-Year Program to Costa Rica led by professor Barry Allen is sent out to accepted students before their first fall semester starts. Additionally, programs are highlighted on admissions tours to potential students and their families.
On campus, students can find information at tabling and special events, through emails, and during RCC classroom visits. Rollins Study Abroad’s social media platforms are very active, with currently abroad students creating “a day in the life” videos that inspire interest in the programs.
The International Programs office has seen a subtle increase over the long term, with last year marking the highest number of students studying abroad in short-term programs. Beaudin said these programs include “all Rollins field studies and approved summer programs, as well as external summer programs and external short-term programs over winter and spring break.”
The major reason for this large increase of interest in studying abroad is the larger class sizes. In the future, international programs expect to see a minimal decline in students abroad as class sizes decrease.
As Rollins scholarships carry over to these semester-long programs, students pay the same amount here as they would on-campus to study abroad. Paying for these programs showcases Rollins’ commitment to global citizenship and creating global leaders. “Rollins sees a value in this, both for the school and for the students,” said Beaudin.
There are a few exchange student programs at Rollins, which include places like Spain, Morocco, Japan, and Hong Kong. They are great for students who thrive with more independence. Currently, there are exchange students from Japan studying at Rollins.
Mariela Maloney (‘26) described her abroad exchange experience in Oviedo, Spain, as “adding to [her] language, college, and life experience.” Going abroad “makes [me] want to go back and have that immersive experience again,” she said.
Studying abroad is a great way to learn more about the world, to add experience to one’s resume, and to become a Global Citizen as part of the Rollins College Gateway.
Students can access more information about Rollins International Programs here.
Comments are closed.