Summer and January Study Abroad

OCSE does not maintain a list of approved program options for short-term summer/January programs.  That said, the following program providers we approve for semester study abroad also offer short-term programs (mostly summer programs). Program providers with an asterisk (*) offer scholarships for summer programs.

• ACC China (Hamilton College)*
• Accademia dell'Arte
• AIT-Budapest
• American University Sharjah
• API Abroad*
• Arcadia Abroad*
• Advanced Studies in England (ASE)
• Center for Ecological  Living and Learning (CELL)
• CET Academic  Programs*
• CIEE*
• College Year in Athens
• DIS: Study Abroad in Scandinavia*
• IES Abroad*
• IFSA*
• Institute of the Arts Barcelona
• Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS)*
• Queen Mary, University of London Summer School*
• SIT Study Abroad*
• Skidmore Travel Seminars
• Syracuse University Abroad*
• The School for Field Studies (SFS)*
• University of Minnesota LAC*
• Washington Semester Program

Faculty Recommendations: Faculty members in specific departments often know about experiences that are particularly interesting within their area of study. Take a moment to ask a few faculty members and check the bulletin boards in your major department.  

In addition to exploring the programs through our approved providers, the following online databases will be helpful in researching summer study abroad opportunities:

• http://www.iiepassport.org
• http://www.studyabroad.com
• http://www.goabroad.com

Students participating on non-Skidmore summer/January programs are responsible for all costs associated with the program. Financial aid and scholarships are not available through Skidmore.

Most programs offer scholarships and students are encouraged to apply for this funding. There are also scholarships available for students through national scholarship funds. Please visit our Scholarship Opportunities page for more information. 

Students seeking academic credit for an independent short-term program must complete a Transfer Credit Approval Form through the Office of the Registrar. This form can be also found on the Registrar's Form page. The course(s) must comply with all of the qualifications and policies listed on the Summer School Approval Form.

Students should apply directly to the program. Pay special attention to deadlines!  Typically, you would apply 3-6 months before the start of the program. If applications are accepted on a rolling basis, apply early! 

Home School Authorization forms: Many programs require approval from the home school (Skidmore) as part of the application process. If you would like our office to complete this type of form, please visit our office or email OCSE.

If the program requires information on your social standing with the College or your disciplinary record, you must email OCSE and request that we check your status before we will complete the form. It may take 1-2 weeks for OCSE to obtain such information. Alternatively, you can work with the student conduct office directly to complete this portion.

• Book with a travel agent. OCSE recommends booking with travel agent and/or specialist group. These professionals provide an extra level of support than booking directly with airlines or an online travel agency.
• Airline and Airport policies related to COVID-19. Before booking a flight, inquire about the airline and/or airport policies and procedures (i.e., mask requirements, temperature screening, required forms, middle seat occupancy, etc.). It is important to set expectations and be prepared for newly implemented requirements for travel.
• Direct flights. Consider flights without connections/change of planes or limit the number of connections. This will limit the need to adhere to multiple airport policies and minimize contact with other travelers.  
• Purchase a refundable/changeable airline ticket since travel plans may change quickly or unexpectedly.

• Meet with your doctor. Consider scheduling a pre-trip medical clearance visit with your personal physician to discuss your health and address any concerns. Discuss how to mitigate risks, recommendations on vaccinations including influenza, obtaining antibiotic prophylactics and general advice on optimizing your health.
• Research where you can get a COVID-19 test. Since several countries have instituted a requirement of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry into their country, you should begin researching a testing facility near you where you can have the test administered in the required timeframe. Please contact your program to confirm the specific testing requirements for your country of study.
• Prescription Medications. Ensure that you have an adequate supply of any prescription medication for the dates of your travel. Consult your medical insurer to determine if you can obtain an additional supply of prescription medications, approximately 4 weeks past end of program date, should a need to shelter in place arise.

• Purchase several cloth face masks for use onsite. Neck gaiters are reportedly less effective than cloth masks in blocking respiratory droplets. Additionally, some countries have prohibited the use of bandanas.
• Bring your own first aid kit, as such, items can be in short supply in your host country (masks, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, over-the-counter medications, bandages, topical antiseptic cleaner, etc.)
• Consider bringing your own supply of cleaning products, such as antibacterial wipes, as these items may be difficult to find or in short supply in your country of study.

• OCSE recommends that parents/guardians possess a passport that is valid 6 months after the end date of the student program in the event they must travel due to an emergency onsite. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant reduction in passport processing by the U.S. Department of State.  If there is a need to renew or apply for a passport, the recommendation is to do so as soon as possible.  Please consult the Department of State website for more information on the application and/or renewal process.
• Review your Parent/Legal Guardian Contact authorizations submitted at the time of application to ensure that your program can communicate with them during your program.