“I thought studying abroad would be a chance to learn about cultures different from my own; but my trip to Cuba during January intersession taught me that sometimes you might learn more about your heritage than you think. In Cuba I found out that a majority of the Afro-descendents were of the Yoruba tribe, my father’s people from Nigeria. I learned the ways in which his ancestors influenced Cuban music, food, religion, and dance. I was never so excited to return home and share with my father this connection he had with a tiny country across the pond. This is what study abroad is all about: discovering relationships between your culture/history and another, and sharing that knowledge with others.” -Ayodele Oti ’12, City College
Macaulay Scholars understand the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly interconnected world. As such, studying abroad can be a transformative, educational experience, providing scholars the chance to live with students from a given host country, learn a foreign language, and immerse themselves in a uniquely cross-cultural setting. Study abroad experiences will heighten your awareness of and sensitivity towards diverse cultures and prepare you to collaborate with them beyond your time at Macaulay. Venture beyond our urban campus by learning in an entirely different environment.
Many study abroad options exist and programs can vary in length. In seeking intellectual breadth and global awareness, we strongly encourage you to seize the opportunity to study in an honors-level program abroad. Macaulay Honors College sponsors a number of honors opportunities where you can participate in innovative coursework and primary research abroad. Macaulay Scholars have studied sustainability in Israel, architecture in Barcelona, and studied marine and plant biodiversity in Cuba. With approval, you may also choose from a vast array of courses and programs offered through CUNY and elsewhere. Study abroad programs must be offered at accredited institutions of higher education that offer courses for university credit. These credits must transfer to your home campus.
How can I locate my study abroad options?
When and where you go and what you study are up to you, but note that you will be able to undertake long-term study abroad only after you complete your four City seminars in sequence.
Begin your search for a study abroad experience by visiting your campus study abroad office or search all CUNY study abroad office websites and programs through the Online Directory of CUNY Study Abroad and International Exchange Programs. Macaulay offerings are available on the study abroad page. You can also participate in programs outside offered by other universities, such as SUNY. Search university websites for program information. Finally, organizations such as University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) and SIT sponsor programs in a host of nations.
*Please note that all Macaulay students must complete at least one internship or global learning experience prior to graduation.
How can I finance my study abroad program?
Macaulay Resources
Tuition*–Macaulay will pay tuition, according to tuition policy relevant to the term(s) abroad, for any credit-bearing program.
The Macaulay scholarship is drawn from a combination of sources: CUNY, TAP, Federal, City/State scholarships/grants, and other scholarships you may receive. The following types of scholarships/aid will be applied towards your tuition bill: TAP, NYS HESC Scholarships, NYS TAP waiver, CUSTA, PELL, NYC Council Merit Scholarship, and other scholarships/grants received.
✽ Students must meet CUNY NYS residency requirements for in state tuition to receive the tuition scholarship
Opportunities Fund: You can apply to access the Opportunities Fund to request funding for program costs–including airfare, housing, and meals (see Opportunities Fund).
Additional Resources
Nationally competitive and country-specific scholarships may help. A partial list follows below:
* All Macaulay students must complete at least one internship or global learning experience prior to graduation.
To satisfy the Macaulay requirement for studying abroad, you must:
- Study abroad only at accredited institutions of higher education. Credits earned during study abroad and paid for with Opportunities Fund must be transferred back to your home campus.
- Receive academic credit at your home college for your study abroad course work. All courses must be approved by your Macaulay Advisor before you study abroad.
- Submit an online Study Abroad Evaluation Form (on the Macaulay website) after you complete your study abroad.
- Submit evidence of successful academic completion of your course of study, such as a transcript.
Studying abroad requires thoughtful academic and financial planning. Consult your major department, your Macaulay Advisor, and your campus Study Abroad Coordinator for help in making your plans. You should also check CUNY’s Helpful Resources for study abroad for additional information.