Travel Study Programs
May and spring break travel study programs are faculty-led programs that offer MC sophomores, juniors, and seniors alternate study environments, international experiences and exposure to diverse cultures while earning credit towards their degree. The programs have experiential learning as the focus and are typically two- to three-weeks in length. Programs and destinations vary from year to year and there are options to suit most degrees. Spring Break Programs are also travel study programs, but take place during spring break as part of a spring semester course.
Who should consider this type of program?
- Non Traditional Students with a job and/or family responsibilities that prevent a longer time away.
- Students with restrictive curricula who find it difficulty to fulfill graduation requirements on semester programs.
- Students with little travel experience abroad. It may be reassuring to travel with a known faculty member!
- Athletes with practice and game schedules that prevent long absences
- Working students who need to keep their income during a semester.
- Students who want to travel with a group of peers.
- Students for whom the topic fulfills a degree requirement or core requirement.
- Students who have an elective space who want to build in a significant global component
- Students who want to complete a Global+ Certificate
*Athletic Tours are only open to varsity athletes on the team
Programs for the 2025-26 Academic Year
MCScotsAbroad in Amsterdam
PSY/SOC 249
The Netherlands: Sex & Society (CD) (GL+)
May 2026
MCScotsAbroad in Costa Rica
WRC 370 World Cultures & Community Engagement (CD) (GL+)
May 2026
MCScotsAbroad in the Galapagos Islands
BIO 349/EVS 349 Galápagos Conservation, Community & Research or EVS 249 Galápagos Conservation & Community (CD) (GL+)
May 2026
MCScotsAbroad in Germany
HIS 349/ENV 349/OST 349: Magic Mountains: Nature and Nation in Appalachia and the Black Forest (CD) (GL+)
May 2026
MCScotsAbroad in Italy
EXS 249/INT/OST 249 Global Health & Longevity (CD) (GL+)
May 2026
MCScotsAbroad in Switzerland
PSY/NSC 226 or SOC/INT 249 Global Child Welfare: Switzerland (CD) (GL+)
Spring Break 2026
Recent Past Programs (2021-25)
MC Scots in Costa Rica
EXS/HWP/OST/INT 249 Blue Zones & Health: Longevity of People & Planet (CD) (GL+) (CE)
Spring Break program as part of a Spring 2025 semester course
MC Scots in England & Scotland
BUS/INT 349 Organizational Behavior – Lessons from Abroad (GL+)
May 2025
MC Scots in Thailand
REL/PHL/INT 349 Religion, Culture & Society in Thailand (CD) (RS) (GL+)
May 2025
MC FRESHMEN in Scotland
INT 201 Contemporary Global Issues – Scottish Highlands (PS) (GL+)
May 2025
Introducing MC’s first year abroad program which is the first opportunity for MC students across any major to
- Develop stronger intercultural communication skills.
- Challenge their ability to cope with unfamiliar situations and ambiguity.
- Acquire an understanding of cultures and perspectives different from their own.
- Learn about making a difference on important global issues that affect us all.
- Complete a core requirement (Person & Society – PS domain)
MC Scots in Denmark, Iceland & Sweden
SUS 249: In Search of Hygge Through Design and Sustainability in Scandinavia [CD]
May 2024
Costa Rica:
OST 149/INT 149 Responsible Travel & Blue Zones (Fit.Green.Happy) (CD) (CE) (GL+)
In partnership with Costa Rica Experience
England & Scotland:
BUS 249 Business, Culture & Place @ Harlaxton Manor
(Photo Credit: University of Evansville Harlaxton Manor)
Study Away Programs (USA-based)
Frequently Asked Questions
STEP 1: Complete the online Travel Study Application. You can apply right through the program brochure of the program you want to apply for. (linked above) (You can also find programs in our Via Study Abroad portal)
- Applications due ONLINE by October 1 by 12noon with a $100 application fee. (See refund policy below)
- If you want a scholarship: Complete the Travel Study scholarship application form too! They will will be due online (separate application from the Travel study application) by October 1. Scholarship deadlines will not be extended for late applicants
STEP 2: Interview with the faculty leaders running your program
STEP 3: Check your Study Abroad Application Status in your Portal – It will say APPROVED, and you will get a Via Message when approved. The system will send you an email notification. If you apply for a scholarship you will get an email notification of your scholarship around the same time.
STEP 4: Accept your place on your program by completing the confirmation form and paying your $200 deposit (see timelines below)
- You will have several forms to complete in your portal. Be sure to read the Accepted Student Information
STEP 5: Make sure you are timely with your 4 payments. Payments are due according to the timelines below. Our Study Abroad portal will send 7 day, 3 day and 1 day reminders.
Questions? Something unclear? Email your leaders or studyabroad@maryvillecollege.edu
Spring Break Programs
| What | When | Details |
| Application Available | Now | Apply Online. Also be sure you are applying now for a passport.
|
| Application Deadline | October 1 | All online materials, including scholarship application must be submitted by 12noon. $100 application fee due (not part of program fee)
|
| Notification of Acceptance | October 21 | In Via portal |
| Confirmation of Acceptance & $200 deposit Due | November 4 | In Via portal by 12noon
|
| Payment 1 (120 days) | November 29 | 25% of payment due
|
| Payment 2 (90 days) | December 16 | 25% of payment due
|
| Payment 3 (60 days) | January 13 | 25% of payment due
|
| Payment 4 (30 days) | February 14 | 25% of payment due
|
| Mandatory CGE Pre-Departure (3) | Part of class | Required for all participants
|
| Program Specific Pre-departure Meetings | Part of class | Determined by leaders |
May-term Programs
| What | When | Details |
| Application Available | Now | Apply Online. Also be sure you are applying now for a passport.
|
| Application Deadline | October 1 | All online materials, including scholarship application must be submitted by 12noon. $100 application fee due (not part of program fee)
|
| Notification of Acceptance | October 28 | In Via portal |
| Confirmation of Acceptance & $200 deposit Due | November 15 | In Via portal by 12noon
|
| Payment 1 (120 days) | December 16 | 25% of payment due
|
| Payment 2 (90 days) | January 13 | 25% of payment due
|
| Payment 3 (60 days) | February 14 | 25% of payment due
|
| Payment 4 (30 days) | March 14 | 25% of payment due
|
| Mandatory CGE Pre-Departure | TBD | Required for all participants
|
| Program Specific Pre-departure Meetings | TBD | Determined by leaders |
Maryville College will work with international partners to create refund and withdrawal policies that limit the financial impact on students and families should a student’s plan to travel change.
- RECOVERABLE COSTS of total program costs up to 46 days prior to the start (arrival) date of the program (program specific – some payments may have an earlier cutoff date)
- 0% refund of total program costs 45 days or less prior to the start (arrival) date of the program
*Above policies are currently estimated, but established by contract obligations.
Student withdrawals after the confirmation of acceptance date may affect the ability for a program to occur or may affect program pricing.
Key points regarding withdrawals:
- Application fees and deposits are non-refundable.
- Refunds for the program fee are based on recoverable costs, which are dependent on the program timeline and the commitments already made on your behalf up to 45 days.
- Any scholarships awarded cannot be applied to program expenses if you do not travel.
- At the time of accepting a place on a program, students are financially committing to the cost of the program.
- Emergency Medical Coverage: In case you’re sick and need to see a doctor or visit the hospital
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage: For more extreme cases that require emergency treatment in the hospital
- Trip Interruption: Protects you if you get sick and must return home
- Trip Cancellation: Protects prepaid non-refundable trip costs, allows you to submit a claim to get some or all of your money back on flights, hotels, and more
- Trip Delay: Protects if you if you have to delay your trip due to illness and certain emergency situations.
But there are other travel related expenses that are not covered by study abroad medical insurance.
Cancel for any reason insurance, also known as CFAR, is a time-sensitive, optional benefit that can be purchased to protect your financial investment in travel. This benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify. Please be sure to read the plan details carefully before purchasing. Below are some links to learn more and even purchase plans.
CFAR Eligibility Requirements (from insuremytrip.com)
Typically, a policy must be purchased within 10-21 days of making the initial trip payment to be eligible for CFAR benefits. Often, providers will require CFAR purchasers to insure the entire dollar amount of their travels in order to receive the coverage. Additional requirements may be stated by the providers for those interested in buying a CFAR policy. Be sure to thoroughly read and understand any and all terms before you make your purchase.