Extended introduction
Rubenstein School students have studied in countries from A-Z (Argentina to Zimbabwe). Studying abroad offers rich learning opportunities that allow students to grow personally and professionally.
For semester or year-long study abroad opportunities, students should start by visiting the UVM Office of International Education (OIE) to learn about the available programs.
Mapping your Global Experiences as a Rubenstein School Student
We generally recommend studying abroad during the semester you have the fewest number of required courses for your major, or the semester with the most electives. For most students, the Fall or Spring Semester of Junior Year tends to work best for a semester abroad. Work with your academic advisor to determine the best timing for you.
Program Types
UVM GO
UVM GO is a Pre-Orientation Program for incoming first-year students that focuses on global learning, developing intercultural knowledge and skills, and building community. Each experience allows students to develop their awareness of global issues and make connections in their community and beyond.
Semester or Year Programs
- UVM Semester Programs
- Exchanges (UVM Exchange and ISEP Exchange)
- External Programs
*Semester-long study abroad programs are not the only option. UVM offers summer study abroad programs as well as faculty-led travel over winter and spring break.
Internships Abroad
Completing an international internship will help you develop in-demand skills like cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Start your journey
Travel Study (Short-Term)
Travel Study programs are UVM courses taught by UVM professors abroad and are offered during winter break, spring break, and summer break. Federal financial aid, UVM scholarships, grants, and loans may be eligible to travel with students on these programs. Application requirements and deadlines differ from other study abroad program types.
A current list of travel study programs from UVM GoAbroad
(Note that Travel Study program offerings change from year to year.)
Explore Further Options
The Office of International Education (OIE) has additional study abroad options detailed on the UVM website:
Course Planning
Rubenstein School Majors
Course Considerations Abroad
If you intend to utilize credit obtained from courses taken at institutions or programs outside of UVM to satisfy requirements for your Rubenstein School major, you must meet with your advisor well in advance and ensure - in writing - that the credits you intend to transfer back to UVM will meet specific major requirements in your program.
- Use your Degree Audit to learn your major requirements and plan out your remaining coursework.
- Meet with an academic advisor to discuss course timing and which courses to take while abroad.
- Check how your study abroad courses may count towards your degree using the UVM Transfer Credit Guide. If a course isn’t listed, it hasn’t been reviewed recently but could still transfer. You may not substitute a course taken at another institution or program for a major or Rubenstein School core course requirement without first having an approved waiver from the appropriate curriculum committee. Contact Jessica.Cole@uvm.edu or your academic advisor with questions about these requirements.
Note: AP credits and/or summer coursework can free students up to have more flexibility when abroad.
The Rubenstein School study abroad process is designed to be as efficient as possible for students, faculty, and advisors. Use the flowchart linked below to ensure the correct forms are completed and submitted.
*The academic planning form is a required document. If you are undecided on which program you'll be applying to, you can still submit the form to receive assistance with your curricular plan.
Semester Programs

Your study abroad semester options include programs in amazing locations around the globe. Select the regions listed below to see available programs around the world.
Africa
Botswana
Kenya
- School for Field Studies: Endangered Species Conservation
- School for Field Studies: Giraffe Ecology and Conservation
South Africa
Tanzania
Asia
Europe
Latin America
North America
Oceania
Begin the UVM Study Abroad Application Process
All UVM students studying abroad will follow the Study Abroad Process managed by the Office of International Education (OIE). The detailed steps are outlined in UVM’s Study Abroad Pathway: