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The opportunity to go on a number of excursions in the Yucatan enabled me to experience the history and culture in ways that a textbook is unable to provide. Not only does it make learning more exciting, but also more genuine.

– Erika Anthony
Central College

student information

Why study abroad?
There are many reasons to study abroad, and if you’re contemplating study abroad because you want to move beyond your comfort zone, then you’re on the right track! You will grow through the challenges and triumphs faced while being abroad. Whether it’s navigating your way from Hangzhou to Shanghai with only a few words of Chinese in your pocket or interning for an MP at the British Houses of Parliament, you will walk away knowing that you are capable of much more than you ever believed.

Choosing to enroll in a study abroad program is also an intentional choice to:

develop your personal value system
gain a better understanding of international affaires
see yourself as a global citizen
improve foreign language proficiency
earn academic credit
enhance your résumé

Why you should choose Central College Abroad
Since 1965, students from hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities have chosen to study abroad with Central College Abroad...and with good reason. Central College Abroad’s strong academic foundation comes from being a part of a well-respected, private liberal arts college. Central College is continuously recognized in US New and World Report among the best colleges with study abroad programs to look for.

With Central College Abroad, you can expect a more valuable experience. We desire for each student to meet specific academic and intrapersonal goals during the course of a semester or year abroad. These goals shape the core programming that we provide on every Central College Abroad site. Each of the core components listed below deliberately enhance the study abroad experience:

Resident directors: Each of Central's programs is run by a resident director who is a Central College employee. All directors are highly-committed, accomplished professionals who know how to work with American students and are familiar with the university system. Their sole concern is that you have a great academic and cross-cultural experience as they provide you with the personal touch you would expect from a small, private, liberal arts college.
On-site orientation: We believe that an on-site cultural orientation, led by the resident director, is the best way to set you up for a successful experience. Each Central program offers an in-depth orientation that will acclimate you to the country's language and culture as you get a feel for your new environment. The orientation programs range from five days to a few weeks and each include excursions away from the classroom to see some of the sites in your new international home.
Required cross-cultural courses: All Central College Abroad programs include at least one required cross-cultural course. These courses are designed to help you examine and discuss your experience and discover more about your host country’s life and culture. These courses are enhanced by cultural excursions, interesting reads, lively discussions, and reflective journaling.
Cultural excursions: One of the highlights of studying through Central College Abroad is the number of cultural activities and excursions that are included as part of your program fee. Many of these excursions, facilitated by the resident director, link directly with your coursework and continue throughout the semester.
Coursework through Central College Abroad and Affiliate Insitutions: Central offers the unique opportunity to take coursework through Central College Abroad as well as our affiliate institutions. CCA courses are courses taught by our expert local faculty, each specifically designed to capture an aspect of the culture's art, history, etc. Central is also proud to be affiliated with some of the finest schools in the world, such as the London College of Fashion and Zhejiang University.
Experiential learning: On Central’s study abroad programs, learning begins in the classroom, but continues in many different settings outside the traditional educational environment — offering you a more in-depth cross-cultural experience. You can choose from either a service-learning or an internship option, both for academic credit. Central College Abroad programs offer these experiences as a way to more fully immerse you in the language and culture. This unique component sets our program apart from many study abroad options available to you.