Central College Abroad

Study with a leader

Central College’s study abroad program was listed once again on website for the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 20 Programs to Look For. Nearly 50 percent of students study abroad for a semester or longer during their four years at Central College. Central’s study abroad programs also are available to students from other colleges and universities throughout the United States. Over 80 institutions nationwide have a cooperating agreement with Central College Abroad, in order to facilitate the transfer of credit and financial aid for their students going on a Central program. Central College Abroad has served more than 10,000 students from more than 400 American colleges and universities for over 40 years.

Academic excellence
When you participate in a Central College Abroad program, you can be certain of academic excellence. Central's academic programs are closely monitored by faculty from Central College. The tradition of academic excellence is important to Central's faculty as well as to the students who learn and grow through their international experiences.

Coursework in English
Our program in London offers students the opportunity to discover British culture while studying in a world famous city. In Wales, students take coursework in English and are also invited to explore the Welsh heritage - and the Welsh language for those who choose. Central also has unique English language programs in the Netherlands, China and Mexico for students who are interested in those locations but don't have the preparation for university coursework in Dutch, Chinese or Spanish.

Total Immersion
Language students of all levels (including beginners) are welcome at our programs in France, Vienna, Spain, and Mexico. There really is nothing like total immersion for the acquisition and perfection of a second language. Advanced students have the opportunity to take regular university coursework in their "adopted" language. All students learn daily about those elements of culture, art, politics and history that cannot be wholly conveyed in an American classroom.

Orientation
Each of Central's programs offers a special orientation. You can expect that this in-depth orientation will acclimate you to your 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.

Someone who knows you
Each of Central's programs is run by an on-site program director who is concerned about your well-being. All program 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.

Get some experience
Professional experience is included in the many internship opportunities at our study abroad sites. Numerous internships are designed to complement your academic and career goals as well as enhance your study abroad experience. Although all internships are unpaid positions, students earn academic credit. Positions at government agencies, media outlets, businesses and social, cultural and educational institutions, museums, theatres and art galleries are available.

Travel the world
Let's face it, you know and we know that one of the main reasons you want to study abroad is the opportunity to see the world. Every program includes some cultural activities and excursions at no extra cost. Additional side trips are often organized for a fee and you'll have plenty of time to do some exploring on your own.

Go with the best
Central is affiliated with some of the finest schools in the world. Through our study abroad programs, you, too, can experience the best. About our schools:

Central's program at the Sorbonne in Paris has been operating since 1965 and is one of the oldest continuously operating American programs at this famous university.
The University of Vienna was founded more than 600 years ago and at 90,000 students is the largest university in Austria, offering courses in almost every academic discipline.
In London, Central offers its own courses and is affiliated with London Metropolitan University, Queen Mary College (fall option), London College of Fashion (fall option), The City Lit, and Morley College. Morley College's music school is used for the music study option.
The University of Granada, founded in 1531, is one of the oldest in Spain and is renowned for its language, literature and translation programs.
In the Yucatan, coursework is available for qualified students at the Marista University, Modelo University, and the Autonomous University of the Yucatan.
Central offers its own courses in Leiden, taught in English by Dutch professors, as well as through Webster University, an international English-speaking university, and through Leiden University, the oldest institute of higher education in the Netherlands.
Zhejiang University, founded in 1897 in Hangzhou, is the oldest university in China. In 1998, after merging with three other universities in Hangzhou, it also became the largest with 30,000 students and six campuses. The International College offers a variety of courses in English for international students.

Central College Study Abroad Highlights:

Central College Abroad was established in 1965.
Eight international study programs in England, France, Austria, Spain, China, Mexico, Wales and the Netherlands offer academic studies in an international setting.
Each Central College Abroad program features an on-site program director who is a resident of the host country and an employee of Central College.
An average of 30 students study in each program each semester.
Each program offers in-depth orientation activities.
Cultural activities and excursions are included in each program.
Experiential opportunities are available in each country.
Central College is a private four-year liberal arts college located in Pella, Iowa.
Central College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Central College admits students on the basis of academic qualifications, cocurricular record and leadership potential, without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or disability. Central College students have equal rights, privileges and responsibilities unless specifically restricted by college disciplinary process.