Study Abroad Programs Open Applications for 2025, 2026

Notre Dame’s annual Study Abroad Week took place this week, with applications opening for the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 programs on September 1. The application window will close on November 1 for semester programs and November 15 for summer programs.

With more than 70 semester and annual programs, more than 30 summer programs, and more than 30 countries represented, the goal of Notre Dame Week was to promote these opportunities and help students find their place.

Quick information sessions were held to provide students with key information about semester programs, including eligibility, housing, coursework, and finances. Similar sessions were also offered for summer programs.

Some of the most popular programs – such as those in Ireland, Rome, Jerusalem, Athens and London – held specific information sessions throughout the week. Additionally, events such as Advising on the Fly trivia night, a study abroad meeting, and classroom information sessions with senior fellows were offered to help students explore their options.

Identity panels, new to the program’s list of events, were also hosted by the Notre Dame Student Government. These panels gave students the opportunity to hear from peers from diverse backgrounds who have previously studied abroad. Topics covered included race and ethnicity, first-generation low-income advocacy, disability access abroad, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

“Panels are a great way for students from diverse groups to understand what an international experience might be like for them, or how it might be different,” said Robert Leis, director of study abroad at Notre Dame. “Improving access and understanding will always be the goal. »

“We wanted students to talk to others who have been in their shoes, learn from them and know they are not alone,” said sophomore Bryn Dougherty, who serves as director of advocacy of DEI Disabilities within the Student Government Executive Cabinet. “We also wanted to reassure them about going abroad, as it can be intimidating, particularly for a student with a disability or other barriers. »

Many students are eager to study abroad and concerns about securing a place on popular programs, such as Rome or London, are common. Leis advised students to be flexible and make the most of the many study abroad opportunities, including applying for multiple terms.

“Sometimes students feel like they’re missing out by going abroad during the fall term, but years later you won’t look back on your semester abroad as a missed football season. You’ll see it as a powerful standalone experience,” Leis said.

He also pointed out that there are many more options than students think. Those willing to study in less traditional countries, such as Southeast Asia or Africa, may have a better chance of securing a place and standing out in graduate school or job applications .

Assistant Director of Study Abroad James Keating emphasized the importance of specificity in applications.

“The more specific you are about what courses, internships, research opportunities, etc. your desired program offers and how they suit you academically, personally, and professionally, the stronger your application will be,” she said. Keating said.

Although students are encouraged to think about how a program fits them, Leis also suggests thinking about the value they can bring to their host location.

“I think students should always think about how they are going to positively influence the environment they are in,” Leis said.

Even if students don’t get their top two choices for a semester abroad, they still have options. Summer programs are available and additional openings will be announced in the spring.Leis also encourages students to explore these options.

Notre Dame ranks second nationally for student participation in study abroad programs among doctoral-granting universities, with 77% of students going abroad. This high level of interest may be due to the positive experiences students have each year.

Haley Hotz, senior, Spanish and marketing major, studied in Santiago, Chile, last fall. She and 12 other students were immersed in the language and culture, speaking entirely in Spanish.

“I’ve never been to South America and it’s scary to go to a place where everything is brand new,” Hotz said. “If you are considering studying abroad, do it. This is the best decision I have made since my stay here.

Hotz is still in touch with his group from Chile, and they recently reunited with their program director during study abroad week.

Junior Lauren Engates participated in Rome’s summer film, television and theater program after her freshman year.

“I had a great time. I gained a whole new level of independence and was able to immerse myself in a different culture. I also met one of my closest friends and we still have lunch together every week,” Engates said.

Leis emphasized how these experiences serve as a starting point for continued cultural exploration and personal reflection.

“I hope students realize that studying abroad is the start of a journey, not just a program. You’re exposed to a bunch of new outside ideas and are forced to confront your own internal culture,” Leis said. “It’s not just about what students learned when they went to college. stranger, it is also about knowing how much there is still to learn through continued immersion and engagement and new awareness.