Concordia College prepares students to be responsibly engaged in the world and to thrive in a global society. Global learning, both on and off campus, is integral to the Concordia experience and provides essential preparation for a diverse world. The college offers an array of academic and student life programs seeking to advance cognitive, personal and social development for global citizenship in an interdependent world.

Students at Concordia College address global perspectives in courses, and they learn from professors who often travel and lead programs outside and inside the U.S. to advance their teaching and research. Students have opportunities to engage in intercultural conversations through engagement in campus organizations. International students come to Concordia from more than 60 different countries and share their cultures and perspectives in all areas of campus life. Credits can be earned towards major requirements and graduation through study away – in international and domestic settings.

International Student Advising

International students are an integral part of the student body at Concordia College. Due to visa and immigration requirements, specialized services are available to support international students:

• An international student advisor provides support and assistance by maintaining a student's SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record and assisting with the various issues affecting F-1 students studying in the United States.
• A new international student orientation is held at the beginning of each fall and spring semester to help international students make a successful transition to college life in the United States.
• The International Student Organization provides a forum where students can meet, share experiences and organize activities. Each year the International Festival highlights the culture, music, dance and fashion of the countries our international students represent.
• Are you advising an international student who is completing a form for our office? Click here to visit our site where we have links to all international student forms.

Study Away Programs

For almost 60 years, Concordia has offered opportunities for students to study away from campus. High impact experiences such as credit-bearing study away, support students in building academic knowledge and gaining experience in a global or off-campus context.

Advanced planning and preparation are an important part of a successful study away experience. Short-term program offerings (30 days or less) are different from year to year, while options for longer-term programs (such as semester and year-long) typically remain the same from year to year. Consult the Global Learning website (www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/studyaway) for current offerings or make an appointment at the Global Learning office to consult with a study away advisor. 

Faculty interested in proposing new short-term study away programs are encouraged to contact the Office of Global Learning to learn more about the proposal and review process.

For ideas on how parents or guardians can support their students in pursuing study away opportunities, please see our Parents and Guardians page. 

Types of Study Away Programs

Semester and Yearlong Programs offer study away options in more than 50 locations in 35 countries. Many of these programs are offered through long-standing partnerships, including study abroad providers, direct-enroll universities, exchange partnerships, and international study centers that offer academic coursework, housing, student support, and cross-cultural engagement.

Exploration Seminars* are faculty-led seminars during fall and spring interim breaks. These experiences are embedded in a course for which students register.

May Seminars* have been offered since 1968 and are a signature short-term study away option because they are travel seminars led by Concordia faculty. These programs happen during the first part of the summer term and are typically 2-4 weeks in length.

Music and Athletics Tours are short-term travel experiences offered on a rotating schedule. These include international tours by choral and instrumental ensembles and various athletic teams.

Global Internships and Student Teacher Placements provide individualized and approved credit-bearing placements for students seeking global work experience.

*Many Exploration Seminars and May Seminars fulfill PEAK (Pivotal Experience in Applied Knowledge) requirements.

Concordia-Approved Program Participation Policy

Concordia College actively promotes and facilitates study away opportunities through its diverse array of programs. To partake in these opportunities, students must apply for and gain acceptance into a college-endorsed program. These programs undergo thorough development and management to ensure they meet criteria regarding affordability, safety, alignment with the curriculum, and overall quality. Approval is granted through the collaboration of administrative and faculty committees. Global Learning oversees the administration of these approved programs, often with the involvement of Concordia faculty members. 

Students participating in non-Concordia programs are not eligible for financial aid from Concordia and will not be covered by the college’s medical evacuation policy during the time of withdrawal or leave. The college does not manage or monitor the safety of programs not sanctioned by Concordia. Students who wish to participate in non-Concordia study away programs are encouraged to first consult Global Learning. If a student elects a non-Concordia study away program, they must withdraw or take leave from the college - and may seek transfer credit when they return to the college. 

GPA and Academic Standing Requirements for Study Away

Through its GPA and academic standing requirements, the college encourages students to be well prepared for study away so they can be engaged learners and benefit deeply from experiences off campus. Concordia students studying away for a semester or longer must be in good academic standing and must hold a 2.5 or higher cumulative Concordia GPA (not overall GPA). Students who have accumulated three incompletes or students placed on academic warning or probation in the semester prior to travel must defer study away until they reestablish good academic standing. This deferral of study will be subject to the cancellation policies of Concordia College and Global Learning. When college-approved programs in partnership with other institutions require a GPA higher than 2.5, Concordia students must meet the higher standard to study on these programs. Students with a GPA below 2.5 who are seeking a major that requires study away for a semester or longer must make alternate, allowable arrangements according to department or program policy. Exceptions to the college’s GPA and academic standing requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Global Learning. Students may send a letter of appeal to Global Learning, accompanied by a letter of support from at least one Concordia faculty member.