Expand your horizons. Deepen your learning.

Study Away is more than travel—it’s transformative learning. Whether you’re conducting field research in the Galápagos, exploring ancient art and architecture across Europe, or immersing yourself in another culture and language, you’ll gain hands-on experience that deepens your understanding and prepares you for whatever comes next.

Explore Study Away Programs
Students tour Spain and Morocco in the MayX Travel Writing Through Spain and Morocco.

STUDY AWAY OVERVIEW

At Furman, study away programs are led by your professors—faculty mentors who design immersive courses that connect what you learn in the classroom to real-world experiences. From three-week MayX intensives to full-semester programs, you’ll have multiple opportunities to explore your interests, challenge yourself academically, and gain perspectives that shape how you see the world.

STUDY AWAY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FURMAN EXPERIENCE

STUDY AWAY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FURMAN EXPERIENCE

  • 500+
    (49%) FURMAN STUDENTS STUDY AWAY EACH YEAR
  • 22%
    PROGRAMS OFFERED FOR 2026/27
  • 1/3
    OF FURMAN FACULTY MEMBERS LEAD A STUDY AWAY PROGRAM EACH YEAR

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Furman offers multiple ways to study away, each designed to enrich your academic journey.

  • MayX Programs Three-week intensive experiences during May term that take you beyond the classroom. Recent destinations include Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands, Japan, Italy, South Africa, and New York City.

    • 17 programs offered annually
    • 2 credits per program

    Furman Faculty-Led Semester Programs Semester immersions led by Furman faculty. Live and learn in locations like Chile, Scotland, England, Italy, Germany,  Taiwan, or Washington DC while earning 15-18 credits toward your degree.

    • Faculty-led courses designed specifically for Furman students
    • Same tuition, room, and board fees as a semester on campus
    • Housing and key meals included

    Partner & Exchange Semester Programs Study abroad for a semester through our affiliated partner institutions. Options include study abroad programs in Japan, Greece, Denmark, Italy, Australia, and more.

    • Transfer credits back to Furman Predeparture advising and visa application assistance
    • Guaranteed housing and 24/7 emergency support
    • Same tuition, room, and board fees as a semester on campus

     

Studying away shouldn't be out of reach.

  • Students may apply their financial aid to approved semester programs.

    • Faculty-led, affiliate and exchange semester programs cost the same as a semester on campus, and your financial aid applies.
    • Program costs include course credits, program-related travel, housing, most meals, and international health insurance.
    • MayX programs are included in your spring semester comprehensive fee—no additional tuition required.
    • Need-based scholarships are available to help make study away accessible to all Furman students.

Study away courses count toward your major, minor, and general education requirements.

    • Most students earn 15-18 credit hours on semester programs.
    • Students receive 4 CLP credits after successful completion of faculty-led, affiliate, or exchange semester programs, recognizing your cultural engagement beyond the classroom.
    • Credits transfer seamlessly—work with your academic advisor and study away staff to ensure courses align with your academic plan.

With 36 programs spanning six continents, you'll find options that align with your academic interests and goals.

    • Programs are designed around academic disciplines—from biology field research to medical observations, comparative education practices, art history immersions, business in global contexts to languages and cultures.
    • Programs accommodate various majors and interests—whether you’re a Biology major exploring ecosystems, an English major studying literature in context, or a Business major examining global markets, or a premed student studying Health Sciences there’s a program designed for you.
    • Study away can happen at different points in your Furman journey—MayX programs welcome students from all class years, while semester programs typically occur during sophomore or junior year.

THE STUDY AWAY EXPERIENCE

Academic Depth

Connect your coursework to meaningful field experiences. Study marine biology while snorkeling in Belize. Explore Renaissance art while standing in Florence’s museums. Learn about global health by working alongside doctors in Italy. Your learning becomes tangible, memorable, and directly applicable to your academic goals.

Professional Skills

Develop the adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving abilities that employers value. Learn to navigate new environments, work with diverse teams, and think critically about global challenges. These experiences build confidence and independence that serve you long after graduation.

Faculty Mentorship

Study alongside Furman professors who know you and are invested in your growth. Our faculty design these programs specifically for Furman students, ensuring you receive the same level of personalized attention abroad that you experience on campus. These relationships often extend beyond the program, shaping your academic path and career planning.

I saw the Portugal study abroad opportunity as perfect for getting a grasp on the social and ethical roles and impacts of medicine, as well as the reality and day to day outlook for certain professions. The trip gave me a competitive advantage going forward into this career path. Studying within the "Health and Medicine in the Global Context" was an eye opener, not only to the tasks of health professionals, but also to the differences between social determinants of health from Portugal to America. There are many factors at play in healthcare, and it's something that isn't accessible to everyone, which rouses me to strive and do what I can to advocate for this issue and the millions affected.
-Biology Major, Class of ‘27

Study Away in the News

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YOUR STUDY AWAY JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Whether you’re just exploring Furman or you’re already imagining yourself studying away, we’re here to answer your questions. Learn more about how study away can enrich your Furman experience and prepare you for life after graduation.

I was able to attend the Breaking Codes and Winning Wars MayX in London this year which provided an intersection of many of my favorite subjects and hobbies in one class. I loved getting a better understanding of the historical cryptology techniques that were used in World War 2! It also helped to further my learning at Furman in many ways as it taught me more applications for the mathematics I have been studying as well as giving more knowledge to share in the Cryptology club I have helped to found.
-Mathematics-Econonomics Major, Class of ‘27