Study Abroad

Studying abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your academic career.

In addition to fun and exciting travel, you will learn about other cultures, perhaps obtain proficiency in another language, gain invaluable experience in your field of study, develop confidence and self-sufficiency, and broaden your perspectives on the world and the United States. Study abroad through Hood College will help you to think globally by matching your interests and future goals to our many programs.

Let the Office of Study Abroad and the Center for Career Development and Experiential Education help you get started today! For more information, contact Dr. Scott Pincikowski, Director of Study Abroad at pincikowski@hood.edu or the Center for Career Development at careers@hood.edu

Majors

With careful planning, it is possible for students of any major to participate in a study abroad program. Gain a greater understanding of your academic field and the world around you.

Global Languages and Cultures majors have studied in Argentina, France, Germany, Spain and Morocco
Social work and sociology majors have studied in England, Spain and Korea
Middle Eastern studies majors have studied in Morocco
Psychology majors have studied in France, Korea and England
Political science and law and society majors have studied in Korea
History majors have studied in France
Art and Archaeology majors have studied in Italy and Turkey
Business and Management majors have studied in Australia and England
Communication arts majors have studied in England, Australia and Korea

When to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Office provides students with information and counseling on programs that fit their needs, application processes and funding opportunities. The staff also offers pre- and post-departure orientations for living abroad.

Hood College encourages students pursuing long-term studying abroad to do so during the spring semester of their junior year. All students intending to study abroad should complete the application materials at least one semester in advance of the proposed study. Students can participate in short-term study abroad after their freshman year and throughout academic experience.

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Students preparing for a study abroad experience will want to carefully consider the timing of their trip within their academic program and also how to fund their experience. Alumni and donors to the College have generously created funding awards to provide financial support for students considering semester-long and short-term experiences. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Hood College's Director of Study Abroad, Dr. Scott Pincikowski at (301) 696-3475 or via email at pincikowski@hood.edu.

Use the linked form below to apply for:

Beth Darroch Coggins '81 & Kristina Coggins Heck '11 Memorial Travel Fund (1 award for up to $2,500)
Stella Elizabeth Ziegler Foley ’28 and Marylouise Herrmann Foley ’64 International Travel Fund ($1,500 to $2,500)
Mary Hansbrough Sneckenberger '64 International Travel Award ($1350 for travel to a Spanish speaking country)
Susan Whaley '74 Study Abroad Fund ($750 to $3,000)

Volpe Scholars Award ($5,000 - $10,000)This award is not exclusively for study abroad experiences. To learn more about this unique opportunity, please visit this webpage https://www.hood.edu/academics/academic-experiences/volpe-scholars-program.

For all award opportunities, excluding the Volpe Scholar Award, please use the form below.

Study Abroad Award Application

Students who are curious about studying abroad should complete the Study Abroad Programs Interest Sheet and contact Dr. Scott Pincikowski, Director of Study Abroad to discuss their interests. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pincikowski, email pincikowski@hood.edu.

Study Abroad Program Interest Sheet

Students who have confirmed their interests with Dr. Pincikowski and identified a study abroad experience should complete the following forms.

Hood College Study Abroad Short-Term Faculty-Led Trips

Hood College Study Abroad Long-Term Trips

Petition to Study Abroad

Pre-Departure Checklist

For more information about these travel opportunities led by Hood College faculty members, contact Dr. Scott Pincikowski, Director of Study Abroad, at (301) 696-3475 or by email at pincikowski@hood.edu.

Upcoming Experiences:

Guadeloupe and Martinique (January 2026): French Caribbean Cultures: Identity and Resistance

Drs. Lisa Marcus and Kimberly Morse Jones

Past Trips:

Quebec, Canada (Spring 2025)

Dr. Lisa Marcus

Costa Rica (Alternative Spring Break 2025)

Dr. Marisel Torres-Crespo and Reverend Beth O’Malley

Edenborough, Scotland (Summer 2025)

Dr. Amy Kilpatrick and Dr. Tricia Strickland. Trip Theme: Education and Pedagogy in Scotland

Hood students interested in creative writing may attend the Prague Summer Program for Writers, the nation's oldest study abroad program for creative writing in the English language. Undergraduate students will receive 3 workshop credits for the 3-week program in July. MFA students may opt to spend their second summer residency in Prague, where they will earn 6 residency credits. For more information, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Knapp, Professor of English and Director of the MFA in Creative Writing.

Through a partnership with McDaniel College's Budapest campus, Hood College students have opportunities to study and explore Hungary and the European continent. Study abroad students enroll in classes together with students and faculty from Hungary and all over the world, and participate in guided field trips to Hungarian and European cities as a regular part of the program. All courses at the Budapest campus are taught in English, and students may take a range of courses during their semester at this four-year Liberal Arts college. Click to learn more about McDaniel College Budapest.