Winter, Spring, and Summer 2026 RIT Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience that changes the way you see the world and your special place in it. It pushes you outside of your comfort zone, strengthening your problem solving, communication, cultural awareness, and more. Plus, according to a recent U.S. News and World Report article, by building many of the foundational skills employers seek, it can boost your career prospects. 

If you’re considering studying abroad, but aren’t quite sure how it will fit into your schedule, a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program may be the perfect option. RIT’s College of Liberal Arts professors are leading a fascinating range of courses during winter break, spring break, and summer 2026. 

Application deadlines are approaching. Most have October 19 deadlines; one has an October 1 deadline. Now is the time to research options, funding, and application steps.  

What is Special about Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs?

• Short-term programs during which the travel portion is one to five weeks long.
   
• Typically takes place during winter break, spring break, or summer. 
   
• Led by faculty who are passionate experts in the topic area of the program. 
   
• Small cohort of student participants learn from each other and build lasting friendships as they travel and progress through the experience. 

Next Steps: 

Review Program Details and Travel Dates.

Learn about curriculum and itineraries, prerequisites or enrollment requirements, costs, scholarships that help offset expenses, and more. 

• Spanish in the Dominican Republic
   
• Transnational Workshop: Digital Creation Beyond the Screen
   
• Public Speaking in the Public Sphere: Communication in Ancient and Modern Greece
   
• Ireland's Culture and Society
   
• Italian Food, Culture, and Sustainability
   
• Experiential Learning in Cultural Psychology: Immersion in Japanese Culture
   
• Kyoto History and Culture
   
• World Building Based on Historical Worlds
   
• Exploring Ghana

Get Answers to Your Questions:

• Email your questions or connect with the faculty member who is leading the program.  You’ll find their name and contact information listed at the bottom of each course overview page. Go to list of options now
   
• Watch the RIT study abroad video (YouTube)
   
• Attend a Study Abroad 101 meeting offered three times a week (Tues, Wed, Fri) by the RIT Education Abroad office.
   
• Explore the full range of RIT’s study abroad options. 
   
• Get advice from other students who have studied abroad. 
   
• Contact the RIT Education Abroad office at global@rit.edu

Find out about Funding Options:

• Review scholarship opportunities that may help fund a faculty-led program. 
   
• The $500 COLA Go Grant
   
• The COLA Student Travel Fund

Apply by the October Deadlines: 

• Complete your application in Compass, RIT’s study abroad program and application database.
  Please note that creating a profile on the RIT Compass does not mean that you have started an application to the program. Once your profile is completed, you’d need to visit the program’s page on the RIT compass and start an application. 
   
• October 1 is the deadline for World Building Based on Historical Worlds
   
• October 19 is the deadline for most others. (Ireland's Culture and Society has a February deadline.)

Brush Up Your Language and Culture Knowledge:

• Consider taking a language or culture course during the spring semester to help prepare you for your experience. Review spring course offerings, and consult with your academic advisor to ensure that it fits your plan.