Graduate students seeking a profound understanding of the world must experience it beyond the classroom, immersing themselves in diverse cultures and perspectives in real-world settings.
There is a program for you regardless of your major
Programs are short and credit-bearing
Programs are affordable
Study abroad and graduate on time
Choose from credit-bearing and non-credit program offerings
Programs are TC faculty-led
International Study Abroad Film Festival
Learning to Heal: Education's Role in Conflict and Reconciliation
Have you recently participated in a TC study abroad program or are you preparing for an upcoming one? Submit a 90-second video addressing the theme and showcase how your global journey has contributed to meaningful learning and change. Participants have a chance to win exciting prizes, with awards of up to $1,000!
Choose your program
Ready to explore the world?
Education, Refugee & Migration Policies and Practices
Faculty Leader: Dr. Mary Mendenhall
Set in Rabat, this program examines how Morocco, a key transit and host country, navigates refugee and migration policy within education systems. In partnership with IES Abroad, students explore the socio-political dynamics of displacement, youth resilience, and inclusive education through site visits, practitioner-led sessions, and community-based learning. The program critically engages with comparative frameworks from the Global North and South.
Location: Morocco | Credits: 2–3 or non-credit | Dates: July 11-21, 2025 | Enrollment (confirmed): 30
Arts-Based Research, Following the Silk Road
Faculty Leader: Dr. Chris Moffett
This innovative program invites students to explore arts-based inquiry through the cultural and historical lens of China’s Silk Road. In partnership with Huangzhao Normal University and UNITAR, participants engage in field-based artistic research, creative expression, and critical reflection on cultural memory, movement, and identity. Designed for educators, researchers, and artists alike, this 1-credit or non-credit program merges theory and practice in transnational arts-based scholarship.
Location: China | Credits: 1 or non-credit | Dates: August 2025 or January 2026 | Enrollment range: 20 - 50
Emancipatory Music-making and Song-writing
Faculty Leader: Prof. Randall Allsup (TC) | Local Partner: Prof. William Teixeira (UFMS)
Offered in partnership with the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) in Campo Grande, this interdisciplinary winter program explores emancipatory music-making, song-writing, and applied philosophy through the lens of Brazilian activist Augusto Boal. TC and UFMS students engage side-by-side in creative workshops that integrate music, theater, and dialogue around freedom, identity, and social justice. Boal’s theater techniques serve as a springboard for cross-cultural exchange and critical inquiry. The program also delves into the histories and contributions of local Indigenous communities, with emphasis on decolonial perspectives and ecological sustainability.
Location: Brazil | Credits: Non-credit, 1 or 2 points | Dates: Jan 5–16, 2026 Enrollment range: 15 - 30
Education, Conflict, and Peacebuilding
Faculty Leader: Dr. Garnett Russell
In collaboration with the United Nations University for Peace, this immersive program engages students in critical dialogues on education’s role in conflict-affected societies. Through guest lectures, field visits, and interactions with peacebuilding practitioners, participants explore frameworks of transitional justice, reconciliation, and educational equity in Latin America. The 10-day experience integrates academic rigor with intercultural exchange to equip students with global perspectives on peace education.
Location: Costa Rica | Credits: 2–3 | Dates: Jan 9–19, 2026 | Enrollment range: 15 - 20
Global Governance Institute
Faculty Leader: Dr. Gita Steiner-Khamsi
Hosted in Paris and co-organized with Sciences Po, UNESCO, and IES Abroad, this program explores international policymaking in education and development. Through sessions at global organizations (e.g., UNESCO, CGC), and seminars with thought leaders in governance and transnational policy transfer, students analyze the structures and politics that shape global education agendas. Ideal for those interested in comparative education, development studies, and policy analysis.
Location: France | Credits: 2–3 or non-credit | Dates: Spring break 2026, | Enrollment range: 15 - 30
Arts Administration and Leadership in Milan
Faculty Leader: Dr. Tania Morales
Based in Milan—Italy’s vibrant hub of fashion, design, and cultural innovation—this program offers a deep dive into global arts administration and cultural policy. Students explore how museums, cultural institutions, and creative enterprises are managed and sustained in one of Europe’s leading cultural capitals. Through site visits, guest lectures, and hands-on workshops, participants gain practical skills in arts leadership, program curation, and organizational strategy.
Location: Milan, Italy | Credits: 2–3 or non-credit | Dates: Summer 2026 | Enrollment range: 15 - 20
Eligibility Requirements
Teachers College welcomes a diverse group of participants for its study abroad programs, including:
- Teachers College and CU Students
- CU Undergraduate Students with:
- A minimum of 90 earned credits by the program start date.
- Relevant coursework or experience.
- Approval from their academic advisor and program director.
- Non-Teachers College Graduate Students and Professionals who:
- Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or Overseas.
Participation Requirements
1. Passport and Visa
- Must possess a valid passport. A copy of your valid passport is required before you go abroad. If you are in the process of applying for or renewing your passport, you may begin your application, but you must be prepared to submit a scan of your new passport upon receipt.
- International students may require a visa to study abroad. Visa letters can be supplied once you submit your application and confirm your participation in the program.
2. Health and Safety
- Must provide proof of health insurance that covers international travel.
- Must complete a health, safety, and security orientation session prior to departure.
3. Financial Preparation
- Must demonstrate the financial capability to cover program fees, travel expenses, and living costs during the program.
4. Program Commitment
- Must commit to full participation in all program activities, including pre-departure meetings, coursework, and any additional requirements set by the Office of Global Engagement.
5. Code of Conduct
- Must agree to adhere to the code of conduct set forth by TC and the host institution abroad, ensuring respectful and professional behavior at all times.
Study Abroad Planning Timeline
Grants & Scholarships
Teachers College Grants
International Travel Grant for Study Abroad:
Funded by Office of Global Engagement, the International Travel Grant (ITG) for Teachers College students engaging in academic activities abroad is intended to support travel-related expenses for conducting research, fulfilling internships, presenting at conferences, or participating in other academic activities outside of the United States. Email globalengagement@tc.columbia.edu to inquire or apply.
Passport Grant:
To promote diverse participation in study abroad programs, which foster personal and intellectual growth, the Office of Global Engagement is offering a grant to help cover passport fees for TC students interested in studying abroad. Email globalengagement@tc.columbia.edu to inquire or apply.
External Funding Resources for Students
The Office of Global Engagement at Teachers College provides this curated list of external funding opportunities to support students pursuing study abroad or other global experiences. These opportunities are managed by external organizations, and students should contact each provider directly for information on eligibility criteria and application processes.
If you have additional scholarship resources to share, please email us.
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American Association of University Women Fellowships and Grants
Undergraduate/Graduate · Open to all citizenships · Award amounts vary · Application deadline: Mid-November -
American Council of Learned Societies
Ph.D. Students · Open to all citizenships · Award amounts vary · Application deadline: Late September -
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Undergraduate/Graduate · Open to all citizenships · Awards up to $15,000 · Application deadline: April 1 -
Diverse International Women of Color Scholarship
Undergraduate/Graduate · Open to all citizenships · Award amounts vary · Application deadlines vary -
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Undergraduate/Graduate · U.S. citizens only · Awards range from $500 to $5,000 · Application deadline: Mid-February -
MPower Financing Scholarships
Undergraduate/Graduate · International students only · Award amounts vary · Application deadlines vary -
Point Scholarships
Undergraduate/Graduate · Open to all citizenships · Award amounts vary · Application deadline: Early December -
Sallie Mae Scholarship
Undergraduate/Graduate · U.S. citizens only · Awards up to $2,000 · Application deadline: Late July -
Internship Support Grants
Undergraduate/Graduate · Open to all citizenships · Awards up to $2,000 · Application deadlines vary
Scholarship & Grant Search Platforms
These platforms provide access to a variety of funding opportunities for travel, study abroad, and research:
- GoAbroad.com – Scholarships and financial resources for travel
- Institute of International Education – Search programs and funding options
- International Scholarships
- Scholarships.com
- Scholly
- StudyAbroad.com – Dedicated scholarship search for study abroad
- GoOverseas.com – Scholarships and grants
Crowdfunding Opportunities
Personal fundraising can help cover the costs of study abroad or other global experiences. Popular platforms include: