Study abroad

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Most students who study away from the Williams campus do so during half or all of their junior year, though a few do studying abroad during their sophomore fall or spring every year, especially to Mystic. Studying away from campus for credit is not allowed during freshman or senior year except by special petition to the Committee on Academic Standing.

Below are details about some places and programs where Williams students have studied abroad.

Countries

Opinions on the foreign lands in which Williams Students have studied.

England

Probably the best academic experience you'll find abroad. Fun pub scene, more penetrable cultural barriers, and a great place to explore Europe from.

Really high cost of living though, especially in London.

Consider all your options before setting your heart on Williams-Exeter. The programme is fun and convenient, but it's also pretty selective and offers less of a chance for immersion.

Ireland

Like England and Scotland but with even better pubs and accents! In addition to the friendly and fun-loving people (who love Americans) the cultural experience can't be beat. They're proud of their traditional Irish music, dancing, and native Irish language--still the primary language spoken in parts of the country. Ireland is fascinating and beautiful; easy to explore through public transportation with cheap youth hostels in every town.

Expect rain.

Scotland

Like England, but so much cooler. The people are nicer and have awesome accents and the whole country oozes character. Get your culture and pub-hopping fixes in Edinburgh and Glasgow and then head to the Highlands for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

Spain

The two largest cities are Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid is better known for its authentic Spanish culture. Barcelona, on the other hand, is part of Catalonia and has a much more European feel to it. People often cite the fact that Barcelona has one of the highest petty crimes rates in Europe, but anyone with a modicum of street smarts will have nothing to worry about.

Other places to study in Spain: Sevilla, Granada, Salamanca.

Go abroad to Spain and have the time of your life. Spain is kind of like the poor, lazy, and proud little brother of the rest of developed Europe. As a sidenote, Spanish people are really rather obsessed with ham. You can find lots and lots of it in Madrid at the Museo del Jamon, a chain restaurant that has hunks of pig hanging in the window. Hot.

Japan

THE BEST. Who wants to go to Europe!?!? The culture is fascinating, and the food is amazing!

Italy

La vita bella, great wine, gorgeous countryside, best food, and probably the most beautiful language ever spoken. Quality of life is not an issue here, the Italians believe first and foremost that life is to be enjoyed with family and friends and good food!

Also, Siena is the best city in Italy, and can kick Firenze's butt at soccer any day.

Also, if you speak Italian well enough I would encourage you not to go through American program but enroll at a local Italian university directly. Why? Being a student in Italy is not particularly hard, you get to know more fun people, you improve your language skills 1000 times better and it’s CHEAP! Did you know that a public university costs around 600 euros per year (approx. $800)?

Programs

Study abroad programs, including those that are local or involve travel to multiple countries.

Williams-Mystic

Live in Connecticut across from the Mystic Seaport Museum, get to know 20 students and 5 professors really well, get college credit for sailing and going to California -- what could be better than that?