Study Abroad/Away 101 Sessions
Are you interested in studying abroad/away but not sure where to start? Do you want to learn more about the available options? Do you have general questions about studying abroad/away? Study Abroad/Away 101 sessions are a great starting place for exploring the many opportunities available for studying abroad/away. Study Abroad/Away 101 sessions introduce participants to the Smith Center website and application portal, helpful resources for exploring available programs, goal setting, understanding program costs and financial aid/scholarships, and much more. Attending a Study Abroad/Away 101 session can help you prepare for advising meetings with a Smith Center Peer Advisor or the Smith Center Advisor.
When: Study Abroad/Away 101 sessions are typically offered multiple times per month during the academic year.
Where: Study Abroad/Away 101 sessions are offered in-person and virtually — check the event location on our calendar.
How to join: Visit the Smith Center Event Calendar to join a Study Abroad/Away 101 session. When you find a session that you’d like to attend, click on the event, then click “more details” to access the meeting link and join the meeting via Zoom link.
Advising by Appointment
Topics that can be covered during Smith Center Peer Advising Appointments include but are not limited to:
- Navigating & locating resources on the Smith Center website and Studio Abroad application portal
- Program exploration (general)
- Goal setting
- Financial aid and scholarships (general)
- Budgeting (general)
- Identity/equity/affinity resources (general)
- Smith Center application process
- Questions/concerns related to studying abroad/away (general)
Example topics that can be covered during individual advising sessions with Brittan and Theresa include but are not limited to :
- Program Exploration and Selection
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Budgeting
- Course Selection/Registration/Credits
- Matters of Personal Identity in Relation to Off-Campus Study
- Re-Entry/Return from Program Support
- Transcript Processing (Credit/Grade Translation)
- Other Questions/Concerns Related to Studying Off-Campus
Hi there! I’m Mia, a senior French major with an Environmental Studies concentration. I recently studied abroad in Rennes, France for the spring of 2023. Along with several memorable moments I experienced while in Europe, such as exploring France and visiting fellow oles studying abroad, I faced many challenges that helped me grow and learn in ways I would love to share. Whether it’s logistical questions on how to get started or a brief chat about what it’s like to travel out of the country, I’m here to help and happy to answer any questions you may have!
Appointments with Smith Center Peer Advisor Mia Poletti can be made up to 1 hour before the intended meeting time. Virtual and in person advising is available.
If you elect to meet via Zoom or Google, a meeting link will automatically be created and included in your meeting confirmation notice.
If you are not available during Mia’s available hours, email Mia (polett1@stolaf.edu) directly to set up a separate date and time to talk.
Hello! I am Maddie Holtz a Junior Quantitative Economics and Religion Major with an emphasis in Finance and a concentration in International Relations. I am excited to be able to talk to you about anything study abroad/away! I went on the Religion, Politics, and Societies Semester program in Jerusalem and Athens during the 2023 Spring Semester and was able to learn so much during my time abroad about myself and where I traveled. I would love to chat about options for studying abroad/away or any questions you have!
Appointments with Smith Center Peer Advisor Maddie Holtz can be made up to 1 hour before the intended meeting time. Virtual and in person advising is available.
If you elect to meet via Zoom or Google, a meeting link will automatically be created and included in your meeting confirmation notice.
If you are not available during Maddie’s available hours, email Maddie (holtz3@stolaf.edu) directly to set up a separate date and time to talk.
Smith Center Peer Advisors
Edwin Morales,
W(2:30-4pm); Th(3-4:45pm)
Class of 2024, Biology and Japanese; Pre-Med track
Study Abroad Program
NUPACE: Nagoya University, Japan
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Maddie Holtz,
M&W (1-2:45pm)
Class of 2025, Quantitative Economics and Religion
Study Abroad Program
Religion, Politics, and Societies in Jerusalem and Athens
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Mia Poletti,
M(9-10:30am) & F(1-3pm)
Class of 2024, french and environmental studies
Study Abroad Program
CIEE Liberal Arts in Rennes, France
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Brittan Duffing, SA+A Advisor
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Brittan is passionate about opportunities to learn while abroad. During her undergraduate studies, Brittan completed a semester-length study abroad experience at Lancaster University in Lancaster, England, United Kingdom and participated in a faculty-led January Term program based in İstanbul, Turkey. After completing her B.A., Brittan worked abroad in Zhuhai, People’s Republic of China, at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) in the English Language Center.
Appointments with Smith Center Advisor Brittan Duffing can be made up to 1 hour before the intended meeting time. Virtual and in person advising is available.
If you elect to meet via Zoom or Google, a meeting link will automatically be created and included in your meeting confirmation notice.
If you are not available during Brittan’s available hours, email Brittan directly to set up a separate date and time to talk.
Theresa Heath, Associate Director for Study Abroad/Away
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Theresa received her B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and her M.A. from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont and her PhD from the University of Minnesota. Theresa moved to Guatemala following her undergraduate degree where she worked for a non-profit organization for nearly two years. After studying international education in Vermont, she lived on the U.S./Mexico border coordinating education programming around immigration and related topics.
Theresa specializes in advising on faculty-led semester programs (Global Semester, Environmental Science in Australia and New Zealand, and Religion, Politics and Society in Jerusalem and Athens).
Appointments with Smith Center Associate Director Theresa Heath can be made up to 1 hour before the intended meeting time. Virtual and in person advising is available in alignment with St. Olaf College COVID policies.
If you elect to meet via Zoom or Google, a meeting link will automatically be created and included in your meeting confirmation notice.
Application Support
The Smith Center application and program specific “secondary” application support is available by appointment and during Drop-In Application Support hours.
Application support includes:
- Smith Center/St. Olaf application advising
- Partner/provider “secondary” application support (AFTER you have been accepted by St. Olaf)
- St. Olaf official transcript requests for Smith Center/program applications
- St. Olaf professor recommendation requests
Application support is available by appointment throughout the academic year and summer.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH EMILY BLUMHOEFER