Semester & Academic Year Programs
Our study abroad programs are either run directly by Roger Williams University , by our partner schools overseas or through affiliated program providers.
RWU has developed formal affiliations with a carefully selected list of quality program providers that are recognized nationally for their proven academic integrity, strong focus on experiential learning and excellent reputation for providing quality support services to students abroad. In order to make the study abroad process as seamless as possible, RWU students who participate on these affiliated programs will, in most cases, continue to pay their tuition, fees, room and board directly to RWU. This arrangement allows RWU students to remain eligible to receive federal and state financial aid, as well as institutional aid.
RWU students have a choice between different styles of programs. Each type of program will give students specific academic and living experience, depending onw hat the students is interested in pursuing.
RWU Flagship Study Abroad Programs
The RWU in Florence offers an exceptional academic experience in one of the world's most culturally rich cities. Students can take courses in architecture, art history, visual arts, political science, history, cultural studies and Italian language.
The London Theatre Program allows students to experience life in a vibrant and truly cosmopolitan city, while being part of intimate cohort of students. Truly the best of both worlds. While traditionally organized for Theatre students, the program now accommodates students studying Dance, English Literature, Creative Writing, Graphic Design as well as Elementary and Secondary Education.
Affiliated university-based programs provide a well-structured opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of the host culture and to develop a well-grounded perceptual understanding of their new environment. Academic credit is primarily acquired through classroom instruction, although certain courses (e.g., art, history, civilization) will complement classroom instruction with field trips and cultural excursions.
Language and culture-based programs are designed to encourage and motivate students to immerse themselves as much as possible into the local culture. Although classroom lectures are an important dimension of these programs, a major focus is placed on experiential learning, i.e., the development of opportunities for students to have direct contact with the host culture, be it through a field research project, involvement with community service projects or student teaching. Students who are particularly motivated to undertake the rigors of direct cultural immersion and who are accustomed to working independently might find field-based programs to be particularly rewarding.
Discipline-specific programs allow natural science, business, engineering and other majors to incorporate an international dimension into their studies. RWU is aware that students outside the humanities and social sciences have traditionally had few options for study abroad, short of extending their studies an additional semester. We have consequently identified a number of quality discipline-specific programs that will allow such students to study abroad, confident that they are continuing to make progress towards graduation. Careful planning well in advance of the semester abroad is important, so students from these disciplines are particularly encouraged to work closely with both the SCGIP and their faculty advisors to identify the program that is right for them.
For more detailed information on the many programs offered and the process required to apply you can visit the new online application system: