While walking through Global Village, you’ll probably pass some administrative offices, one of which being the study abroad office. For some, studying abroad is more than just a unique academic opportunity; it’s a life-changing experience. Whether you’re traveling to deepen your cultural perspective, explore new sights or advance your academic journey, you’re bound to experience something new. But what makes this journey so transformative, and what should new students know before boarding the plane?
RIT Compass
Your study abroad journey begins with the RIT Compass, an online hub for students to browse available study abroad opportunities. Not all programs are directly offered by RIT itself, but all are available to view on Compass. While navigating Compass, using the filter tool can help you narrow down your options based on location, language, and concentration.
Personal Accounts
While being prepared on a logistical level it’s important, the most powerful insights come from those who have actually gone through the process. Two RIT students shared their personal experiences and thoughts regarding their time abroad.
Ryn Pease, a fourth-year political science and media communications double major, studied abroad in Taipei, Taiwan, where they participated in cultural outings and business meetings while taking an international business management course. One of their most memorable experiences was visiting DaShanBei, a rural cultural center that connects local farmers with tourism.
“It was amazing to see how the CEO used creative thinking to make rural farming more sustainable,” Pease shared.
The program was not perfect, of course. Pease recalled some disorganization in the program, especially around final projects and collaboration with students from a local university.
“There wasn’t much continuity between faculty from year to year, so it felt unclear what we were supposed to be doing,” they said.
Still, Pease found the overall experience valuable and recommended it to incoming students.
“If you have the opportunity, take it,” they said. “There are resources to make it affordable, and the experience is unmatched.”
Ava Gernand, a fourth-year packaging science major, recently participated in the Global Engineering Experience program in Tokyo and Kanazawa, Japan, led by Dr. Changfeng Ge. During the trip, Gernand toured manufacturing facilities and connected with students from different backgrounds.
“I met a lot of really nice people,” Gernand said. The program included valuable cultural experiences, especially in Kanazawa — a city known for its deep historical roots and natural beauty.
Gernand described the experience as unforgettable, though she expressed her desire for more collaboration with Japanese students and extended time in the country.
“Kanazawa was beautiful, but a lot of the activities weren’t related to packaging,” Gernand explained. Despite this, Gernand appreciated being able to collaborate with Kyoto Institute of Technology, a university known for its work in VR, AR, 3D printing and architecture. She advises first year students considering studying abroad to travel light so you have room for souvenirs, bring professional clothes, keep an open mind and have fun.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
If you find yourself questioning how to pay for your program, look for RIT-specific scholarships. These include RIT Education Abroad Travel Grants, the RIT Honors Grant, RIT Student Government Scholarships and college-specific grants. The study abroad office also assists with applications for national study abroad scholarships.
Before you go
All students must attend a two-hour ‘Bon Voyage’ session before going abroad. It covers health, safety and culture shock, with help from Risk Management and other campus partners. While the session provides a general overview, program leaders will provide specific cultural information through their RIT email. Faculty are also required to attend training covering emergency plans, student conduct, health and Title IX.
Emergency Tips for RIT Students Abroad
If you face an international emergency —such as political unrest, a natural disaster or health issues— contact local authorities and your on-site staff. Then, report the situation to RIT Study Abroad for support and guidance. Before you go abroad, the study abroad office recommends that students sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that registers your trip with the U.S. Embassy so they can contact you with important safety updates during emergencies.
Access Services
RIT may provide access services to support Deaf or hard-of-hearing students in study abroad programs. Once involvement in a study abroad program is confirmed and providers are chosen, the study abroad office will set up a meeting, introducing the student to the team. Then, the team will discuss travel plans, budgeting and the best ways to support those who need access services throughout the program.
The application deadline for studying abroad during the spring 2026 semester is Oct. 1, 2025.
No study abroad program comes without challenges, but almost all offer chances for both personal and academic growth. RIT offers a wide range of programs and resources that aim to assist students throughout their study abroad experience.
