Center for Global Education

Encourage your Student to “Go Away” (Study Abroad)

North Central College has 32 study abroad program options in 21+ difference countries. Students can study abroad for a semester, an academic year, and/or participate in a Cardinal Destination Course Abroad (CDCA), a short-term (2-3 weeks) faculty-led course during May Term. Please find the Study Abroad Brochure here, and find more information on the CDCA 2026 course options here.

Study Abroad Fair – September 23rd!

All students are encouraged to stop by the Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, September 23 from 11am-2pm in Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center to opportunity to explore their study abroad options, and learn which programs complement their major(s)/minor(s), career goals, post-graduate aspirations, budget, comfort zone, and more. At the Fair, students can connect with partners from abroad and program returnees to ask program-specific questions. Students can also talk with CDCA faculty-leaders to learn more about the course options for May Term 2026.

Does Your Student Need a Passport? Passport Project Application

North Central College is proud to be a 2025 recipient of the IIE American Passport Project grant, which enables NCC to award $165 to 25 eligible students to apply for a U.S. passport. North Central College is also committed to funding five additional students, for a total of 30 passports. 

To be eligible for funding, students must be: 

1) 18 years or older

2) A U.S. citizen

3) Have high-financial need (Pell-eligible)

4) Be a first-year OR new transfer student (preference)

5) Applying for their first adult U.S. passport (preference)

Interested and eligible students should complete the Microsoft Form application linked here (4 minutes to complete).

Upcoming Study Abroad Deadlines

Students interested in participating in a Cardinal Destination Course Abroad during May Term (2-3 weeks) should enroll in the course on their spring 2026 schedule no later than November 1, 2025.

Students looking to study abroad the fall 2026 semester or full 26-27 academic year, should meet with a study abroad advisor and submit their online application by December 1, 2025.

Students looking to study abroad the spring 2027 semester, should meet with a study abroad advisor and submit their online application by May 1, 2026.

Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities

Students studying abroad on a semester-long program are eligible to maintain their NC financial aid package. While study abroad is accessible and affordable, we encourage all students to apply for additional scholarships (listed here), both internally and externally. Additionally, a more comprehensive cost estimate is provided to students during a one-on-one study abroad advising appointment.

We look forward to seeing your student at the Study Abroad Fair in September, and encourage your student to “Go Away!” Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Rachel Birkley, Associate Director, Study Abroad, at rebirkley@noctrl.edu, with any questions.