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Program Types

Loyola Study Abroad offers a variety of program types to fit each student’s needs. All approved Loyola study abroad programs fit into one of five program types: The Rome Center, Faculty-Led Programs, Jesuit Affiliates, Exchange/Direct-Enrolls, and Affiliates.  

The Rome Center

Students studying at Loyola's John Felice Rome Center enjoy the best of both worlds—a familiar, supportive Loyola environment set within the stunning backdrop of Italian architecture and design. 

Located on Monte Mario—the highest hill in Rome—the campus offers modern classrooms, a library, chapel, dining hall, inviting common areas, and comfortable double-occupancy student housing. Its prime location provides easy access to Rome’s iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. 

Students can study at the Rome Center for a fall or spring semester, a full academic year, or a five-week summer session. They will select from academically rigorous courses taught by Loyola faculty with a local Italian perspective. The Rome Center’s interdisciplinary approach blends classroom learning with real-world exploration, and many courses include an immersive on-site component. Students can further dive into Italian culture through local engagement, service opportunities, and internships.


Faculty-Led Programs

Students interested in short-term study abroad opportunities should consider exploring faculty-led programs where you take Loyola courses abroad. There are two main models for these programs: 

Stand-Alone Programs 
This is the most common type of faculty-led program at Loyola. You’ll take one or more Loyola courses taught entirely abroad by a Loyola faculty member. These courses are not connected to any on-campus class. Most stand-alone programs take place in the summer, but some may be offered during the January term. 

Embedded Programs 
These programs combine an on-campus course with a short travel component. You’ll take the class at Loyola during the semester, and then travel with your classmates and professor—often over spring break—as part of the course experience. 

Faculty-led programs are designed to help you build strong connections with your Loyola peers and faculty, providing a valuable chance to form lasting relationships through shared experiences. They are ideal for students with tight academic schedules or those looking to enhance their connection with the Loyola community while studying abroad. 


Jesuit Affiliated Programs

Students seeking mission-aligned curriculum and coursework similar to that of Loyola should explore studying at other U.S. Jesuit universities with program centers in global locations. Loyola’s U.S. Jesuit partners with campuses abroad include St. Louis University – Madrid, Fordham University – London, and Marquette University – Cape Town. Students studying at any of these locations can expect a similar academic learning environment, co-curricular activities, and support services comparable to that of Loyola.  

Students can apply to a Jesuit affiliate program here, or find other study abroad opportunities at our Jesuit partners worldwide.


Exchange/Direct-Enroll Programs

In these semester or year-long programs, students directly enroll in courses at one of Loyola’s partner universities abroad, many of which are Jesuit partners, fully immersing themselves in campus life, with ample opportunities to engage with both international and local peers. They will benefit from an expansive curriculum with a wide range of course offerings. Students participating in exchange/direct-enroll programs should feel comfortable with a high level of independence.

Some programs may require proficiency in the host language to register for particular classes if taught in the host language.


Affiliate Programs

Loyola partners with third-party academic organizations, known as study abroad affiliates, offering a diverse array of programs worldwide. Students participating in an affiliate program can expect to have access to extensive academic resources and support, including course selection, advising, and included cultural excursions. They will spend most of their time surrounded by peers participating in the same program.  These programs offer various housing options with all arrangements handled on the student's behalf.

Affiliate partners offer three program models. In the facilitated direct-enroll model, students will study at a local university abroad while maintaining access to the affiliate support services. In the program center model, students will take courses taught by local faculty at the affiliate’s dedicated program center. Alternatively, students can elect to enroll in a hybrid model combining courses at the program center and a local university.


Meet with the Study Abroad Office to discuss which program type may be best for you! 

Loyola Study Abroad offers a variety of program types to fit each student’s needs. All approved Loyola study abroad programs fit into one of five program types: The Rome Center, Faculty-Led Programs, Jesuit Affiliates, Exchange/Direct-Enrolls, and Affiliates.  

The Rome Center

Students studying at Loyola's John Felice Rome Center enjoy the best of both worlds—a familiar, supportive Loyola environment set within the stunning backdrop of Italian architecture and design. 

Located on Monte Mario—the highest hill in Rome—the campus offers modern classrooms, a library, chapel, dining hall, inviting common areas, and comfortable double-occupancy student housing. Its prime location provides easy access to Rome’s iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. 

Students can study at the Rome Center for a fall or spring semester, a full academic year, or a five-week summer session. They will select from academically rigorous courses taught by Loyola faculty with a local Italian perspective. The Rome Center’s interdisciplinary approach blends classroom learning with real-world exploration, and many courses include an immersive on-site component. Students can further dive into Italian culture through local engagement, service opportunities, and internships.


Faculty-Led Programs

Students interested in short-term study abroad opportunities should consider exploring faculty-led programs where you take Loyola courses abroad. There are two main models for these programs: 

Stand-Alone Programs 
This is the most common type of faculty-led program at Loyola. You’ll take one or more Loyola courses taught entirely abroad by a Loyola faculty member. These courses are not connected to any on-campus class. Most stand-alone programs take place in the summer, but some may be offered during the January term. 

Embedded Programs 
These programs combine an on-campus course with a short travel component. You’ll take the class at Loyola during the semester, and then travel with your classmates and professor—often over spring break—as part of the course experience. 

Faculty-led programs are designed to help you build strong connections with your Loyola peers and faculty, providing a valuable chance to form lasting relationships through shared experiences. They are ideal for students with tight academic schedules or those looking to enhance their connection with the Loyola community while studying abroad. 


Jesuit Affiliated Programs

Students seeking mission-aligned curriculum and coursework similar to that of Loyola should explore studying at other U.S. Jesuit universities with program centers in global locations. Loyola’s U.S. Jesuit partners with campuses abroad include St. Louis University – Madrid, Fordham University – London, and Marquette University – Cape Town. Students studying at any of these locations can expect a similar academic learning environment, co-curricular activities, and support services comparable to that of Loyola.  

Students can apply to a Jesuit affiliate program here, or find other study abroad opportunities at our Jesuit partners worldwide.


Exchange/Direct-Enroll Programs

In these semester or year-long programs, students directly enroll in courses at one of Loyola’s partner universities abroad, many of which are Jesuit partners, fully immersing themselves in campus life, with ample opportunities to engage with both international and local peers. They will benefit from an expansive curriculum with a wide range of course offerings. Students participating in exchange/direct-enroll programs should feel comfortable with a high level of independence.

Some programs may require proficiency in the host language to register for particular classes if taught in the host language.


Affiliate Programs

Loyola partners with third-party academic organizations, known as study abroad affiliates, offering a diverse array of programs worldwide. Students participating in an affiliate program can expect to have access to extensive academic resources and support, including course selection, advising, and included cultural excursions. They will spend most of their time surrounded by peers participating in the same program.  These programs offer various housing options with all arrangements handled on the student's behalf.

Affiliate partners offer three program models. In the facilitated direct-enroll model, students will study at a local university abroad while maintaining access to the affiliate support services. In the program center model, students will take courses taught by local faculty at the affiliate’s dedicated program center. Alternatively, students can elect to enroll in a hybrid model combining courses at the program center and a local university.


Meet with the Study Abroad Office to discuss which program type may be best for you!