Saint Mary's College of California
University Information
A Saint Mary's education inspires learning that lasts a lifetime. It engages the intellect and spirit, and awakens the desire to transform society. We are all learners here — working together to understand and shape the world.
Who We Are
A Catholic liberal arts college, rooted in the life and work of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Christian Brothers and the patron saint of teachers. We are Lasallian.
We are committed to social justice, respect for all persons, and the power of education to transform lives.
Saint Mary's was founded in 1863, one of the oldest schools in the West, but our feet are planted firmly in the 21st century on a foundation of strong values.
At the heart of our curriculum is Collegiate Seminar, in which undergraduates read and discuss great works and learn how to listen.
We operate on a 4-1-4 calendar schedule, which means that during January term students can travel to entirely different points on the globe, lend a hand to others, explore new ideas or take a courageous step towards personal change. And we have wonderful semester, year-long, and summer programs that our students can explore an ever globalizing world.
The Programs we offer include:
SMC-Sponsored Programs:
CIEE Seville Study Center - Seville, Spain
Freie University-BEST - Berlin, Germany
IAU College - Aix-en-Provance, France
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) - London, England
SAI-John Cabot University - Rome, Italy
TEAN-Fudan University - Shanghai, China
Lasallian International Program Consortium:
AIFS Paris - Paris, France
American University of Rome - Rome, Italy
API Jagiellionian University - Krakow, Poland
CC-CS Alicante - Alicante, Spain
CC-CS Cordoba - Cordoba, Argentina
Deakin University - Melbourne, Austrailia
ISA-Veritas University - San Jose, Costa Rica
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) - Galway, Ireland
SAI Florence University of the Arts - Florence, Italy
University College Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
Exchange:
Akita International University - Akita, Japan
BES La Salle - Barcelona, Spain
Sophia University - Tokyo, Japan
University of Technology - Sydney, Austrailia
Summer:
IAU College - Aix-en-Provance, France
University College Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
Important Dates and Deadlines
Study Abroad Deadlines:
For the Spring cycle: October 1st the semester before
For the Summer/Fall cycle: March 1st the semester before
"A lot of introspection and learning about myself in different ways; the benefits of taking risks and trying new things and being open to all that life has to offer"
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"I gained so much knowledge that I did not have before. I learned a new language, how to live in a city, surviving without a car (so easy), and how to budget my own money. It was truly worthwhile. "
madison c Saint Mary's College of California
"Forced me mature so quickly. Had to navigate extensive public transit for the first time. No one was around to cook for me so I had to learn how to take care of myself. None of that mentions the theatrical studies in which I engaged. "
Geoffrey Ulysses Geissinger Saint Mary's College of California
"I learned a lot about myself as a person, which I was not expecting because I thought I was pretty in touch with who I was. I also feel like I gained a lot of cultural capital as well because I've visited, seen, and learned about all these amazing things, like art and culture, that I had only ever dreamed of. It's changed my per..."
Arianna DeLillo Saint Mary's College of California
"I gained a lot more confidence in myself!"
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"I learned a lot about myself as a person, which I was not expecting because I thought I was pretty in touch with who I was. But, it was cool to learn new things about myself. I also feel like I gained a lot of cultural capital as well because I've visited, seen, and learned about all these amazing things, like art and culture, t..."
Arianna DeLillo Saint Mary's College of California
"During my time in Barcelona, I had the opportunity to create a new day each day. I explored the architecture, ate my way through the city, got lost in the tiny streets, swam in the Mediterranean, and so much more. I immersed myself in the Catalan and Spanish culture and Spanish language by living in both a homestay and Residenci..."
Emily Van Liedekerke Saint Mary's College of California
"I learned a lot about the global economy and cultural differences between Eastern and Western societies. I was able to meet people from all over the word and the country and learn things I never would have if I hadn't left my home university. "
Claire Arakaki Saint Mary's College of California
"Independence. It was absolutely worthwhile and I would do it all over again if I could. "
Lauren Torres Saint Mary's College of California
"I gained a whole new sense of myself. I learned what I am capable of, what I truly enjoy and what makes me the happiest. "
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"I love travel and want to do this for a job. "
Kate P Saint Mary's College of California
"I learned that one can have a life-changing experience in a short amount of time. Perhaps the most wonderful thing about this program was the feeling that my experience felt truly authentic. This seems largely possibly through the staff (locals) who were willing to chaperones to the students. "
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"I gained independence. I learned how to do things on my own and feel much more confident while traveling. "
Katie Saint Mary's College of California
"it is hard to say, it was a lovely experience with very generous people and I would highly recommend it. "
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"I did not expect to feel so moved by the experience or so at home at the institute. The entire staff (Dagbe and ThisWorldMusic) were open and real, offering the students a chance to engage deeply with the culture and the people. The cultural wealth and generosity of the Ghanaians I met impressed me. I feel compelled to examine m..."
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"My experience abroad was most definitely worthwhile. It was so wonderful to see how another culture lives and I gained a greater insight to the world of African dance and drumming. "
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"I gained a new perspective and a broader sense of the world. I met some of the happiest and most talented and well adjusted people whose happiness exists without the same resources available in the United States. The Ghanaian dancing and drumming which we learned at times felt so far out of my comfort zone; which was a beautif..."
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"My trip to Ghana gave me a super unique experience to learn about a different culture in a way that is not easy to come by. Having the chance to go to Kopeyia and Dagbe to learn with such knowledgeable artists was truly a life-changing experience, giving me new perspectives that I have brought home with me. "
Katie T Saint Mary's College of California
"I learned so many skills I never would of had to chance to encounter at home. I was so inspired by West African style of dancing and their lifestyle that I came back with such a different perspective with not taking our resources for granted and settling for one type of passion. There is a purpose and meaning behind everything ..."
Alexandria K Saint Mary's College of California
"Studying abroad changed my life. I was able to see the world, gain independence, and experience living in another country. "
Kaela K Saint Mary's College of California
"I learned a lot about traveling on my own and with others. I really tried to immerse myself in the different cultures and always try new things. Studying abroad was one of the best things I have ever done and it was extremely worthwhile."
Makenna W Saint Mary's College of California
"Learn a lot about a different continent and culture. "
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"I made some lifelong friends and I gained a lot of independence.\"
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"A broadening and deepening of my knowledge and experience of African dance, music and culture. It was absolutely worthwhile."
A student Saint Mary's College of California
"I became more confidant in my abilities to speak up for myself, and to push myself to try new things. The trip was truly worthwhile."
A student Saint Mary's College of California
