What is Study Abroad?

The mission of The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) is to support and collaborate with academic departments at The University of Southern Mississippi to develop and administer a wide range of educational programs abroad that will enhance students’ academic, professional, and personal development. The OSA is committed to providing a variety of credit-bearing programs that are accessible to students from diverse academic and personal backgrounds. The OSA offers short and long-term options through faculty-led programs, international exchanges, student teaching placements, internships, and affiliated partner programs.  

International Exchange Programs offer students the opportunity to experience student life at one of USM’s fourteen partner universities around the world. Students pay Southern Miss in-state tuition and fees and receive the same benefits as a university student at the partner institution. Exchange programs are one to two semesters and earn up to 18 hours per semester.


Faculty-led programs are USM courses taught abroad by USM and/or USM consortium partner faculty while abroad. Students receive anywhere from three to sixteen USM credit hours in an array of subjects depending on the program. These programs aim to teach course material and provide firsthand experiences to students within the framework of the academic material. Many of these programs offer excursions and field trips to nearby cities, historical sites, and monuments. Cost and housing options vary by program. Faculty-led programs range from two and a half weeks to a semester in length. Examples of faculty-led programs are the British Studies Program, Semester in Spain, and Business and Culture in Italy. To see all of our program options, go here.


International internships are provided by the Office of Study Abroad’s affiliate partner EUSA. These internship placements offer students the opportunity to gain both international work experience and USM credit. The International Internship Program is a group option for USM students. Through our partner, EUSA, students work with advisors to find the best placement within their field of study or interest. This program is 7-weeks long during the summer and is currently based in Dublin, Ireland. Students intern at a business or facility for 6 weeks (32 hours per week) with an orientation week immediately upon arrival. Students work closely with their internship advisor or professor of record to discuss coursework assignments and earn 6 hours of USM credit. 


Student Teaching Abroad programs allow for Education majors to have a teaching placement abroad. Students work with the School of Education and can contact Dr. Donielle Stephens in Educational Field Experiences to get the conversation started. Students will have a split semester gaining both domestic and international student teaching experience. The international student teaching placement will be around six weeks. Placements are available in Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.


There are other options if a student’s area of interest is not available through one of USM’s programs, students may consider a program through one of our partner programs: CIS Abroad or API Abroad. These programs require approval from the Office of Study Abroad. Please request advising for additional information.