Seton Hall Expands to 57 Campuses in 24 Countries

The University’s global expansion crowns three years of unprecedented momentum, making it one of the fastest-growing study abroad programs in the Northeast. 

Study abroad at Seton Hall has undergone nothing short of a revolution. Three years ago, students had access to only five campuses across four countries for a semester abroad. Pre-Covid, the University averaged about 8 percent of students studying abroad before graduation. Fast forward to today: nearly 30 percent of Seton Hall students take part in study abroad opportunities, driven by the largest number of faculty-led programs in New Jersey — expert-led international experiences that take students to every corner of the globe — along with the signature freshman experience, Rome Connection, a completely revamped digital platform, expanded student outreach and enhanced pre-departure guidance.

Now comes the most groundbreaking change in study abroad at Seton Hall since its founding: the University has expanded semester-abroad opportunities to 57 campuses in 24 countries. From Chile to Sweden to New Zealand, the world is now within reach for students like never before. Where there were once no semester-abroad campuses in Spain, students now have four; in Italy five, in Japan four — and that’s just the beginning. This expansion is the result of Seton Hall becoming the newest member institution of the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), a nonprofit partnership of international universities. These universities are top-tier institutions. In Scotland, students can study at the prestigious University of St Andrews; in Prague, at Charles University — the oldest university in Central Europe, home to groundbreaking faculty across the centuries, including Albert Einstein. All campuses offer courses in English, with local language course options for students seeking a fully immersive experience.

These semester-abroad opportunities are now accessible to more students and majors than ever before. Whether students are pursuing Biology, Finance, Psychology, Marketing, Diplomacy, Physics, the Arts, Political Science, or virtually any other field, there are programs designed to complement their academic paths while providing invaluable global experience. From field-based research at world-renowned universities to cultural and policy studies, these programs enable students from a wide range of disciplines to expand their knowledge, gain new perspectives, and develop career-ready skills — including through international internships — that will serve them long after graduation.

“Strategic internationalization has long been a cornerstone of Seton Hall’s mission, and joining this consortium represents a major step forward in opening the world to our students,” reflected Associate Provost Mary Kate Naatus. “Study abroad is exactly the kind of transformative student experience that we value so highly at Seton Hall, ensuring that students across all disciplines can immerse themselves globally, broaden their perspectives, and return with the knowledge and skills to lead in a connected world.”

The affordability of these experiences is equally remarkable. Students retain their full Seton Hall financial aid, scholarships and grants. Best of all, semester housing averages $2,900 across the international campuses—far below the cost of domestic on-campus living. Options range from residence halls to apartments and homestays, allowing students to engage deeply with the local culture and language.

Nicole Uretzky, a Psychology student and Study Abroad Peer Advisor, shared her perspective on the impact of these opportunities: “As a student who deeply values cultural exploration, I am grateful that the affordability of our new semester-abroad campuses has made it possible for me to pursue my goals. My journey began with Rome Connection during my freshman year, and I look forward to building on it with a semester in Japan. Knowing that my scholarships and financial aid travel with me, along with significantly more affordable housing costs, makes studying abroad feel truly accessible. I am excited to immerse myself in new languages, customs, and perspectives that will shape not only my college experience but also my future career in Speech-Language Pathology.”

This unprecedented expansion in just three years has been led by Seton Hall's Director of Study Abroad and Global Engagement, Douglas Cantelmo, together with his dedicated team of Study Abroad Peer Advisors—Seton Hall students who have studied abroad themselves and now guide future participants while supporting every aspect of Seton Hall's study abroad operations. Doug, as he is known by colleagues and students alike, also serves as the Program Director for Rome Connection. Prior to arriving at Seton Hall, he spent more than six years growing, leading, and teaching study abroad programs in Rome.

On the impact this has for Seton Hall, Director Cantelmo reflected, “Study abroad profoundly changed my life — it expanded what I thought was possible and gave me a vocation that has stayed with me since my very first international flight in college. Study abroad is one of the most transformational experiences you can have at Seton Hall — full stop. I’m beyond thrilled that even more of our students now have the chance to translate their own unique passions into extraordinary global experiences that will lead to tremendous personal and professional growth.”

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Categories: Nation and World