PartnershipsCenter for International and Cultural Education

Gustavus is affiliated with several major national organizations and program partner organizations. We maintain these relationships in order to ensure that we follow current best practices in the field of global learning and in order to provide our students with a wide array of excellent learning opportunities. This page features many of our partnerships.

National/professional memberships

NAFSA [logo permission pending]

Programming partnerships

* indicates Gustavus is an affiliated member or regular partner
** indicates Gustavus is a consortium or council member
¶ indicates that Gustavus has an exchange relationship with this partner (incoming and outgoing students)

Aquincum Institute of Technology - Budapest (AIT) *
AIT provides a unique English-language study abroad experience for North American undergraduates majoring in computer science, software engineering, and related disciplines. AIT brings together globally acclaimed scholars, designers, and entrepreneurs to provide an inspiring academic program with small classes (10 to 20 students in a typical class) that emphasize interactivity and creativity. In order to maintain the high quality of instruction and to give each student the attention they deserve, AIT admits no more than 100 students in any semester. AIT’s curriculum integrates foundational courses in computer science with advanced applications and courses from the fields of creative design and entrepreneurship as well as humanities courses related to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage.

Budapest Semesters in Mathematics (BSM) *
Spend a semester studying mathematics with BSM in Hungary: the prestigious and essential mathematics study abroad program for undergraduates, established in 1985. Through this program, North American mathematics and computer science majors in their junior/senior years may spend fall, spring or summer semester in Budapest. The instructors of BSM are members of Eötvös University, the Mathematical Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics – the three institutions known for having educated more than half of Hungary’s highly acclaimed mathematicians. BSM classes are held at the College International, a Hungarian-based educational institution focusing on international students studying in Budapest. BSM fall and spring semesters comprise 14 weeks of teaching plus one week of exams. The summer program is eight weeks long. Considerable time is devoted to problem solving and encouraging student creativity. Emphasis is on depth of understanding rather than on the quantity of material.

Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Education (BSME) *
Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Education (BSME) is a study abroad program in Budapest, Hungary, designed for undergraduates and recent graduates interested in the learning and teaching of secondary mathematics. BSME was conceived by the founders of Budapest Semesters in Mathematics (BSM), and the two programs share a common goal — to experience the mathematical and general culture of Hungary. BSME is specifically intended for those who are not only passionate about mathematics, but also the teaching of mathematics. Students may participate during the 14-week fall or spring semesters or the 6-week summer term.

CET Academic Programs *
CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and operating innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, and today offers a varied portfolio of semester, summer, and customized programs for college, high school, pre-college, and gap year students around the world. Known for strong academics, professional program management, and supportive student services, CET strives to integrate students into their host communities, adopt environmentally conscientious practices, and promote diversity and inclusion across all programs. CET Colombia students study race, identity, and ethnicity through the Afro-Colombian lens in Cali — a city with the second largest population of African descent in South America.

CISabroad *
CISabroad is committed to provding affordable, meaningful, inclusive, and academically relevant study and internship programs that broaden perspectives, promote global awareness, and encourage personal development while laying the foundation for participants to become engaged world citizens. CISabroad offers 120+ programs for 88 different majors, in 44 cities across 22 countries. 70% of all students receive scholarships, grants, or discounts to study or intern abroad. Housing, insurance, excursions, on-site support and much more are included in all CISabroad programs. 

College Year in Athens (CYA) *
CYA has been offering study abroad programs in a wide range of academic disciplines for over 50 years. With supplemental activities varying from archaeological digs to onsite courses, study-travel, and volunteer opportunities, students are able to actively engage with their course material. Students live in apartments in downtown Athens and will be inspired to immerse themselves in the environment and expand their worldview. As a European capital, Athens is both rich in history and a contemporary hub for art, international business and relations, and debate on economic, political, and migration issues.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) **
For more than 70 years, CIEE has been committed to creating programs that foster conversation and unity between people of all nations. We now offer more than 200 programs in 55 locations throughout the world, across all academic disciplines. Options for direct enroll, traditional semester/summer study abroad or our Open Campus program are designed to accommodate all academic interests and goals. Each and every program seeks to immerse students in the culture-transforming not only their view of the world, but themselves.

DIS: Study Abroad in Scandinavia *
DIS is a nonprofit study abroad foundation established in Denmark in 1959, with locations in Copenhagen and Stockholm. DIS provides semester, academic-year, and summer programs taught in English and offers high-impact learning experiences for upper-division undergraduate students from distinguished North American colleges and universities. The intellectually challenging curriculum is broad, cutting-edge, and enriched by experiential learning components, including faculty-led study tours across Europe.

Hosei University (Japan) ¶
Hosei University offers courses in English (ESOP) that cover a myriad of topics related to Japan, appealing to students with diverse academic interests. In addition to ESOP courses, students can enroll in regular courses offered by any faculty at Hosei University (conditional upon the course instructor’s permission). Exchange students can maximize their learning and appreciation of Japan by enrolling in Japanese language classes for no additional fee. We also provide a several events that give exchange students a chance to have various Japanese cultural experiences that are not easily accessed.

Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad) **
At IES Abroad, we’re passionate about making meaningful academic and culturally immersive learning opportunities available to students — like you! — around the world. We offer 135 study abroad programs in 30+ global locations, allowing you to choose from a wide range of disciplines at our teaching centers, a local university, or both, to make the most of your experience abroad during the semester, summer, J-term, or for an academic year. Our study abroad programs take learning outside of the classroom with optional internships, service learning placements, and course-related field trips.

Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University (IFSA) **
More than an opportunity to see the world, IFSA programs integrate critical lifelong skills designed to help you achieve your goals. Many IFSA programs are based at preeminent institutions abroad that offer direct access to a large range of academic departments. Through our local IFSA experts, you’ll have academic and personal support to help develop insider knowledge of your community. Internships, directed research, volunteering opportunities and IFSA activities excursions all offer you an amazing academic and cultural experience- Your Future Self Thanks You!

Kansai Gaidai University (KGU, Japan) ¶
KGU has a longstanding exchange partnership with Gustavus. The program provides international students with a means of exploring Japan and Asian studies through classroom instruction and interaction with Japanese people. Japanese language courses range from the introductory through the advanced levels. Previous Japanese language training is not required. A variety of course offerings relevant to Japan and Asia, taught by experienced faculty members, will provide new perspectives for participants and inspire their intellectual and personal growth. One of the special advantages of studying in our program is the fact that all courses, except for Japanese language courses, are conducted in English.

Lorenzo de' Medici Institute (LdM) *
With over 45 years of experience in international education, Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM), is one of the most distinctive and well established study abroad institutions in Italy. Chosen every year by 3,000 students from all over the world, LdM offers academic and professionally oriented courses designed to complement a variety of study abroad programs, as well as to enrich personal knowledge, education and skills, fostering curiosity and igniting new passions and skills. Students may choose from 600 different courses in 39 subject areas, all taught in English (with the exception of Italian Language and Culture). Students may study in Florence during fall and spring semesters, and during the summer students have the option of choosing courses also at the other LdM campus locations in Rome and Tuscania. At each of LdM’s three sites, the educational opportunities are rooted in the surrounding environments, allowing students to experience firsthand the inspiring culture of historical and contemporary Italy.

Loyola University's Vietnam Center *
Loyola University Chicago's Vietnam Center is a unique opportunity for students to experience and learn about the social, cultural, political, environmental, and economic dynamics currently shaping contemporary Vietnam. Our Vietnam Center is spread out over various points across Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC), which allows students to interact and engage with their surroundings on a daily basis. Students can further immerse themselves in HCMC and enrich their academics by participating in an optional service learning, internship, or research placement. The city is a hub from which you can see many places in this exciting region during your time abroad. If you are looking for an adventure with the familiarity of an American university, look no further than studying abroad with the Vietnam Center.

National Student Exchange (NSE) ** ¶
NSE facilitates academic exchange between our 160+ member campuses across the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students may exchange for a summer, semester, or year. Why consider NSE? Take courses not available at your home campus. Investigate graduate schools or make connections in a different job market. Gain intercultural understanding by exploring a different geographic or cultural setting in the U.S. or Canada.

School for International Training (SIT) *
SIT Study Abroad offers more than 80 accredited semester and summer undergraduate programs on all seven continents as well as custom and faculty programs. Through cultural immersion, comparative study, independent research or internship, and experiential learning, SIT programs prepare students for academic and professional success by taking them beyond the traditional classroom to analyze the critical global issues shaping local communities and the world.

Terra Dotta *
Terra Dotta is a trusted provider of enterprise software in higher education offices worldwide with adaptable solutions extending across Study Abroad, Risk, and International Student and Scholar Services. The software used at Gustavus is often called "Studio Abroad."

University of Aberdeen (Scotland) *
Based in the heart of northeast Scotland, the University of Aberdeen is located in a thriving region. During your exchange, you can stay on-track with your home degree while exploring other courses which interest you. Aberdeen has pre-med and pre-law students for students who wish to explore future careers while abroad. Exchange students can also pursue independent research in STEM and the humanities while they are at Aberdeen. The only limit to what you study at Aberdeen is your imagination!

University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center (LAC) *
The Learning Abroad Center is the University of Minnesota's comprehensive resource for study, intern, community engagement, research and volunteer experiences worldwide. We provide 25 programs around the world that students outside the University of Minnesota can attend.

University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) *
Since 1982, USAC has organized high-quality study abroad programs in nontraditional locations at an affordable price and has contributed to the internationalization of students and universities all across the world. Currently, USAC offers programs in over 50 locations in 28 different countries. USAC provides programs for students in a wide range of academic backgrounds including: engineering, health, education, communication, business, and many more!

Uppsala University (Sweden) ¶
Uppsala University is the Nordic region’s oldest university – founded in 1477 – and is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. There are more than 40,000 students here, and they are seen, heard, and make their mark everywhere. The University’s nearly 5,000 researchers and teachers conduct world-leading research and offer a seemingly endless number of courses. Uppsala University is divided into three disciplinary domains: humanities and social sciences, medicine and pharmacy, and science and technology. These in turn consist of nine faculties and nearly 50 departments in total. Uppsala University’s unique student life offers a rich experience for students from all corners of the world.

Washington Internship Institute (WII) *
The Washington Internship Institute is an academic internship program that provides students unparalleled internship opportunities in the nation's capital. Students receive dedicated, personalized advising on prospective internships: we act as your agent in DC, researching internship options, reviewing application materials, submitting applications on your behalf, and counseling you on which internship to choose. Students from almost every major intern four days a week in government agencies and departments, international, national, and local nonprofit organizations, and the private sector; you also take two classes relevant to your internship and your future career. For the fall and springs semesters, Gustavus Adolphus students earn a full semester's worth of credit for the program, and your financial aid travels with you, making it an affordable option. A ten-week summer program is also avaialble.