GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
Where curiosity leads, opportunity follows. Global citizenship complements your W&J education. Whether you want to study abroad for a semester or longer or take a few weeks away from home, we offer three ways to see the world and experience other cultures.
1. May Term 2. The Magellan Project 3. Semester/Short-Term Study Abroad Learn more about opportunities beyond the classroom.
FACTS
At W&J, curiosity extends beyond the classroom. Real-world experiences shape how students explore, understand, and engage with the world around them.
60+
679
from 2008 to 2025
from 2008 to 2025
21
6
Countries students have visited for Magellan Projects
Countries visited in 2025 alone
Students who were financially supported in their trips
Continents traveled
40% 30+ Proportion of W&J students participating in a travel experience
Semester-long study abroad programs offered
GLOBA L OPPORTU N ITIES • 2026 | 1
What is May Term?
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Does the idea of spending a semester or year away from home seem a little overwhelming? Washington & Jefferson College offers the perfect option for students seeking a taste of travel and exploration. Held each May following the conclusion of the spring semester, May Term is a two-week immersive experience that creates a mini semester focused on discovery, experiential learning, and new opportunities. For many students, May Term is an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, experience a new city or country, and see the world through a different lens. Whether it is your first time traveling or you are already a seasoned traveler, May Term allows students to discover new places, cultures, and perspectives alongside friends, classmates, and faculty mentors. GLOBA L OPPORTU N ITIES • 2026 | 3
What is a Magellan Project? A Magellan Project begins with your idea to create an opportunity to pursue your passions in an original way. Faculty advisors provide the coaching and support you need to take your project from idea to reality. For your project, you write your proposal, detail the plan, and set the budget. Once approved and funded, your adventure begins. On this journey, you’ll discover more than you ever imagined.
ON LY AT
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Your project. Your passions. Fully funded.
Junior Rhyan Smith at the Wiblingen Abbey library in Ulm, Germany.
This Magellan Project was everything I could’ve hoped for and more. I explored my passion for reading and art by visiting various libraries in Europe and have gained a newfound appreciation for the rich diversity of world cultures and history. My favorite part, aside from seeing the libraries, was connecting with professionals who were as passionate about learning, reading, and research as I am. I was able to see and do so many incredible things on this journey, which only increased my desire to continue learning throughout my life outside of my formal education. — Junior Rhyan Smith
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FAQs Jeffrey Seabury ’22 in Anchorage, Alaska.
Clara Sherwood ’22 in Gambia.
Who is eligible to apply?
What kinds of projects qualify?
Magellan Awards support either a Magellan Project or a Magellan Franklin Internship. Project funding is available to full-time, degree-seeking first-year, sophomore, and junior students at Washington & Jefferson College, while internship funding supports students pursuing internships. All recipients must have a GPA of at least 2.5.
A wide range of projects qualify. All should challenge students to be creative, resourceful, and independent and involve purposeful travel (domestic or international) exploring new environments. Students may use Magellan funds for self-initiated research, creative projects, or internships.
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Will Tucker ’20 in Houston, Texas.
Is international travel required?
How long should a Magellan trip be?
While international travel is encouraged, it is not required. Students are challenged to design projects that push them beyond their comfort zones and immerse them in new and unfamiliar environments.
Magellan Projects and Magellan Franklin Internships should be long enough to gain insight, skills, and experience. Programs usually last 3–12 weeks.
Have another question? Scan the QR code for our full FAQs. GLOBA L OPPORTU N ITIES • 2026 | 7
Why Study Abroad?
BOOST BRING your your résumé.
major to life!
LEVEL UP your language skills.
EXPLORE
new places!
IMMERSE
yourself in a new culture.
SEE American culture from a new perspective.
DISCOVER
who YOU are! 8 | WAS H J E F F. E D U
April Bonifate ’23 experienced a Mediterranean nation, Greece, through its mesmerizing cities, breathtaking countryside, historic sites, and vibrant culture during her semester-long study-abroad journey. Curious about studying abroad? Scan the QR code to watch April’s TikTok video.
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Shayla Simmons ’26
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LOCATIONS
Ireland and Thailand PROJECT
The Essence of a Human: A Comparative Study of Ireland and Thailand Exploring the cultures of Ireland and Thailand through her Magellan Project, during her senior year, Shayla immersed herself in new environments while studying the connections between art, religion, and cuisine. Along the way, she gained confidence navigating unfamiliar experiences, embracing new perspectives, and discovering the personal growth that comes through travel and cultural exploration.
“ While following your planned itinerary is important, I encourage you to carve out free time to wander, discover hidden gems, and have unplanned interactions. These moments often lead to the most meaningful experiences you will have on your entire research trip, and help you grow in ways you never imagined.” — Shayla Simmons ’26
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Junior Trenton Seitz
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LOCATIONS
Switzerland PROJECT
Project Snow From the slopes of Zermatt to the villages surrounding Jungfraujoch, Trenton’s Magellan Project took him deep into the European Alps, where he explored how ski resorts sustain year-round tourism while balancing sustainability, local culture, and alpine traditions.
“ The moments when things don’t go as planned often end up being the most valuable learning experiences.” — Junior Trenton Seitz
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Senior Kendall Tietsworth
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LOCATIONS
Bozeman and Big Sky, Montana; Kona and Hilo, Hawai’i PROJECT
Christianity Across America: Narrative Interpretations of Christianity in Relation to Western and Island Geographical Climate Cultures Kendall’s Magellan Project took her from the mountains of Montana to the shores of Hawai’i, where she explored how geography shapes expressions of Christian faith. Through fieldwork and personal connection, she uncovered striking differences, from Montana’s emphasis on personal relationships with God to Hawai’i’s focus on spiritual ritual and inclusive practice, ultimately highlighting the diversity within belief systems and the power of giving voice to underrepresented perspectives.
“ The purpose of this project was not only to give a statistical and observational perspective but to also give nonmainstream Christians a place to voice the aspects of their faith that are most inherent to them as believers.” — Senior Kendall Tietsworth GLOBA L OPPORTU N ITIES • 2026 | 15
Junior Vanessa Gajewski
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LOCATIONS
France, Monaco, and Italy PROJECT
The Role of Nationalism in Formula 1: Examining the Relationship Between Ferrari and Italy A passion for Formula 1 racing turned into a hands-on Magellan Project for Vanessa. Traveling across France, Monaco, and Italy, she immersed herself in the world of international racing, experiencing the energy of the Monaco Grand Prix, exploring historic racetracks and Ferrari museums, and connecting with fans from around the world while gaining a broader global perspective beyond the classroom.
“ Being able to talk to other people who had traveled from around the world to watch the race was incredible. I was able to learn a lot about how others interact with Formula 1 and observe how the sport impacts a small principality such as Monaco.” — Junior Vanessa Gajewski
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Senior Sophia Garrett
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LOCATIONS
Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden PROJECT
Green Cities: Exploring Sustainability Practices in Copenhagen and Stockholm Navigating the streets of Copenhagen and Stockholm, Sophia explored how two of the world’s leading sustainable cities are shaping the future through innovative environmental practices and community-driven solutions. Through conversations with urban planners, policymakers, and local advocates, she brought classroom concepts in environmental policy to life while gaining confidence traveling solo, adapting to unfamiliar environments, and connecting across cultures.
“ Traveling alone pushed me far outside my comfort zone. From navigating new cities without cell service to interviewing sustainability experts, I learned how to adapt, communicate, and problem-solve with confidence. That growth is something I’ll carry with me long after the project ended.” — Senior Sophia Garrett GLOBA L OPPORTU N ITIES • 2026 | 19
A DDIT IONAL OPPO RT UN IT IES
Student & Faculty Research Washington & Jefferson College students also have the opportunity to gain practical research experience in the natural and social sciences by working with faculty. The curriculum includes lab courses, and students are encouraged to pursue independent study opportunities and collaborate with professors in the lab. Many students have had research published in national and international scientific journals, with some featured as the main author. Our professors prioritize student enrichment and growth, ensuring students make the most of their opportunities at W&J. 20 | WASH JE F F.E D U
OFFICE OF ADMISSION • 724-223-6025 • ADMISSION@WASHJEFF.EDU