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First-Year Abroad

The Red Fox Reach is Global

Spend Your First Year at Marist in Florence or Dublin

Marist is a portal to the world and the First-Year Abroad (FYA) program is where that journey begins. This distinct program invites students to start their university experience immersed in another culture, building skills, perspectives, and connections that last a lifetime. At the heart of the FYA program is Marist’s educational philosophy: “and,” not “or.” Students don’t have to choose between rigorous academics or real-world learning, self-discovery or cultural immersion. They can have both — and more. 

All enrolled First-Year Abroad students are considered for a one-year $5,000 scholarship to support their international experience.
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First-Year Florence Experience

Begin your college experience in Florence, Italy, where culture and creativity thrive. Dive into Italian art, language, cuisine, and community while completing foundational coursework toward your Marist degree. Explore iconic sites like the Ponte Vecchio and Michelangelo's David, all with the support of experienced faculty and staff in both Florence and New York. Experience a learning journey that lasts a lifetime.

Check out a day in the life of Troy Tucker ‘28, Marist First-Year Florence student.

Learn More About First-Year Florence Experience
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First-Year Dublin Experience

Start your Marist journey in Dublin, Ireland, where history and innovation converge. This full-year program allows you to stay on track with your degree while taking diverse courses in business, liberal arts, psychology, technology, and communications. Emphasizing environmental awareness and community engagement, the FDE program includes the Big Zero Carbon Literacy & Action micro-credential. With the city as your classroom and supportive staff, FDE empowers students to thrive.

Check out a day in the life of Brooke Hubert ‘28, Marist First-Year Dublin student.

Learn More About First-Year Dublin Experience
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Discover Yourself in a Global Landscape

Explore the world to gain a global perspective. Discover Marist's award-winning First-Year Abroad (FYA) programs in Florence, Italy, and Dublin, Ireland. The FYA program is designed for motivated incoming first-year students who wish to take foundational coursework while experiencing the culture of Italy or Ireland. The First-Year Abroad programs offer a remarkable breadth of available course offerings and include most first-year major courses and all core curriculum disciplines, enabling nearly all Marist University majors to participate. Build lasting friendships, discover once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and create unforgettable memories.

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A Journey of Growth

While engaging in Marist’s Core first-year curriculum, students live more independently, gain real-world experience, and embed themselves in a new culture and community. They learn to navigate international travel and prepare their own meals in furnished apartments. Students return to campus more confident, self-aware, and globally minded — ready to lead and contribute in meaningful ways.

Marist's Academic Core Curriculum

Study Tours: Adventures That Transform Your Year Abroad

Get ready to explore! Day and overnight trips throughout students' first-year abroad build a deeper appreciation of the culture, history, and scenery of the country they call home — all included at no additional cost to the program. Some trips have particular themes associated with students' courses, while others offer credit-bearing leadership opportunities or sustainability credentials. These aren't just trips; they're unforgettable experiences that change the way students see the world.

Florence Study Tours Include:

  • Apennine Mountains
  • Bologna City
  • Mantua City
  • Torino Porta Nuova 

Dublin Study Tours Include:

  • Abbeyleix Bog Restoration Project
  • Causey Farm
  • Dublin Cookery School
  • Walls of Derry / Free Derry Museum

 

Image of FDE students in Dublin 
Image of Marist's First-year Dublin students outside.

 

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I cannot overstate that, since its early stages, First-Year Abroad has enriched our classrooms and our campus in many ways as it has enriched the lives of students. Faculty and staff laud the positive attitudes, maturity, and wealth of experiences that these students offer.

- Dr. Ivette Romero, Professor of Spanish; Coordinator of Latin American and Caribbean Studies 

 

Believe in yourself. It’s scary to be in a different country all alone, but you know more than you think. You’ll stumble and make mistakes, but those are the best learning experiences—and great stories! You’re not alone. Staff and fellow students are there to support you.

Lizbeth Santos-Cruz

First-Year Dublin

Read Lizbeth's Story >

FFE taught me discipline and appreciation for both school and the world outside it; it taught me how to view these two things as interconnected, with hard work in the classroom leading to the ability to explore our planet and outside experiences informing academic contributions.

Alice Adams

First-Year Florence

Read Alice's Story >

The chance to start college overseas was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that aligned perfectly with my desire to get the most out of my abroad experience.

Kylie Toomes

First-Year Dublin

Read Kylie's Story >

Stick with it and stay true to yourself. Your unique experiences, especially through programs like First-Year Abroad, give you power within yourself. In such a competitive industry, choose community over comparison. You choose who you show up as.

Kelly Behr

First-Year Florence

Read Kelly's Story >

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CONTACT: First-Year Abroad

MAIN CONTACT

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Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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QUESTIONS

Joe Giacalone
Executive Director, International Admission
Louis Higuera
Assistant Director, International Admission
Hasion Gaston
Counselor, International Admission

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First-Year Abroad

Spending your first year abroad is not for everyone. It takes a special person to challenge themselves, to break the mold of a traditional first-year experience, and to explore the world in a unique way. Marist has been sending first-year students abroad for over a decade, and the positive feedback from students, parents, faculty, and employers is overwhelming evidence that these experiences have a life-changing impact on participants. If you are a student that is looking for an opportunity to distinguish yourself from your peers, to gain a greater understanding of the world in which you live, and secure memories and experiences that will last a lifetime, then one of our unique First-Year Abroad programs is right for you.

Programs

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