Start Your NAU Journey Abroad

Study Abroad Before Your First Semester

Starting college is an exciting transition, and at Northern Arizona University, some students begin their academic journey before they even arrive on campus. By participating in a study abroad program the summer before your first semester, you can earn college credit, meet fellow Lumberjacks, and start building your global perspective.

Study abroad programs offered through NAU are designed to connect academic learning with cultural immersion. These experiences allow students to travel internationally, engage with new communities, and begin earning credits that count toward their degree.

Participating in a pre-freshman study abroad program can help you:

  • Earn college credit before your first semester begins

  • Build friendships with other incoming NAU students

  • Develop confidence and independence before starting college

  • Gain a global perspective that will enhance your academic experience

For many students, this opportunity serves as the first step in a college journey that includes international learning and cultural exploration.

High School Momentum Study Abroad (Out-of-State Students)

The High School Momentum Study Abroad program is designed specifically for incoming first-year students from outside Arizona, including Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) students.

This program allows you to begin your college experience with a short-term international experience that combines academic learning with cultural exploration. Participants earn six college credits while studying abroad before their first semester at NAU.

The program includes:

  • 6 NAU credits earned before your freshman fall semester

  • A short online academic component completed before travel

  • An international travel experience lasting approximately 8–9 days

  • Coursework focused on global citizenship, culture, and community engagement

Destinations may vary each year, but past programs have included locations such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley in Peru, Bali, Indonesia, Lisbon, Portugal, Molise, Italy and San Jose, Costa Rica.

The program is designed to help students build community and confidence before starting college. Early cohorts have shown strong academic success, with most students earning high grades during the program. By the time you arrive in Flagstaff, you will already have completed your first college courses, formed connections with fellow NAU students and experienced learning in a global setting!

Three-Week Costa Rica Program (In-State Students)

Students from Arizona can begin their college experience abroad through a three-week faculty-led program in Costa Rica.

This short summer program takes place just before the fall semester and offers incoming freshmen the opportunity to earn college credit while experiencing the culture, environment, and language of Costa Rica.

During the program, students may:

  • Take Spanish language courses for college credit

  • Participate in cultural and community-based learning

  • Explore Costa Rica’s ecosystems and biodiversity

  • Travel and learn alongside NAU faculty and fellow incoming students

Programs like this allow students to earn several credits in a short-term international experience, helping them start their academic journey with momentum.

Costa Rica is a popular destination for study abroad because of its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and strong connections to environmental sustainability and Spanish language learning.

Begin Your College Experience with Global Learning

At Northern Arizona University, international education is an important part of the student experience. The university offers dozens of study abroad programs across more than 20 countries each year, providing opportunities for students in many different majors and academic interests.

Starting your journey abroad before arriving on campus can help you:

  • Transition smoothly into college life

  • Start earning credits toward your degree

  • Develop global awareness and cultural understanding

  • Build connections with the NAU community

Whether you choose the High School Momentum Study Abroad program or the Costa Rica summer program, you will begin your NAU experience with a unique academic and cultural opportunity that sets the stage for your college career.