First-Year Pathways
Dijon
The Global Entry Semester in Dijon offers a cohort of incoming first-year Colby students an in-depth linguistic and cultural experience in the heart of France. Students are registered at Ecole Suisse Internationale-Dijon, a French language and culture institute with a rich history in the region, where they have full use of campus resources and attend daily classes. For more information, please contact Associate Director of Admissions Rob Schadt.
Salamanca
The Global Entry Semester in Salamanca provides a cohort of incoming first-year students with an understanding of the differences between the American and Spanish ways of life, and enables students to better understand the complexities of Spanish culture. Students are registered at the Universidad de Salamanca, where they have full use of campus resources and attend daily classes with students from around the world. For more information, please contact Associate Director of Admissions Rob Schadt.
January
As a member of Colby’s January enrollment cohort, you may pursue several opportunities during the fall of 2026. From traveling, to working or volunteering, to earning transferable credits at another institution, the experiences you can pursue are varied. Leading up to your transition to Colby, you will have access to academic advising and a class dean who will answer your questions and assist you in registering for spring semester classes. When you arrive on campus in January, you’ll embark on an enriching orientation experience with more than 50 of your fellow first-year students. For more information, please contact Deputy Dean of Enrollment Management Molly B. Hodgkins ’15.
Gap Year
A gap year offers a unique opportunity to enhance individual learning experiences prior to coming to Colby. Students who have taken a gap year have challenged themselves around the world and right at home, bringing new perspectives to Mayflower Hill.
