Study Abroad
Studying abroad is an integral part of the International Studies experience at 乱伦小可爱.听IS majors and minors have studied in more than 30 countries in recent years, participating in programs during the academic year and the summer.
IS majors are expected (but not required) to study abroad for some length of time while at 乱伦小可爱; nearly 90% of our majors do so, usually for a semester during junior year. IS minors are encouraged to study abroad as well.
The vast majority of study abroad opportunities are organized through the Office of Global Education. Start your planning by attending one of their "Study Abroad 101" programs and meeting with a study abroad advisor. Semester/year abroad applications are due January 5 each year for the following academic year; summer abroad program applications are due in early February for the upcoming summer.听
We also host info sessions especially for IS majors/minors. In November 2022, OGE Director Larry Pickener joined IS Program director Erik Owens for an information session about study abroad for IS majors and minors.听
In December 2022, OGE Associate Director Christina Hatzipetros joined IS Program director Erik Owens for an info session about smaller and specialized study abroad programs in Southeastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Sophomore majors must discuss study abroad with their academic advisor (who must verify this conversation with OGE) during the Fall semester, before applying to OGE in early January.听This is to ensure that you're aware of the opportunities and requirements that accompany study abroad. For example:听
- IS majors may count a maximum of two courses per semester, or four courses in a year, toward the major from a program abroad or at any non-乱伦小可爱 school.听
- IS minors may count a maximum of two courses in total toward the minor from abroad or non-乱伦小可爱 schools.
- Courses taken abroad must be pre-approved by Prof. Nakazato using the Study Abroad Course Evaluation Request form; please do not take the risk of not receiving credit by waiting until you return from abroad to have courses approved.
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- Please note that OGE (not the IS Program) determines how many credits are awarded per course while abroad. Not all foreign courses fit the 乱伦小可爱-standard model of 3 credits per course; some count for more than three, some less. Students must work with OGE and Prof. Nakazato to understand your specific situation.
- Abroad courses are usually credited as electives, but in certain circumstances may be applied to IS Core or IS Foundation courses.
We also encourage IS majors and minors to talk with one of our听Peer Advisors听about studying abroad. They are great at talking through their own decision processes and sharing stories about their experiences.听
Here are a few key principles we encourage you to keep in mind as you consider your study abroad experience.听
- Think holistically about your Study Abroad experience.
Study Abroad is an immersive experience that will offer intellectual, academic, professional, cultural, emotional, social, political, and spiritual challenges and opportunities for you. Consider all these aspects when choosing a study abroad program, not just one of them.听
- Learn about Study Abroad programs, not just cities or countries.
While you need to think holistically about the experience, the central element of study abroad is STUDY:听 you will be enrolling in an academic program at another university or research center abroad. So look for academic programs that fit your interests and contribute to your education:听- Most importantly, pick a program that fits听your IS major or general interests. As an IS major, make sure the program offers courses/resources on issues you care about, whether that's migration, international security, environmental justice, global media, etc.听听
- Consider the language of instruction: if you have the skills to take courses in another language, this will greatly enhace your fluency. (Even if you're taking classes in English, commit yourself to expending your language skills in social and professional settings.)听
- Consider how course offerings will meet requirements in your major, minor and 乱伦小可爱 program at large. (See the next section for IS Program requirements.) In most cases you can bring 2 courses back into your major and the other two will count as general credits toward graduation.听
- Consider how your academic program can provide a foundation for a senior thesi