Students who major in foreign languages, global studies, or international business are encouraged to study abroad (though it is not required). Students take classes or conduct research in foreign universities, or via a study-abroad program through their home universities.
American colleges and universities negotiate agreements with higher-education institutions overseas that American students may attend, or have their own study-abroad centers in host countries.
There are also opportunities for students to study abroad on short-term programs or through their departments of academics, led by a professor. For Faculty-Study Abroad/Away programs, particularly Faculty-led programs, offer valuable opportunities where faculty interact with students beyond the traditional classroom. Students are able to immerse with greater independence while studying in one of our several directly affiliated institutions, or through one of our program providers.
Enrollment is only one of the ways in which studying abroad immerses our students as fully as possible in the intellectual and cultural fabric of the country they are in. We aim to cultivate cross-cultural connections, and the new perspectives that go along with them, by encouraging students to study abroad for at least a quarter. Whether it is via Assumptions campus in Rome, a semester of study abroad, short-term travel, or a cross-curricular trip, experiencing another culture first hand does not just enrich student’s college years, but it has the potential to change their lives.
A Florida State University study found that studying abroad helps students to appreciate other cultures, learn about themselves, and form lasting friendships. In addition, studies by companies who conduct research abroad suggest that graduates who have studied abroad are able to leverage their skills in cross-cultural communication and knowledge about world cultures for the benefit of the job search.
Through study abroad, students gain valuable academic skills and engage in field studies or internship programs at unique locations across the globe. IWU students have the opportunity to study at hundreds of locations in more than 70 different countries, located in nearly all regions of the world. On average, students spend $5,000-15,000 a semester studying in some of the world’s most sought-after countries.
Get in touch with our consultants for study abroad planning, applications, policies, calendars, and details on programs sponsored and approved by top Colleges that are available to our students.
Students should work with their academic advisor and success coach to create a study plan that includes a semester or summer abroad in their degree plan. Students may choose to study in either the Fall or Spring term of the academic year, or over the summer. All intention-to- study forms must be submitted no later than Oct. 1 for the spring term, Feb. 15 for summer, and March 15 for the fall term.
In addition to the Intent to Study forms, students should complete the Application Form directly at the Partner Agencies site for the program they choose.
Scholarships are also available for undergraduate students who are interested in studying languages in areas of the world that are underrepresented by many study abroad programs.
Courses at most programs are offered in English, though many programs also provide opportunities to study the country’s language. Some programs allow the student to start studying a language; others provide language immersion to those students familiar with a language. A student does not need to have proficiency in the language of the country s/he wishes to study.
In fact, some programs do not even require that one enroll in a college back home in order to attend the international course, as long as one is not looking for transferable credits.
Even if you have traveled internationally before, studying abroad is an entirely different experience–and this is partly due to annoying practicalities, such as getting a student visa. Either way, going abroad for school is a hugely efficient way to learn another language.
Students may also seek an internship, a working experience, or a study grant abroad. With programs in every region of the world, and most offered in English, studying abroad opportunities will expand your perspective and prepare you for your different position.
Whether your desire is to combine study with surfing in Australia and New Zealand, or learning your languages of love in France, Italy, and Spain, you can find many options. Whether you are starting in the U.S. and looking at Study Abroad programs in Europe, or are in France looking to get your Masters, PhD, or Undergraduate in the U.S., you may be using the location as a motivation. Overall, factors to consider are type of program, whether you are a domestic or international student, and cost of living in the location you are going to study.
For more details, contact our overseas consultants.
