While European countries continue to be the most popular, University of
Scranton students have also studied in Costa Rica, China, Japan, Korea,
Thailand, Bolivia, Kenya, Morocco, Madagascar, Indonesia, Chile and Egypt.
Have you ever considered studying in a foreign country? It's not as difficult
as you may think. The University of Scranton, through its Foreign Study Office,
will assist you in identifying potential programs as well as help you in the
application process.
Planning for College
The University of Scranton encourages a strong college preparatory program in
high school with a minimum of four years of English, three years of
mathematics, social studies and science, and at least two years of foreign
language with additional units taken in acceptable academic areas.
Foreign Study Opportunities for University of Scranton Students
Studying within a different cultural and educational context offers you a
greater understanding and appreciation of the world. Foreign study provides you
the opportunity to pursue studies at a foreign institution. The credits you
earn will transfer to The University of Scranton provided the courses are
approved by your department and the dean of the college. Even if some courses
do not fulfill specific University requirements, these courses may still be
transferred to the University as special topics courses.
You do not have to speak a foreign language in order to get involved in the
foreign study program at The University of Scranton. Proficiency in another
language will, however, give you greater flexibility and make your foreign
study experience even more rewarding.
To participate in the foreign study program, you must be of junior class
standing and have a 3.0-or-better cumulative grade point average. You may
choose to study for a semester, summer session or for an entire academic year.
It is recommended that you study for an academic year, particularly if you are
studying in a language other than English.
Traditionally, the foreign study program has been represented by students from
a wide variety of majors. Nearly every major offered at the University has been
represented among the more than 600 students who have studied overseas in the
past ten years.
You have the option to study in any country you wish. While European countries
continue to be the most popular, University of Scranton students have also
studied in Costa Rica, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Bolivia, Kenya, Morocco,
Madagascar, Indonesia, Chile and Egypt.
The University of Scranton helps you choose a program that is right for you.
There are two ways you can pursue foreign study. The first option is to enroll
directly in a foreign institution. While this option requires more research and
work on your part, it is often the least expensive approach.
The second option is to apply to a foreign study program run by an American
university. An example is the Rutgers University program at University College
Dublin, Ireland. You apply to University College Dublin through Rutgers. All
fees are paid to Rutgers, and Rutgers arranges for your enrollment, travel,
lodging, meals and orientation. Generally, a program such as this will have a
representative at the host institution to assist you with any concerns you may
encounter.
Outcomes
Here's what some recent University of Scranton graduates have said about the
foreign study program:
"My year abroad gave me exposure to a
multitude of cultures I had never known. It was also a year in which I faced a
great deal of discrimination because I was an American. As a counselor, I've
found these experiences have helped me identify and empathize with what a great
many of my clients face."
"Foreign study helped me, as an actor, to look beyond individual
psychological traits and into the broader 'cultural psyche' of my characters.
Language training (German and Italian) has helped me enormously in being able
to detect and mimic accents of all kinds."
Currently, I work for Prudential Investments. I travel across the U.S. giving
presentations in both Spanish and English on investments and retirement
planning. My knowledge of the Spanish language definitely secured the position
for me."
"I utilize my French language skills in speaking with our Geneva office
and translating faxes and letters coming from Switzerland and the Virgin
Islands. I speak Spanish to our Puerto Rican and Mexican clients, and I have
traveled to Puerto Rico on business. I also translate ads into
Spanish."
"Because of my international experiences and my resulting linguistic
abilities, I am responsible for dealing with my company's Latin American
clients."
"As a teacher, I am able to relate very well to my second-language
learners. I am teaching eighth grade ESL in the South Bronx where many of my
children are from Central and Latin America. I have been in their position as a
second language learner and know how the experience is."
Finding Out More
For more information, please contact Michael Simons, Coordinator for Study
Abroad and Global Initiatives, The University of Scranton, St. Thomas
Communication Wing, 5th Floor, Scranton, PA 18510. His phone number is (570)
941-4841, fax (570) 941-4845, and his e-mail address is
simonsm1@scranton.edu.
