By: Artemis Harris
This blog will discuss the Study Abroad program at Millersville, specifically:
- What is it?
- What does it have to offer?
- Why should you want to join it?
- What can you get out of it?
- Additional facts
What is the Study Abroad program? The Study Abroad program is part of The Office of International Programs and Services (IPS) here at Millersville. This Office provides opportunities for Millersville University students, faculty, staff, and other community members to participate in international education activities. These opportunities also allow students to study, work, or volunteer abroad, and provide resources to faculty who are interested in adding an international component to their teaching or research.
What does Study Abroad have to offer? The Study Abroad program is extensive but can be catered specifically to your needs. IPS is working hard to help Millersville students achieve their goals of studying internationally. For World Language students, it is strongly encouraged that students study abroad for one or two semesters during their junior year in:
- Chile: Valparaíso (full language immersion)
- France: Caen (full language immersion)
- France: Paris (partial language immersion)
- Germany: Marburg (full or partial language immersion)
- Japan: Osaka (partial language immersion)
- Spain: Burgos or Pamplona (full language immersion)
- Or in another approved program abroad
Although these are some countries mentioned, IPS has over 300 options ranging from languages specific to education, to humanities, and a plethora of other options to suit your needs. If you can’t find a program within Millersville that matches what you are looking for, you can build your own from other universities’ existing programs, or piece together current programs to make a program that works for you. There is also another program called the Millersville Abroad Programs or MAPS.
MAPS experiences are shorter Study Abroad programs. They can also be guided experiences that take place in the span of 1-3 weeks and can count toward your academic credits. These are guided by Millersville staff or faculty who take a group of students, alumni, or community members abroad. Some upcoming MAPS destinations:
- Italy, Austria, France, UK: Broadway Musicals & European Influences (Summer 2022)
- Spain, Morocco, Portugal: Music of Ancient & Exotic World Cultures (Summer 2022)
- Iceland: Energy Resources, Sustainability, & the Environment (Summer 2022)
- England: Millersville Men’s Soccer Trip (Summer 2022)
- Toronto International Film Festival (Fall 2022)
- Italy: Exploring Education, Policy, and Culture (Spring 2023)
- England: Business in London (Spring 2023)
Why you should want to join and what you can get out of it are very closely related. For World Language students specifically, you can complete your study of a language and culture in the country where that language is spoken (single-semester and summer programs are available). A major advantage of this program is the ability to gain language fluency through immersion. Generally, for all who seek to enter the program, other advantages are the experience of living in another culture, becoming comfortable in new surroundings, and making lifelong friendships and lasting memories.
Alternatively, for both undergraduate and graduate students, studying abroad is a perfect addition to your resume. Besides the proficiency you may gain by learning the language (if you are learning a language), living in another country and doing an internship, work study, research, or any number of other things, it will also help you present yourself as a well-rounded and cultured individual to prospective employers.
What else is there to know about Study Abroad? If you are thinking about a Study Abroad program, you should contact IPS right away. They can help advise you on the appropriate steps to take for this process and what programs are available during the times you are looking to complete your program. It is suggested that you do this advising a year before you do the actual Study Abroad program, even though the application process is relatively short. IPS intends to help you throughout the entire process. This includes budgeting, applications, and general advising. As for the parts they can’t help you with, they will send you to the right departments to get you the help you need. You will also need to check in with your academic advisor to be sure that a Study Abroad program aligns with your academic goals and that you are able to based on your academic progress and standing. There are also discounts, grants, scholarships, and additional funding information available to help fund your Study Abroad Program.
Click Here for more information on the Study Abroad programs or stop by The Office of International Programs and Services in Lyle Hall on the first floor.