Students interested in studying abroad at Millersville can choose between three broad types of global opportunities: Traditional, Professional, and Guided. MU Guided are short-term programs coordinated by MU professors and Global Education, usually offered during break sessions. While some programs are associated with a course, there are also non-credit options available. In the past, MU Guided has included international conference, sporting events, research opportunities, service learning, musical performance, and other cultural experiences.
Past Programs
Honduras – Service Learning
In May 2017, the Millersville University School of Social Work and the Departments of Biology and Nursing are hosted a summer break service learning trip to Pespire, Honduras. Participants visited rural communities to assist in medical clinics, learned basic some basic nursing skills, and toured the local hospitals and beaches.
“I was honored to participate in a GO Guided program that took me to Honduras. There were four faculty members and about 10 student participants. We partnered with an organization called CARE, Central American Relief Effort, headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Our Mission was primarily to provide basic healthcare to remote villages in southern Honduras. Many of our students had never been out of the country before and to be immersed in a rural area in southern Honduras was certainly a unique experience. Some students were cautious in their reaction to a very different culture, a culture steeped in poverty. Other students immediately embraced the children with whom we were interacting. I would say that, by the end of our time there, all of our students considered it to be a life-transforming experience.
I would highly recommend this type of experience for anyone in our community. We often get complacent about conditions around the world because we live so comfortably in the one in which we exist.”
Dr. John Anderson, Millersville University President
England – Sports Tour
The Millersville University Men’s Soccer Team participated in a 10 day team trip to England in August 2017. They stayed in the traditional city of York in northern England, played games against teams from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley FC, and participated in practice sessions with a guest coach.
Sweden – School Experience
This trip is for students interested in learning about schooling in Stockholm, Sweden. One full week will be spent at Internationella Engleska Skolan Nacka, and two days in a school for students with special needs. Students’ lodging will be staying with host families to immerse themselves in the culture and will be able to use weekends, and most nights, to explore this gorgeous city and local attractions.
South Africa – Service Learning
Operating since 2013, this reoccurring program presents an opportunity for cultural immersion, service learning, and development of skills that fosters both personal and professional growth in January 2018. Participants will explore historical, social, and political factors that have shaped South Africa with the goals of enhancing knowledge relating to social justice and human rights, fostering global citizenship, and expanding world views. Attendees will also participate in service learning at various NGOs whose mission is to advance social justice and human rights.
Dominican Republic- Music Abroad
January 2018 will represent the 4th annual abroad experience to the Dominican Republic with Dr. Barry Atticks! This program is geared toward students enrolled in Music at Millersville, however, it was open to ALL students who want to experience this amazing country and its culture, as well as learning about Caribbean Music. Participants will learn about traditional Caribbean music styles from locals and gain international teaching experience, all in a city known for its beautiful, long stretches of beaches and clear waters.
Costa Rica – Sustainability
Dr. Len Litowitz will lead this reoccurring, environmentally focused abroad experience in Costa Rica this January 2018! Costa Rica is often ranked as one of the top three sustainable countries in the world because of its dedication to the rain forests and water systems. As much as 30% of the entire country is in some form of preservation area, in order to protect more than 10,000 species of plants and 800+ species of butterflies that are native to Costa Rica. Students interested in participating in this experience should be prepared for moderate hiking, outdoor activities, fast-paced travel, and a fun-filled abroad experience!
London – Sports
Drs. Daniel Keefer and Ying Wushanley will lead an International Sport Facility Trip to London this Summer 2018. Participants will visit sport facilities unlike those they could visit in the United States, including stadiums and museums related to cricket, soccer, rugby, tennis, and the Olympics. The trip will introduce students to global sport-related issues and industries and provide firsthand experience in international sporting events and organizations while exploring the most frequently chosen host city in modern Olympic history!
Upcoming Programs (applications still open)
Europe – Music and Culture
Join Dr. Barry Atticks and the Music Department during summer 2018 for the Music and Culture tour of Europe! Participants will explore the rich musical history of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Liechenstein, and Iceland. This program is geared toward students enrolled in Music at Millersville, however, it is open to ALL students who want to experience these amazing countries!
London – Theatre Tour
Join Professor Tony Elliot on a unique three credit travel course, exploring theatre as it developed in the exciting city of London, England this summer 2018! Most class gatherings will be on-site, focusing on first-hand experience (as opposed to lecture) all while leaving students ample time to explore the city. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the rich history of the London threatre tradition!
Puerto Rico – Disaster Relief
Join Drs. Karen Rice and Duane Hagelgnas on a disaster recovery experience to Puerto Rico this Summer 2018. This 7-day global service-learning program will focus on hurricane relief and interact with themes of land rights, environmental justice, Puerto Rico-US relationships, social change, democratic citizenship, leadership, and international development. This program will most likely actively involve re-building mangrove forests that were destroyed by the recent Hurricane Maria. In addition, there may be other clean up or rebuilding activities related to communities near the forests. Participants will spend the week based in and around San Juan meeting with local community and professional leaders; serve 30+ hours for local organizations on the front line of community development; and explore the country and culture through field trips and community events.
Belize – Mathematics and Culture
Join Drs. Ximena Catepillán and Alex Redcay on an exploration of ancient Maya mathematics and modern communities of Belize and Northern Guatemala this Summer 2018! The focus of this service learning trip is to offer students cultural immersion, learning through service, and development of knowledge and skills related to diversity and cultural competence that fosters both professional and personal growth in past participants. Specifically, the service learning trip will address the social work core competencies of ethical and professional behavior, engage diversity and difference, engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities and to use self-reflection to evaluation their knowledge, skills and abilities to do so. This program especially geared toward non-math and science students that need a G2 mathematics course to fulfill their general education requirements but is open to all Millersville undergraduate & graduate students, faculty, and staff. Students minoring in African-American Studies and Latino Studies are strongly encouraged to apply.
Iceland – Sustainability
Join Dr. Len Litowitz on an environmentally focused abroad experience this Summer 2018 to Iceland, the only country to generate all of its electrical power through alternative means! Participants will visit geothermal power plants, take a boat ride to a glacier that forms large icebergs as it recedes due to the climatic effects, hike pristine gorges, go on a whale watch north of the Arctic Circle, soak in geothermal pools, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this sparsely populated and largely unspoiled natural paradise.
Toronto – International Film Festival
Students will participate in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for five days in September 2017. This experience includes 12-15 film showings (depending on the offered schedule) and 2 special screening events. Participating students have the option of completing Modern Cinema, an independent study course offered for 1 credit.
For more information on MU Guided Programs, check out our webpage!
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