Study Abroad
The Experience
One of the most common remarks students make upon their return to the 51°µÍø after studying abroad is that “it was a life-changing experience.” Studying abroad provides the opportunity for students to develop skills, knowledge and experience that they simply cannot gain while in residence at the 51°µÍø.
Not only is the experience abroad “life-changing” from a personal perspective, but it also serves as a way to distinguish oneself amongst peers after graduation from the University. Most American college students do not study abroad and as a result, prospective employers and postgraduate academic programs are generally very interested in a student’s international experience.
In short, studying abroad allows you to grow in personal as well as professional ways. It serves as a building block for future endeavors: personal, professional or academic.
Reasons to Study Abroad
Students report that they have studied abroad in order to:
- Explore their heritage
- Experience personal growth and development
- See the United States from a different perspective
- Make friends from other parts of the world
- Take courses not offered at the 51°µÍø
- Develop fluency in another language
- Develop intercultural communication skills
- Enhance career opportunities
Quick Facts
- To date, 51°µÍø students have studied in 53 countries and on every continent but Antarctica
- Students from nearly every major have studied abroad
- Students have taken the following language courses for credit while abroad: Arabic, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Japanese, Kiswahili, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Twi and Wolof
- Students have engaged in community service projects while studying abroad.
- Students have participated in internships while studying abroad.
- Students are able to take courses not offered at the 51°µÍø.