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Dominican University offers a wide variety of study abroad programs, viewing these opportunities as an integral part of a student’s undergraduate education. In Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, students are perfecting their language skills and/or studying the culture, politics, art, literature, and social systems of the target country. In addition to their course work, students in study abroad programs participate in a wide variety of cultural experiences and excursions and have the opportunity for independent travel. The goal of study abroad is to give students a broader knowledge and understanding of the world and of other peoples and also a new sense of self-reliance and independence. With approval of the major department, some study abroad courses can be used to meet major requirements in the sociology, criminology, or other fields; see a departmental advisor for more information.
Year-Long or Semester Programs
Semester in London, England-Offered during the fall semester only, the London program is open to juniors and seniors in all majors. With a focus on students’ experiencing as well as studying about Britain, the curriculum consists of two parts: an interdisciplinary course in British life and culture and a tutorial/independent study course, generally in the student’s major. The interdisciplinary course includes lectures by British experts in a variety of fields, weekly day trips to such sites as Stratford-on-Avon and Bath, and two study tours-one to Edinburgh and York and one to Dublin, Ireland.
Study Abroad in Florence, Italy- This program in affiliation with AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study) offers one or two semesters of study in the academic year and summer sessions through Richmond (The American International University) in Florence. There are two program options: the traditional program (requirement Italian 102 or equivalent) and the internship program (requirement Italian 202 or equivalent). Students register for one class in Italian language study (placement assessment completed ahead of registration) and other courses offered in English or Italian for a total of up to 16 credits. Students may choose living arrangements in an apartment shared with other AIFS students or with a host family. Fulfillment of DU area requirements determined in consultation with appropriate departments. One week orientation workshop, excursions, day trips, and optional meal plan included in both programs. Volunteer and community based learning opportunities available. Florence is centrally located and offers ideal accessibility for travel in country and in Europe.
Study Abroad in Milan, Italy-This affiliate program with IES Abroad in the fashion, financial, and commercial capital of Italy is intended for students interested in a semester or an academic year program in Italy. Students live with Italian university students and/or young professionals. Students take a variety of language and area studies courses in art history, cinema, theatre, history, literature, music, and political science at the IES center in Milan or at Milan’s major universities. All courses are taught in Italian. Advanced students of Italian can apply for internships with professionals in any number of subject areas. In addition to Italian language, apparel students can take area courses taught in English and one or two fashion courses at the Istituto di Moda Burgo.
Study Abroad in Poitiers, France-This affiliate program with Oregon State University gives students of French the opportunity to study and live in Poitiers for one semester or an entire academic year. They enroll in courses at the International Center or at the Université de Poitiers while living with a French family. All instruction is in French. Participants must have completed French 202 or above to be eligible.
Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain-This affiliate program with AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study) offers one or two semesters of study at the oldest and most famous university of Spain. Students register for classes in language, area studies, or other fields at either the Universidad de Salamanca or the AIFS program, depending upon their language preparation. Students wishing to enroll for courses at the PEI (Universidad de Salamanca) must have written permission from the Spanish Department. All courses are conducted in Spanish. Students live with a host family. Through excursions planned by AIFS and independent travel, students have the opportunity to explore Spain and the rest of Europe.
Study Abroad in Stellenbosch, South Africa-This affiliate program with AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study) offers one or two semesters at the Stellenbosch University, South Africa’s second-oldest university. Students register for classes taught in English at the university. Students can choose from a wide variety of subjects, including African area studies, South African and African history and politics, theatre arts, and South African literature.
Study Abroad in Limerick, Ireland-This affiliate program with AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study) offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to take courses at the University of Limerick for one or two semesters. They can choose from a wide variety of courses in the College of Business, College of Humanities, College of Informatics and Electronic Engineering, and the College of Science. Students also are encouraged to take courses offered in Irish studies. The program includes a three-day excursion to London and trips to the West of Ireland and to Dublin. Students live in single rooms in university townhouses on campus. Students in all majors are welcome to apply.
Study Abroad in Blackfriars/Oxford-This program is open to juniors who either are in the honors program or have a 3.7 GPA. Blackfriars Hall is run by Dominican friars within the Oxford University system. Students participate in the traditional Oxbridge tutorial teaching, in which they meet twice a week with a tutor to discuss an essay. Topics for tutorial projects include philosophy, theology, English literature, psychology, and British history with optional classes in Latin, New Testament Greek, and Biblical Hebrew. Accommodations are within walking distance of Blackfriars.
Study Abroad in Salzburg, Austria-This affiliate program with AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study) offers students with or without prior knowledge of German the opportunity to spend one or two semesters in Salzburg, Austria. All students must study German, along with a variety of classes taught in English, including political science, business/economics, art, literature, and music. Included in the program fee are several excursions, including ones to Munich, Germany, and to Vienna and Innsbruck, in Austria. Students have the option of living in a dormitory or with a host family. Students in all majors are welcome to apply.
Strasbourg: European Business-The Strasbourg Business Study Abroad Program is offered in the fall, spring, full year or four-week summer. This opportunity is offered to students interested in European business and integration, while developing their French language skills. There is no language requirement as business courses are taught in English, although students will enroll in a French language class at the appropriate level. This program takes place in the heart of Europe at the EM Strasbourg Business School, a Grande École, and includes cultural and corporate visits such as a guided boat tour, visits to the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, Council of Europe, European Parliament, Mercedes Corporate Headquarters, Deutsche Bank, Siemens and Lufthansa. Limited space available. Must have sophomore or junior standing.
Summer Programs
Florence and the Cultural Traditions of Italy - The Florence program is a four-week study abroad opportunity intended for students interested in Italian language, art, culture, and history. As the center of Renaissance civilization, Florence offers students opportunities to study the cultural achievements of Italy’s past while living in a dynamic and historically rich city. Florence is centrally located, giving students easy access to other important Italian cities and places of cultural interest. Dominican University’s Italian and art departments offer this program taking place from mid-May to mid-June. It is a program that distinguishes itself as a fully immersive humanities experience; it relates literature, art history and philosophy with the hands-on experience of drawing and observation. Students enroll in two courses (STA 223 - Drawing on Florence and STA 282 - Florence: The City as Renaissance Text ). This program awards three credits for each course. There is no language requirement; both courses are taught in English. However, students seeking credit in Italian may intensify the literature course for fours credits upon approval of the Italian discipline.
China: Tradition, Modernization, and Culture - This three-credit course is designed to introduce students to the study of and involvement with China, in particular its history, religion and culture, political and social life, and increasingly important economy. Participants will visit and study in Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai to experience this complex country, rich in its tradition and dynamic in its transition. Most importantly, they will discover how to adapt to a culture and an environment that are quite different from the American or European conditions to which they are accustomed, a skill that will be increasingly required in the 21st century. Classes are held at Dominican both before and after the trip. The course is conducted in English.
Paris: Essentials of French Fashion - This course for apparel majors and minors provides the opportunity to spend one month in Paris, the fashion capital of the world. Students take all course work at the Paris American Academy. The intensive course consists of an overview of the French fashion industry, an opportunity to become immersed in a specialization (design, couture, merchandizing, or communication) from a French fashion perspective, and a hands-on introduction to the French culture and language. The course is conducted in English.
Cuba: Culture, History, and Politics - This course is a unique interdisciplinary course offered by Dominican University in collaboration with FLACSO-Cuba and the Universidad de La Habana (University of Havana). Course participants will travel across the island learning about the country’s pre- and post-colonial and revolutionary history, contemporary political and economic system, cultural landscape including music, art, and religion, and social institutions including schools, medical systems, and urban farming. This course includes mandatory pre-trip class sessions and orientation meetings, and it fulfills the multicultural core requirement for Dominican students. The course is conducted in English. This course can be used to fulfill a course requirement in the study of women and gender major. Please see advisor for details.
Strasbourg French Language Program - This three-week course offers a total immersion experience in the French language and culture. Students will participate in class sessions, do city-based projects, keep a journal, and complete a photo project. Excursions include a trip on the Alsatian Wine Route and a visit to the European Parliament. The language of instruction and interaction is French. Language requirement: FREN 202 - Intermediate French II-Gateway to Fluency or equivalent.
Córdoba - The al-Andalus in World Literature: Interfaith Dialogue and the People of the Book is a four credit interfaith study abroad course that looks to the past to better understand the present. Participants study a real model of Muslim, Jewish and Christian interfaith community to then reflect on the meaning of its fictional reconfigurations in other contexts. Participants also spend three weeks in Córdoba Spain learning Spanish & Arabic language and culture (different levels are accommodated), (re)visiting the places of the historical al-Andalus. In addition to the many sites in and around Córdoba, travel will include Seville, Granada, and Toledo Spain, as well as Tetuan, Morroco. This course fulfills the literature area requirement, and the World literature requirement for education students; it earns credits in honors, Interfaith Studies, Spanish, &/or English.
Short-Term Programs
Rome Interim Program: The Art of Renaissance and Baroque Rome - This program takes place in early January during the winter semester break. The program consists of three phases: 1) two slide presentation that set up the historical context of the sites that will be seen in Rome (this takes place at Dominican prior to departure); 2) the actual tour of Rome, where students will visit the major Renaissance and Baroque sites as well as ancient sites, such as the Coliseum and the Roman Forum; 3) a final term paper upon return. The program is conducted in English.
Ghana: A Gateway to Africa - This study abroad program occurs during the spring semester. On-campus classroom sessions and orientations are followed by 10 days of travel in the West African country of Ghana during spring break. While there, participants experience Ghana’s political development and participate in Ghana’s independence celebration. Participants also discover Ghana’s rich history and culture traveling to the different regions, exploring the timeless art of Kente weaving; visiting the Manhyia Palace, the home of the Ashanti kings; and touring 14th-century slave dungeons along the coast of Ghana. In addition, participants enjoy both daily lectures and lectures at one of the largest universities in Ghana and learn about traditional religion, Muslim and Christian faiths, and how they have shaped Ghana. Students are required to keep a journal of their experiences and write a term paper. The course is conducted in English.
Community-Based Learning Programs
El Salvador: Election Observation and Democratic Participation - In this course students learn in depth about the political, social, and economic reality of El Salvador and contribute to its democratic process. Democracy depends on a transparent process, and the presence of international observers can help guarantee such transparency. This service learning abroad course is incorporated into an electoral international observer mission in El Salvador.
Guatemala - This short-term intensive international service program is an immersion experience in Guatemalan/Mayan life and culture. Students will engage diverse dimensions of human experience and understand with empathy a culture radically different from their own. The service we do opens doors to building relationships with the people. Through studying, experiencing and reflecting on Guatemalan and Mayan culture, history, religion, economics, society, and community, we deepen our awareness and understanding toward becoming a global citizen. This one-credit course involves preparation classes and participation in the Global Leaning Symposium.
Haiti - Students will serve with the people of Haiti, while learning about the social, cultural, historical, economic, political, and religious aspects of Haitian life and culture. Students will investigate: How does Haiti change our global consciousness and open us to seeing in new ways and understanding in radically different ways? This course involves a week of service in Haiti during spring break, four classes to prepare for the experience, a post-trip reflection session, and participation in a program to present the Haiti experience to the Dominican community.
For complete information on all programs, contact the Director for Study Abroad.
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