Get Your Passport Ready
Global Perspectives: The Classroom and Beyond
Arcadia University ranks #1 in the nation for the percentage of undergraduate students studying abroad in the 2009 Open Doors report, the authoritative annual census conducted by the Institute of International Education (www.iie.org). Arcadia has the highest percentage of undergraduate study abroad participation among all U.S. colleges and universities for the academic year 2007-08.
Arcadia’s vision is that students—including many who are the first generation in their families to attend college—should have firsthand knowledge of other countries and their cultures. Making that vision a reality requires an institutional commitment to supporting students who want to study abroad and innovative new programs to get large numbers of students involved, including the following:
- London Preview was established in 1994 to introduce students to study abroad and has expanded to Scotland, Spain and Italy previews.
- The First Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE) began in 2003 and has expanded to two semesters and three countries.
- More recently, faculty in many disciplines have developed Major Abroad Programs (MAPs), which require a year of study abroad.
- Arcadia’s #1 ranking occurs prior to the Fall 2008 implementation of Arcadia’s new Undergraduate Curriculum (www.arcadia.edu/curriculum), which requires a Global Connections Experience and Reflection—study abroad or study away domestically—of every student.
Key to making study abroad accessible is Arcadia’s commitment that scholarships and grants and all other financial aid except work study “travel” with the student who studies at one of Arcadia’s 100 programs around the world.
“We previewed study abroad”
As freshmen, Jon Toomey ’10, Jeffrey Kratohwill ’10 and Laura Wentz ’10 enjoyed London during Arcadia’s Preview program. Preview gives freshmen a taste of study abroad during spring break. Students can visit London, Scotland or Spain. After their Preview experience, many students decide to spend a semester or complete an internship overseas. Some even study abroad more than once! With all the programs, durations and types of cultural experiences to choose from, Arcadia is ranked #1 in the nation for study abroad participation.
“Italy drew me in”
“A semester in Florence showed me my core strength in interpersonal skills,” says ’06, now a graphic designer in New York. “While the U.S. taught me how to juggle bills, work and classes, Italy helped me recognize that my strength emerges from the interpersonal skills that are inherent in me.” “My experience in Italy allowed me to witness behind the stage preparation for international fashion shows, connect with and learn from Italian graphic designers, and continue to build on my international experience through interactions with European Union citizens and their perspectives.” “In essence, Florence became a key factor in understanding who I am, including my cultural roots in India. I added an Italian minor to my graphic design major and found that language and visual design have formed critical connections for me. Traveling has helped cement that bond for me and within myself.”
Read other global perspective stories.
