Record number of OU students to venture abroad this summer
OU students study abroad in 22 programs in 19 countries.
Beginning this spring, a record-breaking 70 Oakland University students will depart for summer semester study abroad trips to 12 countries spanning the globe.
Oakland’s International Education programs and participating students have grown steadily in recent years, which fits in with an overall increase in American student interest in study abroad programs, particularly those set in the summer months.
“The national trend is toward short-term summer study abroad programs,” said Brian Connery, director of International Education. “These programs are more economical than a full semester yet provide life-enriching, broad cultural and social experiences while earning academic credit.”
Kicking off this summer is a new and unique cultural arts study abroad program to Ghana, West Africa, through the Center for International Programs and the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance.
The Ghana program is one of 22 programs offered in 19 countries through Oakland University’s Study Abroad office. These faculty-led programs include study in Beijing, China; Costa Rica; Hydra, Greece; and Oxford, England. Semester-long exchange programs include Nagoya, Japan; Orleans, France; Dunedin, New Zealand; and Oldenburg, Germany.
“The number of OU faculty-led programs and students participating in them has increased this summer as well,” Connery said. “The International Education office encouraged early recruitment and the efforts have paid off.”
Most study abroad programs are at the 200-300 level, designed for second and third year students. Students often begin to plan and save for their study abroad trips at least a year prior to departure.
“Students meet with academic advisers to determine appropriate courses to take abroad and to meet graduation requirements,” said Connery. “Financial aid and study-abroad scholarships are available and help make study-abroad programs more affordable.”
For additional information, visit oakland.edu/ie or the program’s Facebook page. To schedule an advising appointment, contact Connery at 248-370-2889.
Beginning this spring, a record-breaking 70 OU students will depart for summer semester study abroad trips to 12 countries spanning the globe.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Friday, May 18, 2012 Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Friday, May 18, 2012 Article Start Date: Friday, May 18, 2012
