INTERNATIONAL STUDY PROGRAMS
In an age of global interdependence, the University strongly encourages its students to acquire part of their education abroad. A variety of opportunities exist which enable students to spend a summer, a semester or a whole year in another country as participants in study-abroad programs sponsored by Valparaiso University.
The University sponsors fourteen programs abroad, two of which (Cambridge and Reutlingen) are exclusively Valparaiso University programs; the other twelve (Tübingen, Puebla, two programs in Paris, Hangzhou, two programs in Japan, Oak Hill in London, Anglia Polytechnic University in Cambridge, College Year in Athens, Namibia, and Granada, Spain) are offered in conjunction with host-institution programs. Students considering study abroad should consult the Director of International Studies as well as their academic adviser early in their academic program, to ensure the coherence and continuity of that program.
Most financial aid that students receive while attending Valparaiso University, with the exception of campus employment, may be applied to the fourteen Valparaiso University-sponsored programs. Credits and grades earned through these programs are treated as though they were earned on campus.
In order to facilitate planning, both by students and the administration, students should apply two semesters in advance of the semester in which they plan to participate. The deadline for applications is the sixth week of each semester, and selections take place in the seventh week. Applications may be submitted through the sixth week of the semester immediately preceding the semester abroad, if spots are still available.
Students are encouraged to participate in study-abroad programs during their junior year. However, sophomore standing during the year or semester abroad is a minimum requirement for admission to all of the programs except the Tübingen and Granada programs, which require junior standing for participation. Beyond this, the programs have varying requirements for admissions. Some programs have a minimum foreign language requirement for admission.
While the course offerings available through these programs vary considerably, students may frequently satisfy some Major, Minor, and/or General Education Requirements through courses taken in these programs. Students should consult with Department chairs and their academic adviser prior to participation in any program to verify that courses will satisfy certain requirements. General Education Requirements which have in the past been fulfilled or partially fulfilled by courses taken through these programs include the following: Fine Arts/Fine Arts-Literature, Foreign Language, History/Philosophy, Social Analysis, and Theology. Participation in any VU study-abroad program fulfills the Global Diversity Requirement.
For the programs in Cambridge, Reutlingen, Puebla, and Hangzhou, students pay regular tuition, the general fee, the double-room fee, and a study-center fee, if applicable (see page 244). For the other programs, students should check with the Director of International Studies concerning payment procedures.
In most cases, the International Studies Office handles the round-trip flight arrangements, but students pay the travel agent directly.
Students who choose to participate in programs sponsored by different institutions, at their own expense, should consult with the Director of International Studies. When students decide on a program, it is necessary to obtain the prior approval of an academic adviser, the Director of International Studies, and the Dean of the College in order to assure in advance that the credit for courses taken abroad will transfer to Valparaiso University. The Registrar's Office provides a form for this as well as a form which enables students to apply for a leave of absence from the University for the specified time period.
Athens, Greece
Valparaiso University has a study-abroad option in Greece through the College Year in Athens program. College Year in Athens is an independent study-abroad program offering college-level courses in Ancient Greek Civilization. Enjoying an excellent reputation among North American colleges, College Year in Athens enrolls approximately one hundred students per semester.
Program Requirements. Students in good academic standing with at least 16 credits of Greek or eight credits of Greek and nine credits of classical civilization courses are eligible to apply. The junior year, however, is the best time for most students to leave the home campus for study abroad.
Program Curriculum. Students choose from a wide variety of courses dealing with the classical world. These courses, which represent such disciplines as Archaeology and Art, Classical Languages and Literature, History, Philosophy, Politics and Religion, may count towards a major or minor in Classics with the approval of the Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Normally four courses constitute full-time study.
Valparaiso University's arrangement is for fall semester only.
Cambridge, England
Directed by a resident professor from Valparaiso University, the Cambridge Study Center provides an ideal setting for eighteen students each semester to integrate their academic work with the rich heritage of Britain. Students live and study in facilities provided by the University, take four or five courses (12-15 credits) taught by distinguished British professors and the resident director, and participate in two or three group tours to various historical regions of Britain. British professors accompany students on these tours, helping them to integrate their cultural experience with their academic learning. Students may also take a class at nearby Anglia Polytechnic University by special arrangement. One long break provides two full weeks of time for independent travel.
Program Requirements. Sophomore standing is required.
Program Curriculum. Students may take four or five of the following courses. The first three courses are taught by British faculty, the other two by the resident director.
ART 311 Art Appreciation 3 Cr.
GEO 318 European Geography 3 Cr.
HIST 351 English History and Culture 3 Cr.
GS 390 Topics in English Life and Culture 3 Cr.
Math 120 Mathematical Ideas 4 Cr.
Courses may apply toward fulfillment of the following General Education Requirements: Fine Arts/Fine Arts-Literature (ART 311 or GS 390), Social Analysis (GEO 318), Science/Mathematics (Math 120).
This program is available in either the fall or spring semester.
Anglia Polytechnic University. A one-on-one exchange agreement makes it possible for Valparaiso University students to study for a semester or a full year at Anglia Polytechnic University in Cambridge. Students pay tuition and General Fee to Valparaiso University, and pay room and board costs in Cambridge.
Program Requirements. Junior standing with a grade point average of 3.00 and approval from the Director of International Studies are required.
Program Curriculum. Students can select courses from the full range of undergraduate programs in Liberal Arts, Science, and Business. For additional information, contact the Director of International Studies.
London, England - The Oak Hill Semester
As a member of the Concordia Consortium for Study Abroad (CCSA), Valparaiso University is able to send a limited number of deaconess, theology, and pre-seminary students to Oak Hill College, an Anglican seminary in Southgate, London. A visiting professor from one of the CCSA colleges or universities directs the Oak Hill Program and teaches two courses, one on British cultural heritage and one in his or her field of expertise. Students also take two Oak Hill courses, for a total of 15 semester credits. A variety of field trips round out the program.
Program Requirements. Deaconess, theology, and pre-seminary students only. Sophomore standing with a grade point average of at least 3.00.
Program Curriculum. The program includes the following courses:
British Cultural Heritage 4 Cr.
Course offered by Visiting Professor (varies) 3 Cr.
Theology courses offered by Oak Hill College 4 Cr. each
Courses may apply towards theology requirements with approval from the Chair of the Department of Theology at Valparaiso University and towards General Education Requirements upon evaluation.
This program is available in the fall semester only.
Granada, Spain
In cooperation with Central College in Pella, Iowa, Valparaiso University offers the opportunity to a limited number of students to study at the Center for Modern Languages at the University of Granada in Spain. The semester begins with a three-week orientation program, two weeks in the clifftop city of Ronda. This program is designed to improve students' oral and written skills, as well as to introduce them to Spanish daily life. At the end of this orientation program, a placement test is given to determine the students' level of Spanish: Intermediate, Accelerated, Honors, or Superior.
Program Requirements. Spanish 204 and at least one additional 200-level Spanish course, junior standing, a GPA of 3.00 (both overall and in Spanish courses), and approval by the Spanish faculty are required.
Program Curriculum. After successful completion of the three-week orientation program, students may take courses from general categories including the following: Spanish Business, Spanish Civilization and Culture, Contemporary Spanish Economics, History, Regional Geography, Spanish Literature and Language. It is also possible to arrange a service-learning opportunity for two credit hours. All courses are conducted in Spanish and students usually enroll for 12-15 credit hours.
This program is available for the fall semester or for the full-year, but NOT for the spring semester.
Hangzhou, China
The city of Hangzhou is well renowned for its cultural history, its tea and silk production, and according to Chinese tradition, for being a paradise on earth. Zhejiang University, which lies just north of West Lake, is the host institution for students wishing to study Chinese language and culture. Students generally study Chinese intensively, while having the opportunity to experience facets of Chinese culture through tours, lectures (in English), and demonstration classes of such arts as calligraphy and taiqi chuan. The Chinese Culture and Civilization course (EAST 395) involves the creation of a project which combines academic reflection with observation and experience. Additional courses may be offered, depending on the resident director. Students may also pursue independent study of China-related topics while in Hangzhou, with the assistance of faculty from Chinese and Japanese Studies and other departments. Students may also pursue an independent research topic (see below under EAST 495). Classes are conducted from early September to mid-December, allowing for periods of travel.
Program Requirements. Sophomore standing is required, but there is no prior Chinese language requirement.
Program Curriculum. Students are placed in language courses according to an exam given at Zhejiang University. The following courses are offered:
EAST 109 Intensive Elementary Chinese 5 Cr.
EAST 110 Intensive Elementary Chinese: Conversation 5 Cr.
EAST 209 Intensive Intermediate Chinese 5 Cr.
EAST 210 Intensive Intermediate Chinese: Conversation 5 Cr.
EAST 395 Chinese Culture and Civilization 3 Cr.
EAST 495 Supervised Reading and Research 3 Cr.
One additional course is offered by the resident director in his or her field of expertise.
EAST 109 and 110 are for students with no prior knowledge of Chinese and must be taken concurrently. Students may take both EAST 110 (Conversation) and EAST 109 (Reading/Writing) for credit, or they may take EAST 110 for credit and audit EAST 109. EAST 209 and 210 are for students with prior knowledge of Chinese and must be taken concurrently. Students taking EAST 495 in China must have their proposal approved before going to China.
These courses may apply toward a major in Chinese and Japanese Studies. EAST 109, EAST 110, EAST 209, and EAST 210 may apply toward the General Education Foreign Language Requirement. EAST 395 will satisfy the Fine Arts/Fine Arts-Literature and the Global Cultures and Perspectives General Education Requirements.
This program is available in the fall semester only.
Japan
Valparaiso University has two exciting exchange opportunities with sister universities in Japan. The program at Kansai Gaidai, which is located in the culturally rich area between Osaka and Kyoto, offers Japanese language instruction and a number of East Asian studies courses taught in English, including topics in business, art, economics, and history. Students have the option of living with host families or in dormitories located on campus. Students pay all fees, including room, meal plan, and tuition to Valparaiso University. The program is available fall and/or spring semesters.
The program at Osaka International University also offers language study, but has the added feature of a one month internship with a Japanese company or organization. Students engage in intensive language study for the first semester, then spend an interim period in an internship setting, before returning to the Osaka International University campus and taking courses taught in English. Tuition and general fees are paid to Valparaiso University; all other fees, including room and board, are paid directly to Osaka International University. Students have the option of a homestay with Japanese families or living in a dormitory. This program is offered for the whole Japanese academic year only (from September to July), and is especially suitable for business and engineering students.
Program Requirements. Two semesters of college-level Japanese, a grade point average of 3.00, and sophomore standing are required. References from academic advisers and professors are also needed, as well as permission from the Director of International Studies. Admission is competitive.
Program Curriculum. Students are placed in Japanese language classes according to proficiency tests given during orientation in Japan for both programs. Students are required to study the language, but are free to choose among the courses offered as long as full-time status is maintained. Internship placement in the Osaka International University program depends on availability and language proficiency.
Courses taken in Japan may apply toward certain General Education Requirements, or fulfill major and/or minor requirements in Chinese and Japanese Studies, International Economics and Cultural Affairs, or Japanese. The course offerings vary from semester to semester, so students must consult with their academic advisers and the appropriate bulletins to match their course selections with requirements.
Namibia
As a result of a partnership with the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College, Valparaiso University offers a challenging study-abroad program in Windhoek, Namibia, in Southern Africa. Valparaiso University students live together with other students from the United States and Namibia, as well as with a family for a two-week stay in Northern Namibia. The program also includes a two- to three-week trip to Southern Namibia and South Africa.
Program Requirements. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic standing are eligible to apply. Enrollment is limited to twenty-three students each semester, drawn from colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Program Curriculum. The theme for the spring semester is Nation Building, Globalization, and Decolonizating the Mind: Southern African Perspectives, and the tentative offerings include courses in four of the following disciplines: political science, history, religion, interdisciplinary studies, and sociology. The theme for fall semester is Multicultural Societies in Transition: Southern African Perspectives, with a range of courses similar to the spring offerings. Much of the coursework involves encounters with the people and culture outside the walls of the study center, thus making the semester an outstanding learning experience.
A limited number of Valparaiso University students may study in Namibia either semester.
Paris, France
As a cooperating member of the Central College (Pella, Iowa) program in France, Valparaiso University offers its students a semester or an entire year of study in Paris. The program is intended especially to strengthen students' facility in the French language and their knowledge of French civilization. Students enroll at the Sorbonne, where the medium of instruction in all classes is French. Advanced Program students may also enroll in the Business Program, which allows students to prepare for the certificate or the diploma given by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris, certifying proficiency in business French.
Program Requirements. French 204 or the equivalent, a grade point average of 3.00, sophomore standing, and approval of the head of the French section are required.
Program Curriculum. All students participate in an exciting two-week intensive French language course at the Alliance Française in Nice prior to taking the placement exams and beginning their classes at the Sorbonne in Paris. Based on these exams, Valparaiso University students are placed into one of the following levels:
Regular Level—students take eight semester credits in French Speaking and Phonics/Grammar and Structure plus seven or eight credits in Central College seminars and Sorbonne intermediate civilization lectures for a total of 15 or 16 semester credits.
Advanced Level—students take eight semester credits in Advanced, Speaking, Structure and Composition plus four to eight credits in advanced civilization lectures for a total of 15 or 16 credits.
Business Level—designed for advanced students who wish to concentrate on business studies, students take nine semester credits of required courses plus two to four lecture courses from the advanced program for up to 17 semester credits.
Honors Level—designed for exceptional French students who may enroll in either the Business II or Literature tracks. Students take 13 semester credits of required courses plus two lecture courses from the advanced program for up to 17 semester credits.
Central College seminars and Sorbonne courses vary from year to year, but are generally available in the following fields: Art Appreciation, French Literature, History, Geography, Music, Philosophy and Political Science. It is also possible to arrange a service learning opportunity or an internship after the placement exams at the Sorbonne. Courses are two credits each.
In the Regular Program, courses may apply toward the French or the International Economics and Cultural Affairs majors. In the Advanced Program, certain courses may apply toward the French, International Economics and Cultural Affairs, or International Business majors, or toward certain General Education Requirements, including Fine Arts/Fine Arts-Literature, History/Philosophy, Social Analysis.
This program is available for either a full academic year or for spring semester only.
Paris Internship Program
Students of French may also choose to participate in a study-abroad and internship program in Paris, administered by Boston University.
Program Requirements. Minimum requirements for enrolling in this program as a Valparaiso University student are completion of French 204 and an overall grade point average of 3.00. An internship is an enormously valuable experience, but one that places great demands on students' communication and work skills. For that reason, it is recommended that students with strong French language skills enroll in this program after completion of their sophomore year.
Program Curriculum. Students begin the program with a one-week orientation and seven weeks of intensive language course work to prepare them for the internship. Upon successful completion of the language component, students intern in French businesses in Paris for eight weeks. They are assisted in finding internships in one of the following areas: Advertising and Public Relations; the Arts; Business and Economics; Film and Television; Health and Human Services; Hospitality Administration; Journalism; and Politics. Past internships have included Galerie Maeght, Antenne 2 Télévision, l'Office de Tourisme de Paris, and le Ministère des Affaires Étrangères.
This program is one semester only. Students may enroll for either the fall or spring semester.
Puebla, Mexico
The Puebla Study Center is directed by a resident Valparaiso University professor, who also teaches one course. Students take the remaining courses at the Universidad de las Américas-Puebla. These courses are designed for foreign students and are taught by Mexican professors in Spanish. Valparaiso University students live in on-campus residence halls with Mexican suite-mates. Students with advanced Spanish proficiency may take courses in the regular curriculum of the University. Numerous field trips led by the resident director enhance the students' academic and cultural experiences.
Program Requirements. Spanish 102 or the equivalent and sophomore standing are required.
Program Curriculum. Students are placed into language courses by examination.
Courses offered include:
SOC 330 Points of Intersection: Mexico and the United States 3 Cr.
Intermediate or Advanced Spanish 4-12 Cr.
Additional course offerings vary each year. Past offerings taught in Spanish include courses in Art, Psychology, and Political Science. Courses taught in English have included the areas of Economics and Political Science.
Sociology 330 may fulfill part of the General Education Social Analysis requirement. Other courses may apply toward the Spanish major or minor, or toward certain General Education Requirements, including Social Analysis, Fine Arts/Fine Arts-Literature, Foreign Language and/or Global Cultures and Perspectives.
This program is available in spring semester only.
Reutlingen, Germany
The Reutlingen Study Center, located on the campus of its partner institution, the Fachhochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft, is under the direction of a resident professor from Valparaiso University. Students take four or five courses (13-16 credits), which are taught by the resident director and German professors from neighboring institutions. Except for the German language courses (beginning, intermediate, or advanced), all courses are conducted in English. Several field trips as well as the students' own travel experiences complement the in-class learning and encourage the development of broad new perspectives. Internship opportunities with German professionals are also a possibility for students with good German language skills.
Program Requirements. Sophomore standing is required; no prior knowledge of German is required.
Program Curriculum. Courses offered include:
ECON 390 Topics in Economics 3 Cr.
FLGR 101 First Semester German 4 Cr.
FLGR 102 Second Semester German 4 Cr.
FLGR 103 Intermediate German 4 Cr.
FLGR 204 German Composition and Conversation 4 Cr.
ART 311 European Art and Architecture 3 Cr.
PHIL 290 Environmental Ethics 3 Cr.
GS 390 Topics in German Life and Culture 3 Cr.
German 101, 102, 103 and German 204 may apply toward the General Education Foreign Language Requirement. German 204 may apply toward a German major or minor or International Economics and Cultural Affairs major. Other courses may be used to fulfill General Education Requirements as follows: ART 311 will fulfill the Fine Arts/Fine Arts-Literature requirement; PHIL 290 will fulfill the upper level theology requirement OR a philosophy requirement; and ECON 390 may be used to fulfill one of the Social Analysis course requirements, one of the 300 level economics requirements for the International Economics and Cultural Affairs major with the approval of the IECA Chair, or a College of Business requirement with the approval of the Dean.
This program is available in either the fall or spring semester.
Tübingen, Germany
Through a special one-on-one student exchange agreement with the Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Valparaiso University may send a limited number of students there each year.
Program Requirements. German 204 or the equivalent, junior standing, a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and approval of the German section are required.
Program Curriculum. The Language and Orientation Program, a six-week intensive course before the beginning of the German academic year, is conducted by the University of Tübingen for foreign students. During the academic year, students may choose courses from among the varying offerings of the University of Tübingen.
The six-week Language and Orientation Program allows students to earn three elective credits towards the German major or minor requirements. Other courses may apply toward certain General Education and/or major or minor requirements; students must consult with relevant department chairs before departure for Tübingen.
This program is available for the full academic year only.
American School of Classical Studies
Valparaiso University is a corporate member of The American School of Classical Studies at Athens which provides Valparaiso University students opportunities for summer study in Greece. Two sessions, directed by the School's Gertrude Smith Professors, are offered annually. These sessions are designed for students who wish to complement their training in the language and literature of ancient Greece with an introduction to the country and its monuments. Housing and meals for participants are provided by the School. Enrollment in each session is limited to twenty students. Students interested in this program should consult with the head of the Classics section.
Program Requirements. Six semesters of Greek, History 311, and a grade point average of 3.50 are required. Admission to the summer sessions is highly competitive. Participants include college and university professors, graduate students and highly qualified upper class students.
Program Curriculum. The program of the summer sessions focuses on the relationship between the country (its monuments, landscape and climate) and its history, literature and culture. Each session is divided almost equally between the study of sites, monuments and museums in Attica and trips to places chosen by the director in Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Macedonia, Northwest Greece and the Islands. Participants are required to prepare reports on assigned topics.
Credits may be applied toward a Classics major through Greek 495 (Independent Study). Students must consult with the chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.
This program is available in the summer only, from late June to early August.
American Schools of Oriental Research
Valparaiso University is a corporate member of this organization, which has institutes in Jerusalem, Amman, Baghdad, and Cyprus. Several summer training programs in archeology are open to undergraduate students of this University through these institutes.