Oct 06, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Global Education Programs



In an age of global interdependence, the University works to ensure its students can acquire part of their education abroad. Students can explore their academic and professional interests in another part of the world while developing transferrable skills for their future such as cultural awareness, adaptability, independence, and in many cases proficiency in a world language. Credits and grades earned through Valpo-affiliated programs count towards graduation requirements and a variety of opportunities enable students to spend a semester, academic year, or shorter terms such as spring break and summer in another country.

Students can choose from several program types including 1.) the Valpo Study Centers, 2.) Direct enrollment at an exchange partner university, 3.) Cooperative programs administered by a U.S.-based provider, 4.) the Valparaiso International Engineering Programs (VIEP), or Enhanced International Business (EIB), and 5.) Faculty-led, short-term programs or research during breaks. Credits and grades earned through Valpo-approved programs are treated as though they were earned on campus. While the course offerings available through these programs vary considerably, students may frequently satisfy Major, Minor, and/ or General Education Requirements through courses taken in these programs with careful planning and consultation with their academic advisor. Students should consult with department chairs and their academic advisor 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, World Language, History/Philosophy, Social Science, and Theology. Participation in any Valparaiso University semester or year-long study-abroad program fulfills the Cultural Diversity General Education Requirement or Christ College seminar credit.

Students considering study abroad should consult their academic advisor as well as the Office of Global Education early in their academic program, to ensure the coherence and continuity of that program. Freshman year is not too early to begin thinking about studying abroad and with careful planning students can study abroad and complete their degree program on time.

Applications open early in the semester before the term abroad. The deadlines remain the same each year. They are:

  • Summer, Fall, and Academic Year: March 1
  • Spring and Spring Break: October 1

Some programs do have early deadlines depending on required host applications or other requirements. It is important to double check the individual page for the program(s) of interest to determine the official deadline. While students will not apply for their study abroad program until the semester before, they are encouraged to meet with a study abroad advisor, their academic advisor, and their financial aid advisor to begin planning as early as possible.

Study abroad programs have varying requirements for admission. All programs have a minimum cumulative GPA requirement, although some programs have flexibility for students that are close to the minimum and will be considered for admission on a case-bycase basis. Some programs have a minimum world language requirement, a minimum class standing, or other requirements for admission. Consult the program page and/or the program’s study abroad advisor for information on admission requirements.

Most financial aid that students receive while attending Valparaiso University may be applied to the Valparaiso Universityapproved programs. Exceptions may include work-study and other on-campus aid such as music, performance, or athletic scholarships, which are simply put on hold for the semester off-campus. Please meet with your Financial Aid Advisor for details on your specific award and how it will apply to study abroad. For approved programs, students will pay regular tuition and general fee on campus. This will be posted to the Student Account just as it would for a student staying on campus. Depending on the program, room and board, a Center Fee, or other costs may be assessed  through their Student Account as well, though these may be paid directly to the program provider or institution. Each program page has a Budget Sheet for the current terms that will give an estimate of overall cost, including expenses paid to the Student Account, those paid directly to the program provider and general out-of-pocket expenses. The study abroad advisors can go over cost information in detail with interested students.

Students who choose to participate in programs not on the approved list, at their own expense, should consult with the director of Global Education. When students decide on a program, it is necessary to obtain the prior approval of an academic advisor, the director of Global Education, and the dean of the college in order to assure in advance that the credit for courses taken abroad will transfer to Valparaiso University. If participating in a semester program, the student will need to submit a Leave of Absence. Also, the student should meet with a member of the Financial Aid Office. Although Valparaiso University grants/scholarships are not available for non- Valparaiso University programs, Federal, Indiana, and private scholarships and loans are. You should continue to file your FAFSA by the state deadline each year. The Financial Aid Office will discuss your plans with you and answer questions regarding aid for your time off-campus as well as implications for outstanding student loans.

All official program information, estimated budgets, requirements, and deadlines are located on the study abroad website (valpo.edu/globaleducation) and can be found by clicking on the “Programs” tab.

Valpo Study Centers

Cambridge, England

Coordinated by a permanent on-site coordinator, the Cambridge Study Center provides an ideal setting for up to eighteen students per semester to integrate their academic work with the rich heritage of Britain. Students live in facilities provided by the University, choose from a wide variety of courses as determined by their individual needs, and participate in at least one group excursion to various historical regions of Britain.

Program Requirements

Sophomore standing and a grade point average of 2.750 are required.

Program Curriculum

This program offers an exciting array of courses through a combination of offerings offered through our partners at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the Westfield House.

All students take GS 390  - Bristish Life and Culturefor one credit instructed by the Westfield House.

The courses offered through Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) are listed on their website (linked through the Valpo program page). Students are welcome to take any courses offered provided they meet any ARU requirements, such as prerequisites. Students will need to get approval from the appropriate department chairs with regards to how the courses  ill fit into their degree program and fulfill requirements.

The Westfield House has course offerings taught both in-house, and in the form of hybrid courses where students will attend lectures through Cambridge University and conduct their tutorial/discussion through Westfield House. Hybrid courses with Cambridge University lectures are open to students with at least a 3.000 cumulative GPA. Students are welcome to take any courses offered provided they meet any Westfield House requirements, such as prerequisites. Students will need to get approval from the appropriate Department Chairs with regards to how the courses will fit into their degree program and fulfill requirements.

This program is offered in either the fall or spring semester. It is possible to study for a year with approval.

Reutlingen, Germany

The Reutlingen Study Center, located on the campus of its partner institution, the Hochschule Reutlingen, is coordinated by an onsite coordinator with support from the Reutlingen International Office. All students will take a German language course. They may then choose between the Center courses offered, or courses offered through Reutlingen University in Business or Engineering per their individual needs. Excursions, as well as opportunity for independent exploration and personal travel, complement the in-class learning and encourage the development of a more global perspective. Internship opportunities with German professionals are also a possibility for students with higher German language levels. International Business majors participating in the Enhanced International Business in German (EIB - German) program will enroll in course-work at the Valpo Study Center in Reutlingen, along with business electives in German at the Hochschule Reutlingen. Engineering majors participating in the Valparaiso International Engineering Program - Germany (VIEP - German) will also enroll in course-work at the Valpo Study Center as well as electives in German at the Hochschule Reutlingen.

Program Requirements

Sophomore standing with a grade point average of 2.750 is required; no prior knowledge of German is required.

Program Curriculum

All students take a German language course and will be placed into GER 101  or GER 204  based on their level. GER 101  and GER 204  may apply toward the General Education World Language Requirement. GER 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: ECON 290  fulfills one of the Social Sciences requirements. Most other courses are provided by the Hochschule in Engineering and Business. Many of those courses are already pre-approved. Students are welcome to take any courses offered through Reutlingen University provided they meet any Reutlingen University requirements, such as prerequisites. Students will need to get approval from the appropriate department chairs with regards to how the courses will fit into their degree program and fulfill requirements. This program is available in either the fall or spring semester, but the fall semester is offered to Engineering and Business students, and the spring is offered to Business and Arts & Sciences students. It is possible to study for a year with approval.

Hangzhou, China - Suspended for 2021-22

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. This program is designed to be language intensive, while providing the opportunity to experience facets of Chinese culture through excursions, lectures (in English), and demonstration classes of such arts as calligraphy and taiqi chuan. All students will take a Chinese Culture and Civilization course (EAST 395), as well as either five or ten credits of language at an appropriate level. Additional courses may be offered, depending on on-site availability and individual student needs. 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 with prior approval. Classes are conducted from early September to mid-December, allowing for periods of independent exploration and travel.

Program Requirements

Sophomore standing and a grade point average of 2.750 are 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 309 - Intensive Advanced Chinese I 5 Cr.
  • EAST 310 - Intensive Advanced Chinese II 5 Cr.
  • EAST 395 - Chinese Culture and Civilization 3 Cr.
  • EAST 495 - Supervised Reading and Research 3 Cr.

EAST 109 and 110 are for students with no prior knowledge of Chinese and must be taken concurrently. Students may take both EAST 109 (Reading/Writing) and EAST 110 (Conversation) for credit, or they may take EAST 109 for credit and audit EAST 110. EAST 209 and 210 are for students with prior knowledge of Chinese and must be taken  oncurrently.

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 World Language Requirement. Additional courses offered are typically intended to fulfill General Education requirements to supplement the curriculum. A complete list will be shared on the study abroad program page once determined. This program is available in the fall semester only.

San José, Costa Rica

Students may study one semester, either fall or spring, or an entire academic year, at this study center in San José, Costa Rica in partnership with The Praxis Center. San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a city of about 1.5 million people located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. It is a bustling modern city surrounded by mountains, about 2 hours from the Pacific coast and 4 hours from the Atlantic coast. Students will study the Spanish language and the history of Costa Rica during the first half of the term. In the second half of the term, students can either enroll in a part-time internship and an elective course, or choose to enroll in elective courses without the internship. Classes are held on the campus of the University of Costa Rica, the Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana, and The Praxis Center, which are all located on the east side of town and easily accessible by public bus.

Program Requirements

Sophomore standing and a grade point average of 2.750 are required. Two semesters of college-level Spanish is recommended, but not required to participate. Students with less than two semesters of college-level Spanish will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

Program Curriculum

Students are placed in language courses according to an exam given at the University of Costa Rica. The Spanish section of the Department of World Languages and Cultures will award credit for these language classes. All students will enroll in WLC 337 - Ethnology and History of Costa Rica . WLC 335 - Perspectives on Hlth Care Costa Rica , is an optional elective during the second half of the term. Students are also able to complete a World Languages and Cultures Internship during the second half of the term. The following courses are offered:

For those with higher language proficiency, students can take additional course-work from the University of Costa Rica’s Spanish language program, the Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana and The Praxis Center. Students will need to get approval from the appropriate department chairs with regards to how the courses will fit into their degree program and fulfill requirements.

This program is available in the fall or spring term, or for the full academic year.

Exchange Programs

Chile - Universidad Viña del Mar

Students whose program interests include both Spanish and Latin American studies may apply to participate in the exchange program with the Universidad Viña del Mar, located on the Pacific coast next to Valparaíso, Chile. Participants live with a host-family and attend classes in Viña del Mar.

Program Requirements

Intermediate Spanish skills (SPAN 204  or its equivalent, minimally), sophomore standing, a grade point average of 3.000 or better, and approval of the Spanish section are required.

Program Curriculum

Students enroll in Spanish courses offered by the Universidad Viña del Mar, as well as other courses related to the culture and history of Chile and Latin America.

The program is available in the fall semester (August to December), spring semester (March to June) or for the full year.

England - Anglia Ruskin 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 Ruskin University in Cambridge. Students pay tuition and General Fee to Valparaiso University, and pay room and board costs in Cambridge.

Program Requirements

Sophomore standing with a grade point average of 3.000 are required.

Program Curriculum

Students can select courses from the full range of undergraduate programs in Liberal Arts, Science, and Business. For additional information, consult the program advisor and the program page on the Study Abroad website.

France - La Rochelle International Business School

Valparaiso University has established an exchange partnership with La Rochelle Business School (Groupe Sup de Co) in La Rochelle on France’s Atlantic coast. It offers a special opportunity for students to study Business Administration and develop their French language skills in this private business school of 1600 students. La Rochelle Business School students also come to Valparaiso for a semester of study. Valparaiso University students at La Rochelle Business School may take some courses in English. Valparaiso University students are housed in apartments near the university.

Program Requirements

FREN 203  or the equivalent is required. College of Business students must have completed the Freshman/Sophomore core classes. Approval of the dean of the College of Business and the French section as well as a 3.000 overall grade point average are required.

Program Curriculum

Students take a course in French as a World Language as well as appropriate courses in various areas of business administration, which may include marketing, intercultural management, or international logistics. Some courses may be taken in English. Normally students will register for a total of about 14 credits. All credits are considered Valparaiso University credits and count toward College of Business electives or requirements, a French major or minor, general education requirements, or as elective credits. The program is available only in the spring semester.

Germany - Hochschule für Kirchenmusik, Rottenburg

Students whose program interests include both German and music may apply to participate in the one-on-one exchange with the Hochschule für Kirchenmusik in Rottenburg am Neckar.

Program Requirements

This program requires advanced German skills (GER 220  or its equivalent, minimally), advanced organ skills, junior standing, a grade point average of 3.000 or better, and approval of the German section and the Department of Music.

Program Curriculum

Students enroll in courses offered by the Hochschule, all of which are related directly to music, and for studio lessons in organ. All courses are conducted in German. All courses are considered to be Valparaiso University courses and will count toward the music major, toward General Education requirements, or as elective credit. The program is available in the spring semester only.

Germany - Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen

Through a special one-on-one student exchange agreement with the Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, a limited number of Valparaiso University students may study there each year.

Program Requirements

GER 204  or the equivalent, junior standing, a grade point average of 3.000 or better, and approval of the German section are required.

Program Curriculum

The Language and Orientation Program, a five-week intensive course before the beginning of the German academic year, is conducted by the Universität Tübingen for foreign students. During the academic year, students may choose courses from among the varying offerings at the Universität Tübingen.

The five-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.

Japan - Kansai Gaidai University

Valparaiso University has an exciting exchange program with Kansai Gaidai University, located in the culturally rich area between Osaka and Kyoto. The program 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, tuition, and general fee to Valparaiso University. The program is available fall and/or spring semesters.

Program Requirements

A grade point average of 3.000 and sophomore standing are required. Two semesters of college Japanese are recommended but not required. References from academic advisors and professors are also needed, as well as permission from the director of Global Education. Admission is competitive.

Program Curriculum

Students are placed in Japanese language classes according to proficiency tests given during orientation in Japan. Students are required to study the language, but are free to choose among the courses offered as long as full-time status is maintained. 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 advisors and the appropriate bulletins to match their course selections with requirements.

México - Universidad de las Américas-Puebla

Valparaiso University students may study fall semester, spring semester, or the entire year at the Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) in Puebla, Mexico. Cholula, a small town rich in pre-Hispanic history, is a short bus ride from Puebla, a modern city of two million people located about 100 miles southeast of Mexico City. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped mountains, the region offers a wide variety of cultural experiences through which students come to understand this country, which is both ancient and modern, developing and industrialized, relaxed and bustling. Students live with Mexican suitemates in on-campus residence halls.

Program Requirements

SPAN 203 , at least sophomore standing, and a grade point average of 3.000 or better are required.

Program Curriculum

Based on a placement exam, students enroll in Spanish language, literature, business, and civilization courses for international students, offered at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Students with solid language skills may enroll in one or more courses from the regular curriculum for Mexican students. 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.

Courses may apply toward the Spanish major or minor, or toward certain General Education Requirements, including Social Science, Humanities: Fine Art, World Language, and/or Cultural Diversity course.

Spain - Universidad de Zaragoza - Suspended for 2021-22

One of Valparaiso University’s newest exchange programs with the Universidad de Zaragoza offers students the opportunity to enroll in Spanish courses at the Center of Spanish as a World Language at the Universidad de Zaragoza, as well as take one or two additional courses from the university at large. Zaragoza is a very rich city in art history and  offers students the opportunity to travel easily around Spain and Europe. Students live with a host-family.

Program Requirements

Intermediate Spanish skills (SPAN 204  or its equivalent, minimally), sophomore standing, a grade point average of 3.000 or better, and approval of the Spanish section are required.

Program Curriculum

Students enroll in Spanish courses offered by the Universidad de Zaragoza faculty members, as well as other courses focusing on history, literature, history of art, and society, among others. In addition, students have the option of enrolling directly into the Universidad de Zaragoza’s business and engineering schools, taking such coursework in Spanish. Engineering majors participating in the Valparaiso International Engineering Program - Spanish, will enroll at the Universidad de Zaragoza. The program is available in the fall semester, spring semester, or for the full year.

Utrecht, Netherlands - University College Utrecht Exchange Program

Study at an honors college in a beautiful, historic city in the heart of Europe. Christ College has recently formed this partnership with University College Utrecht (UCU), a liberal arts honors college in The Netherlands. Christ College students will be able to study at a prestigious European university with students from across Europe, and the globe, in a small, honors college setting. The entire campus is English-speaking, and many of the inhabitants of The Netherlands speak English as well.

Program Requirements

Students must be part of and approved by Christ College to participate.

Program Curriculum

Christ College students will be able to choose from a wide variety of courses, all taught in English, which can fulfill Christ College, general education, and/or major and minor requirements, with careful planning.

Valparaiso International Engineering Program

VIEP-French: Université de Technology de Compiègne

VIEP-French is a five-year program that leads to a degree in one of six engineering disciplines (bioengineering, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, or mechanical) and a major or minor in French. Students spend the fourth year abroad, enrolling in several courses in the fall term at the Université de Technology de Compiègne (UTC) near Paris, France. They then spend the spring semester in a co-op work experience in France. Compiègne is an historic city about 50 miles northeast of Paris.

Program Requirements

Students must be enrolled and in good standing in the VIEP – French program. Approval of the VIEP – French directors is required. See the VIEP description on the College of Engineering  page.

Program Curriculum

Courses to be taken at UTC are chosen in consultation with the student’s College of Engineering advisor and will include engineering courses as well as a course in French as a World Language. All courses are considered to be Valparaiso University credits and will count toward the student’s engineering major and French major or minor.

VIEP-German: Hochschule Reutlingen

VIEP-German is a five-year program that leads to a degree in one of six engineering disciplines (bioengineering, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, or mechanical) and a major or minor in German. Students spend the fourth year abroad, enrolling in several courses in the fall term at the Valpo Study Center in Reutlingen and a technical course in German at the Hochschule Reutlingen. Students then work for a German company or research laboratory in the spring semester and summer for a co-op placement. Students live in campus housing for the fall term and many stay in Reutlingen for the co-op placement, although some students may prefer to seek a position farther away.

Program Requirements

Students must be enrolled and in good standing in the VIEP-German program. Approval of the VIEP-German directors is required. See the VIEP description on the College of Engineering  page.

Program Curriculum

Courses to be taken at the Hochschule Reutlingen are chosen in consultation with the student’s College of Engineering advisor and will include engineering courses as well as a course in German as a World Language. All courses are considered to be Valparaiso University credits and will count toward the student’s engineering major and German major or minor.

VIEP-Spanish: Universidad de Zaragoza - Suspended for 2021-22

VIEP-Spanish is a five-year program that leads to a degree in one of six engineering disciplines (bioengineering, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, or mechanical) and a major or minor in Spanish. Students spend the fourth year abroad, enrolling in several courses in engineering, math or science, taught in Spanish, during the fall term at the Universidad de Zaragoza. Students will have an opportunity to take a two-week intensive Spanish language course before the start of the semester. In the spring, students work for a Spanish company or research laboratory either in Zaragoza or elsewhere. Students receive personalized assistance in housing, course selection, and more from the School of Engineering and Architecture’s International Office. Students are encouraged to live with a hostfamily, but can also live in a shared apartment with other university students.

Program Requirements

Students must be enrolled and in good standing in the VIEP-Spanish program. Approval of the VIEP-Spanish directors is required. See the VIEP description on the College of Engineering  page.

Program Curriculum

Courses to be taken at the Universidad de Zaragoza are chosen in consultation with the student’s College of Engineering advisor and will include engineering courses as well as a course in Spanish as a World Language. All courses are considered to be Valparaiso University credits and will count toward the student’s engineering major and Spanish major or minor.

VIEP in China: Zhejiang University - Suspended for 2021-22

VIEP in China is a five-year program that leads to a degree in one of six engineering disciplines (bioengineering, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, or mechanical) and a minor in Chinese. Students spend the fourth year and following summer abroad, enrolling in the Valpo Study Center in Hangzhou during the fall semester. Students will study intensive Mandarin Chinese at Zhejiang University. In the spring, students work for a U.S.-based or Chinese company in China or participate in a research project at a Chinese university. Students will live in a residence hall at Zhejiang University during the fall term and can either remain in Hangzhou for the co-op placement or seek a position elsewhere.

Program Requirements

Students must be enrolled and in good standing in the VIEP in China program. Approval of the VIEP in China directors is required. See the VIEP description on the College of Engineering  page.

Program Curriculum

Courses to be taken at the Valpo Study Center in Hangzhou and at Zhejiang University are chosen in consultation with the student’s College of Engineering advisor and will include Chinese as a World Language. All courses are considered to be Valparaiso University credits and will count toward the student’s engineering major and Chinese minor.

Affiliate Programs

Athens, Greece - College Year in Athens

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 a minimum GPA of 3.000 are eligible to apply. There is no language requirement to participate.

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 World Languages and Cultures. Normally four courses constitute full-time study. Students may apply to study during the fall or spring semester.

Budapest, Hungary - Budapest Semesters in Mathematics

In cooperation with Budapest Semesters in Mathematics (BSM), Valparaiso University offers the opportunity for select mathematics majors to study advanced course-work from leading Hungarian scholars. Students spend part of their junior or senior year in a 15-week program located in Budapest, Hungary. Budapest, a city of about two million, has a long tradition of mathematical scholarship and is home to eleven universities. Students can choose to live with a home-stay or in a furnished apartment with other BSM students.

Program Requirements

Students must have at least sophomore status, be in good academic standing, and have completed one semester of Real Analysis or Abstract Algebra by the start of the program. No prior knowledge of Hungarian is required. All courses are conducted in English.

Program Curriculum

Students enroll in about four classes for the fall or spring semester and credit is awarded by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. An optional two-week intensive Hungarian course is available before the beginning of the program and includes tours of the city and practical living skills.

Nantes, France - IES Abroad

Nantes is well-known for being a charming city in which to live in France, and it’s quite easy to see why. Home to many young professionals and students, there are plenty of new friends to make and an active nightlife waiting for you in Nantes. This program enjoys a close relationship with the Université de Nantes. You have access to the school’s libraries, computer labs, cafeterias, and sports facilities, and are welcome to join student clubs and other social and sports organizations. You also have many opportunities for enrolling in university courses. IES Abroad courses are taught in French by native French faculty, many of whom are professors at the Université de Nantes. You select from IES Abroad language and area studies courses, and can add a teaching internship and university courses to complete your schedule.

Program Requirements

Students must have at least sophomore standing, at least a 2.750 cumulative GPA, and have taken at least four semesters of collegelevel
French.

Program Curriculum

Our French Language Immersion & Area Studies Program has two important goals: to improve your written and verbal proficiencyin French through language and area studies courses, and to introduce you to contemporary France and its role in the European Union. A beautiful and bike-friendly city on the Loire River, Nantes offers wonderful food, outdoor spaces, and stunning modern and classic architecture. This program is available for the fall or spring semester, or the academic year with approval.

Paris Internship Program - Boston University

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 FREN 204 and an overall grade point average of 3.000. 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: Arts/Architecture/Arts Administration; Business/Economics/ Finance; International Organizations; Politics/International Relations; Health/Human Services; Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations; Film/Radio/Television; Journalism; or Hospitality Administration. This program is one semester only. Students may enroll for either the fall or spring semester.

Southern Africa - Augsburg College

As a result of a partnership with the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College, Valparaiso University offers a challenging study-abroad program in South Africa and Namibia. Valparaiso University students live together with other students from the United States, as well as with families in Soweto, South Africa; in Windhoek, Namibia; and in a rural Namibian community.

Program Requirements

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 are eligible to apply. Enrollment is limited to twenty-four students each semester, drawn from colleges and universities throughout the United States. All courses are conducted in English.

Program Curriculum

The theme for both semesters is Nation Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind: Southern African Perspectives, and the offerings include courses in the following disciplines: political science, religion, interdisciplinary studies, and sociology. An internship is also possible. 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. Students may participate during either semester.

Limerick, Ireland - CISabroad

Study at the University of Limerick in Ireland through CISabroad. This program offers state-of-the art facilities, great housing, and classes with Irish students so you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Explore castles, stroll along the Shannon River, and learn the fiddle during your semester abroad in Ireland!

Program Requirements

Sophomore standing and a cumulative GPA of 2.900 are required.

Program Curriculum

Students may choose from a wide array of courses available through the University of Limerick. The corresponding Valpo department must approve credit earned in Limerick.

Newcastle, Australia - CISabroad

Study at the University of Newcastle in Australia through CISabroad. The University of Newcastle has a stunning, ecologically sustainable campus where students can experience the true Aussie lifestyle.

Program Requirements

Sophomore standing and a cumulative GPA of 2.500 are required.

Program Curriculum

Students enroll in about four classes for the fall or spring semester. The corresponding Valpo department must approve credit earned in Newcastle.

Faculty-led, Short-term Programs

Valparaiso University offers various short-term, faculty-led programs or research abroad for academic credit, which generally take place during the two-week spring recess or during the summer. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. Faculty-led programs are proposed and run in partnership with the faculty and academic departments. The official list of Spring Break programs are typically released the August prior, and summer programs are typically released the January prior. Consult the Office of Global Education for more information.