Linda Palumbo Olszanski Assistant Vice President of International Programs Office: Sheffield-Thompson 210 Phone: (706) 233-7409 Fax: (706) 233-1508 E-mail: lpalumbo@shorter.edu
	Mary Lou Romero Administrative Assistant for International Programs 706-233-7409 mromero@shorter.edu

"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation."
Mark 16:15

STUDY ABROAD

The Association of American Colleges and Universities recently surveyed national business leaders to evaluate college graduates in several key areas, including global knowledge.  “Nearly one-half of employers responding did not think their recent college hires had the global knowledge necessary for advancement.”

Study abroad is a stepping stone to acquiring the global knowledge needed to compete in today’s job market, excel in graduate school, and serve in a multicultural society.   In addition, a study abroad experience provides the opportunity for personal growth, an understanding of other cultures and world dynamics, improvement of language skills, and increased confidence, independence, and maturity.

Be a Global Citizen

At Shorter University, we develop global citizens by promoting intercultural understanding and encouraging students to study, work, and live abroad.

Shorter University's Office of International Programs offers study abroad opportunities for students and research/teaching opportunities for Shorter University faculty members throughout a variety of college and university campuses around the world.

Study abroad agreements have been established with a growing number of colleges and universities throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. The Study Abroad Partners describes all of Shorter's current exchange partners and affiliates for those students interested in studying abroad for a semester or a full academic year. Most programs are taught in English, while others offer courses in the host language. The Office of International Programs can help students select the program best suited to their interests and needs.

See the 2012 trips

How to Participate in Study Abroad Programs

Students and faculty members in all degree programs at Shorter University are eligible to participate in international programs.

Step 1: Plan ahead. Contact Linda Palumbo Olszanski, Assistant Vice President of International Programs, in Sheffield-Thompson 210, by phone, or by email. See contact information above. Step 2: Decide with Mrs. Palumbo Olszanski upon a program that is appropriate for your interests and area of study. Step 3: Assess costs and financial aid assistance. In some cases, the cost of studying abroad is no greater than the cost of a regular semester at Shorter. Students who choose to study abroad in either the fall or the spring semester may apply their institutional scholarships and state/federal aid toward the costs of study abroad. Students who are Georgia residents can apply the summer portion of the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant and HOPE scholarship (if eligible) for summer study abroad experiences. While institutional scholarships cannot be applied toward summer study abroad, some scholarship funds are available.

Application deadlines for individual study abroad:

Spring = October 15
Summer and Fall = March 15

Study Abroad Partners

SPANISH STUDIES ABROAD - The Center for Cross-Cultural Study

This agreement enables students to study at CCCS sites in Seville, Alicante and Barcelona, Spain, as well as Cordoba, Argentina, during the fall, spring and summer terms. A wide variety of liberal arts, language, and culture courses are taught in Spanish for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced Spanish speaker. Students are housed either with a local family or in a dormitory. This arrangement allows for full immersion in the Spanish language. Integrated programs in local universities are also available. Generally, the CCCS programs include excursions to sites of cultural or historic importance.

COUNCIL FOR CHRISTIAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Through its BestSemester programs, CCCU provides opportunities for authentic engagement of faith, identity, ideas, and worldview within a unique cultural environment. In addition to academic programs, BestSemester offer a variety of
internships, service projects, and community involvement. Programs are available in Australia, China, India, Costa
Rica, Egypt, England, and Uganda.

BestSemester - Australia Studies Centre (ASC)

This program is designed to integrate the study of Australian culture, religion, politics, history and Indigenous cultures with service learning and formal instruction in the arts.

BestSemester - India Studies Program (ISP)

Students enrolled in ISP would take two core courses (Contemporary India: Culture, Society and Challenges-India’s Religious Landscape) and choose three elective courses (Options: Social Work-Literature-Indian Design-Fine Arts-Culinary Studies-Business). Service opportunities and travel components are included for each course including a two-week travel section at the end of the semester.

BestSemester - Latin American Studies Program (LASP)

Based in San José, Costa Rica, students enrolled in this program will study the language, literature, culture, politics, history, economics, ecology and religion of the region. Students will be required to do internships in the community and travel to nearby Central American nations.

BestSemester - China Studies Program (CSP)

The CSP allows students to study the culture, history, religion, geography and economic reality of China. Students may choose one of two available concentrations (Chinese Studies and Business) and study standard Chinese language.

BestSemester - Oxford Summer Program (OSP)

This five-week summer program in the University of Oxford allows students to take seminars and tutorials on specialized topics in the areas of English language and literature, history (including history of art and science), philosophy, theology and religion.

BestSemester - Scholars’ Semester in Oxford (SSO)

Students enrolled in SSO at the University of Oxford will enroll in a primary and secondary tutorial (Topics: classics, English language and literature, history, philosophy, theology, modern foreign languages, musicology and the history of art), in an integrative seminar and in the British Landscape course.

Applicants are generally honors and must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA to be considered for this program.

BestSemester - Uganda Studies Program (USP)

USP requires students to apply to the Uganda Studies Emphasis (USE); the Intercultural Ministry and Missions Ministry (IMME) or the Social Work Emphasis (SWE). All students need to take a Faith and Action course plus some combination of core courses on the African context, Practicum Courses and elective courses. Students will spend time in rural Uganda and neighboring country Rwanda.

CONSORTIUM FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION

Shorter is a member of this association of U.S. colleges and universities which offers summer language programs in Beijing or Changsha, China, or in Amman, Jordan. Chinese and Arabic are among the most in-demand languages today, and these programs offer intensive language study ranging from four to ten weeks. These programs include excursions to historic and cultural sites and are geared toward beginning language students.


INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES

Shorter University is affiliated with this organization in the beautiful Provence region of southern France. IAU offers institutions of liberal arts and sciences in Avignon and in Aix-en-Provence, as well as its own Marchutz School of Art in Aix-en-Provence. Students may attend during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students are required to study the French language while at IAU. Housing will be provided with a local French family, enabling students to fully enjoy the traditional French culture.

REGENT'S AMERICAN COLLEGE LONDON

Regent’s American College in London, England, is Shorter’s oldest and most popular international partner. Students may enroll at Regent's College for fall, spring, or summer terms, taking a wide range of liberal arts courses and internships. Set on nearly 500 acres of glorious Regent's Park, the College was completed in 1913. The immediate surroundings include lakes, Regent's Canal, the London Zoo, and some of the finest Georgian architecture in Britain. The vast resources of London can be found only fifteen minutes away by subway train from this peaceful park atmosphere.


SALZBURG COLLEGE

Students may spend one or two semesters of study in Salzburg, Austria, studying a variety of liberal arts and visual/performing arts. Salzburg College is particularly suited for students wanting to further their study of the German language and desiring to live with a host family. Located in the heart of the Old City, the college occupies a 16th century townhouse. The close vicinity of public, education and cultural institutions allows for easy integration of classroom study and onsite experience. Students can also take advantage of travel opportunities across Europe.

VERITAS

Christian Study Abroad

Through this program, Shorter students will be able to enroll in universities in Chile, England, France, Italy, South Korea, Spain and, while they are earning their college credit, they will have the opportunity to work with local missionaries and be fully immersed in the local community.

Annual Summer Programs

Every year faculty lead short-term study abroad programs. These programs occur in May, June and July and the number of credit hours awarded for such programs are flexible. Students who wish to participate in the annual summer programs must enroll in assigned classed in the spring semester prior to the trip and coursework is submitted in the summer following the program. The costs of all required activities and most meals are
included.

As with all university programs, all annual summer programs have a strong integration of biblical faith and learning in their educational experiences. In the past, Shorter has led groups to Central or South America (AMERICAS program) and such programs focused on Spanish language and culture. Past locations have included Mexico, Ecuador,
and the Galapagos Islands. Exotic destinations are not foreign to Shorter, as we have traveled to Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Myanmar, China, Japan, Thailand, Russia, and the Philippines (ASIA program).
Students are eager to know the “Old Continent” so we lead almost every summer a group to Europe (EUROPE program). The program usually visits England and another European country. Past locations have included
Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Germany and the Netherlands.

We have also ventured to the Middle East and have traveled to Israel and Palestine (MIDEAST program).

 
Spring Break Programs

Occasionally, an international spring break is offered to Shorter students. These 10- day programs provide an opportunity to experience the culture, history, and people of another country for a brief visit, along with Shorter faculty and students. Past programs have visited Israel, England and Austria.

Application Materials

Study Abroad Policies

Study Abroad Application

Study Abroad Essay

Once students are approved to Study Abroad they need to fill out the following forms:

Check List

Course Approval Form

Financial Aid Form

Communication Approval Form

Emergency Contact Information

Disability Form

Housing Form

Medical Authorization Form

Travel Release

Shorter University Study Abroad Application

Winthrop-King Study Abroad Scholarship (English Majors ONLY) 

Helpful Links

Travel

U.S. State Department Students Abroad site

US.gov: Travel, Transportation and Recreation

U.S. Customs Office

Country specific conditions

STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)

Cross-Cultural Etiquette and Understanding

Transportation Security Administration

Voting Registration while abroad

Health    
                                                                                                
State Department Information for Students Abroad

Center for Disease Control

Contact Us

For more information about studying abroad, costs, academic requirements, etc., please contact the Office of International Programs at 706-233-7409 or visit ST-210.