Off the Beaten Path: Out of the Ordinary Study Abroad Destinations
Off the Beaten Path: Out of the Ordinary Study Abroad Destinations
By Bess Myers ’10, Center for Global Engagement Staff
After much deliberation, you’ve decided that studying abroad is the right choice for you. You’re ready to experience another culture, meet new people, and open yourself to new ideas and new ways of life. There’s nothing wrong with travelling to Spain or Italy, two of our most popular study abroad options—plenty of people have a fantastic time in these countries—but what if you’re looking for something a little less mainstream? Here are some ideas for the explorer in all of us:
India: Take a yoga class, learn Hindi, familiarize yourself with Indian philosophy or study the sociopolitical climate of modern India. The Arts & Sciences program at the University of Hyderabad is a great choice for upper-level, highly motivated students looking for an immersive study abroad experience unlike any other. For more information check out the CIEE website: http://ciee.org/study/programOverview.aspx?pID=49#1rightForYou
Kenya and Tanzania: The School for Field Studies offers a Wildlife Management program in Kimana, Kenya and the Manyara area in Tanzania. Students spend part of their time in one location, and halfway through their stay move to the other site to compare and contrast rural management and environmental sustainability in both locations. Hone your field research skills and learn about East African tribal communities in a program fit for Darwin himself. Find out more at the School for Field Studies website: http://www.fieldstudies.org/pages/4256_kenya_semester.cfm
Thailand: So you want to go somewhere different, but you don’t have a ton of money? Say no more! Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand has plenty of academic programs to fit (nearly) your every need, and you’ll live on the Salaya Campus in a Bangkok suburb with other international students. As part of the exchange program you’ll pay room and board to Mahidol University but your tuition to TCNJ, so your TCNJ scholarships and financial aid will apply. Plus, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, and you’ll definitely have an experience to write home about. Get more info: http://www.tcnj.edu/~goglobal/undergraduate/MahidolThailand-TCNJExchange.htm
Egypt: The American University in Cairo is located in New Cairo, a suburb of the largest city in Africa and the Arab world. Cairo is brimming with both ancient and modern architecture and cultural diversity. At AUC you’ll find programs in almost every academic discipline, including public policy, women’s studies, and the performing arts. Their Arabic Language Institute brings over one hundred students together each year to study Arabic in an immersive program. On their website you’ll find more information on academic programs for study abroad students, as well as a comprehensive international student handbook: http://www.aucegypt.edu/students/IPO/SA/Pages/Home.aspx
Turkey: At Koç University in Istanbul, Turkey, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the Turkish language with other international students and take classes in a variety of academic disciplines such as business, international relations, engineering, and the liberal arts alongside Turkish students. Istanbul has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and while in Turkey you’ll take day trips to fascinating historical and cultural places of interest. There’s more information on the CIEE website: http://www.ciee.org/study/programOverview.aspx?pID=1848#1rightForYou
For more information about these and other study abroad programs – please contact us at the TCNJ Center for Global Engagement, 111 Green Hall, any day from 8:30am to 4: 30pm. Our website has access to peer advisors who have studied in these locations as well as information about procedures to follow to make your study abroad dreams a reality!
