Ten Unique Study Abroad Programs

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How cool would it be to spend an entire semester on a sailboat and get academic credit for it? In this part of tens, I investigate study abroad programs that are slightly off the beaten path. My criteria for inclusion: There has to be something about the program that makes it stand out, whether it is the guarantee of an internship, a service learning opportunity, or a program that provides a study abroad experience based in more than one country. Also, for those of you who are artistically inclined, I've included study abroad programs that provide hands-on experience in the performing or visual arts.

Field Experience/Internship Programs

There are several study abroad programs out there that provide an opportunity to observe or get involved with a culture through volunteer work or internships. This is a great way to make friends, improve your language skills, and learn about a working world outside of the U.S. Also, many programs offer opportunities for independent field research projects while abroad, which can be a great way to start a senior or master's thesis.

Arcadia University internship programs

Arcadia University's Center for Education Abroad offers five fall or spring semester internship programs, as well as summer internship programs, for academic credit. These include the Australian, Dublin, or Scotland Parliamentary Internship programs, the London Internship program, and the Sydney Internship program. For each program, extensive coursework in the subject area or prior internship or professional experience is preferred. Because internships are for academic credit, they are unpaid. The Australian Parliamentary internship offers an internship with the Australian Parliament or in a public service agency, an industry or community organization, or a lobby group. In addition, you are responsible for completing coursework in Australian politics and government at the Australian National University (ANU).

The Dublin Parliamentary internship pairs you with a member of Parliament and requires that you take courses at the Institute of Public Administration with other North American students.

The Scottish Parliamentary internship also pairs you with a member of Parliament and expects you to pursue some coursework at the University of Edinburgh in British and Scottish politics and government, as well as Scottish society and culture.

Both the Sydney and London internship programs offer the opportunity to earn academic credit while working side-by-side with Australian/British professionals in areas such as arts, business, communications, public policy, or the social sciences. You'll also need to participate in and receive credit for courses that complement your professional and academic interests.

Arcadia University's Center for Education Abroad, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038; phone 866-927-2234; Web site www.arcadia.edu/cea.

Consortium for Overseas Teaching

The Consortium for Overseas Teaching (COST) is a student teaching program that sends college seniors overseas to fulfill their student teaching requirements in American-sponsored overseas schools or in overseas schools under the supervision of institutions with which COST has an agreement. Placements are available in Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Switzerland.

COST strives to arrange student teaching experiences that help prospective teachers not only develop the skills associated with teaching, but also teach in a bilingual setting and learn how to bring an international perspective back to their classrooms in the U.S. Some of the student teachers who participate in this program accept full-time jobs abroad after finishing. Students typically live in homes of local citizens during their stay abroad.

COST is a voluntary pact among a group of U.S. colleges and universities working together on student teaching placements in a setting outside the U.S. The COST offices are located at the University of Alabama.

Office of Clinical Experiences, College of Education, University of Alabama, 105 Graves Hall, Box 870231, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487; phone 205-348-1153; Web site www.teachabroad.ua.edu.

International Partnership for Service Learning

The International Partnership for Service-Learning (IPSL) offers a study abroad program that combines academics with volunteer service and homestays, which immerse you in the host country culture in many different ways. IPSL has programs in the Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, India, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Thailand, and on a Native American reservation in South Dakota.