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Valpo administers study centers in England, Germany, and Costa Rica. These centers feature a local on-site coordinator who leads the students on group excursions and provides support and cultural guidance throughout the semester. The programs also include built-in group excursions, housing in homestays or residence halls, and some room in the semester for personal travel. Semester dates at the centers will be similar to the Valpo academic calendar. While in some locations, some prior language study would be helpful, Study Center programs do not require prior language education for participation.

Exchange programs are designed to be a reciprocal exchange of students from one institution to another. Students will enroll directly in the partner universities abroad while earning credit at Valpo. Exchange programs are designed for independent students who want a very immersive experience and are comfortable with limited academic and social support abroad. They can be ideal for those studying a language and/or who have a more flexible study plan. In some cases, students need to have prior language education to participate.

Valpo students can choose to study abroad in a program administered by a partner U.S. university or provider that admits Valpo students as part of their semester cohort. These programs feature an on-site director, built-in excursions, and logistical support. While students who participate in affiliate programs may be the only Valpo student participating, they will likely find they are part of a cohort of other US students from all over the country. Approved affiliate programs will allow students to take courses that come back as Valpo credit.

Faculty-led programs are great opportunities for students who are looking for a specific type of experience, or who may not be able to study abroad for a full semester. These programs are lead by a Valpo Faculty member on a program that they’ve proposed and designed. They typically focus on one particular subject and provide unique experiences to the students who participate. Most of these programs take place over the two-week Spring Break, although they may also take place over the Summer. There are some departments who consistently lead similar programs each year. One example is the College of Nursing & Health Professions. They lead around five or six programs each Spring Break sending more than 100 students abroad each year. These programs are intentionally designed for CONHP students and give them hands-on, practical experience abroad. Another example is the Theater program that travels to London. This program, while focused, offers general education credit and is open to students in any major wishing to participate.

While there are departments running programs consistently, there are often new programs each year. Be sure to login to Via to check out the programs offered.

Independent Research/Study

Valparaiso University Study Abroad is proud to have students traveling abroad through a variety of different activities and opportunities. However, we also want to make sure that your time abroad is as safe and enjoyable as possible. To ensure your health and safety while you are traveling, it is important that you register with the Office of Global Education. This registration is perfect for students headed out to do research, attend a conference, or any other kind of international travel with the University. By doing so, students will be included in pre-departure orientations, and receive support prior to departure, while abroad, and upon returning home as needed for their travel.

Hit Register Now, and login to Via with your Valpo sign-in. After signing in, click on ‘Via Travel’ at the top of the screen, then select ‘Create New Plan’.  Add the info, click save new plan and from there you can build itinerary details as needed.

Non-Valpo Programs

Valpo students are able to participate in non-Valpo-approved programs through another institution in the United States, a program provider, or by directly enrolling in an institution abroad that accepts short-term international students. These programs can be great options for students looking for specific academic curricula not offered in an existing Valpo Global Education option, but students should be independent and comfortable with limited academic and social support. Students directly enroll, pay tuition and fees directly to the program provider, and receive transfer credit that they can bring back to Valpo (but no grades).

Students interested in this option should meet with their academic advisor and Global Education staff as early as possible to discuss details. Specific credit approvals from the appropriate Valpo academic departments must be secured by the student before departure.

Hit Register Now, and login to Via with your Valpo sign-in. After signing in, click on ‘Via Travel’ at the top of the screen, then select ‘Create New Plan’.  Add the info, click save new plan and from there you can build itinerary details as needed.

Study Abroad General Video