Why Communication Studies Majors Should Study Abroad
By Mark Borzi, Ph.D.
Chair, Communication Studies
 |
"As a faculty study abroad leader and department chair I can say without reservation that a critical part of your education is study abroad whether it is through a faculty-led program or a semester or longer exchange. A study abroad experience will teach you about yourself and your place in the world as a global citizen in ways that cannot be replicated in the classroom. There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling that which you have only dreamed about and perhaps believed you would never do. Just imagine feeling the breeze while standing on the Great Wall of China, exploring the varieties of fish on the Great Barrier Reef, studying the artwork in the Louvre, or feeling the rain in the Amazon Rainforest. With study abroad, your dreams can become a reality. I encourage you to begin planning for your study abroad program today. Where do you want to be next summer, semester, or year?" |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Communication Studies Majors
Australia
Central Queensland University
Rockhampton
Semester or Year
CQUniveristy's main campus is located in Rockhampton, a city of about 60,000. "Rocky", as it is most commonly called, has a small town feel. It is known as the city "where the Outback meets the Reef". CQUniversity has many course options that will help you connect with Australian culture, such as Asian Pacific tourism, scuba diving lessons at the Great Barrier Reef, and indigenous Australian culture courses. While at CQU, Communication Studies majors can take core, core-option and elective courses.
Griffith University
Brisbane
Semester or Year
Brisbane, with a population of 1.6 million people, is Australia's third largest city and is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live. The population is very young and culturally diverse. The Griffith Study Abroad Office coordinates overnight and day trips for study abroad students. Some examples include a visit to Byron Bay, hiking in a rainforest, or feeding dolphins on Southeast Queensland's islands. CMN 4750, among others, is a course offered at Griffith University for Communication Studies majors.
Australia & New Zealand
Intercultural Communications and Co-Cultural Experiences (faculty-led)
New Zealand and Australia: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Sydney, Cairns, Port Douglas, Rockhampton
Summer
The course design allows students to choose a lot of their own activities. What are some of the possibilities? Go on whale and dolphin safari, visit the Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, go bungee jumping, hurtle down a luge track, visit a brewery, surf on Bondi Beach, tour a rainforest, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and, of course, take a picture with a koala! CMN3710 and CMN4000 are the course options Communication Studies majors can get credit for.
Germany
University of Würzburg
Würzburg
Semester or Year
Würzburg is a young old city, as the people like to say. It is an old city because of its 1400 year old history. Each day, city-goers are surrounded by cultural artifacts dating back to different epochs. Yet, the city is young because Würzburg has one of the highest concentrations of 20 to 30-year-olds in Bavaria and thousands of students come to receive their education here. The Faculty for English Literature and Culture at the University of Würzburg offers a course on Cultural Studies for Communication majors.
New Zealand
University of Otago
Dunedin
Semester or Year
Dunedin and the South Island are a recreation lover's paradise. From the mountains to the forests to the ocean, you will find no shortage of outdoor activities. Otago has specific research strengths in the medical, biomedical, biological and natural sciences. Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and was founded in 1869. The city of Dunedin is known for its classic Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Special Topic: Cybersocieties is a course, one of many, offered at the University of Otago for Communication Studies majors.
Massey University
Auckland, Palmerston North, or Wellington, New Zealand
Semester or Year
About 41,000 students study at one of Massey University's three campuses, making it the largest institution in the country. The University is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment and an intellectual climate in which students are encouraged to excel. Programs are designed to be relevant, reflect current research and meet the needs of the International Student community. CMN 4780 is an example of a course offered at Massey University.
South Africa
University of Cape Town
Cape Town
Semester or Year
Due to Cape Town's extensive history as a port city, Cape Town's 3 million people are a blend of African, European, and Asian heritage and tradition. Cape Town is vastly diverse in landscape, people, and activities. You will find no shortage of things to do and learn in Cape Town. UCT is situated on a hillside slope of Table Top Mountain with views of the ocean and easy access to both the mountains and the water. Communication Studies majors with concentrations in Communication, Society and Popular Culture and in Mass Communication can find core and core option courses at UCT.
South Korea
Ajou University
Suwon
Summer, Semester or Year
Consistent with its emphasis on global education, Ajou University offers a variety of courses taught in English and Korean on a regular basis. These courses provide an excellent opportunity for both international and Korean students to study their chosen fields in an international atmosphere. All EIU students studying at Ajou for a semester or longer receive a free room.
United Kingdom
Harlaxton College
Grantham, England
Semester or Year
Harlaxton Manor is a 100-room Victorian manor house located in the English midlands. Students live and study at the manor along with their faculty members and other Harlaxton staff members. Harlaxton offers lower-division courses for Communication Studies majors.
Harlaxton is a unique experience because you live, dine and study with your professors. This gives it a great community feeling because you interact with your faculty outside of the classroom. --Kayla Blue, Fall 2009
University of Glamorgan
Treforest, Wales
Semester or Year
Glamorgan is located in the small town of Treforest. Treforest is only minutes from the larger Pontypridd and just north of the Welsh capital, Cardiff. World class theatres, museums, galleries, and great football (soccer) matches are all within easy reach of Treforest. Glamorgan's location offers the best of both worlds: a small town feel with big city opportunities available at your doorstep. Core and core-option courses for Communication Studies majors with concentrations in Communication, Society and Popular Culture and in Mass Communication are offered at the University of Glamorgan.
University of Winchester
Winchester, England
Semester or Year
Winchester prides itself on being a very student-centered campus, and its small student body will help you feel at-home. Winchester was once the site the mythical Round Table of King Arthur. Today, you will find plenty of activities in and around Winchester to keep you busy; Stonehenge is just a stones-throw away while the seaside resort towns of Bornemouth and Poole are just an hour away. London is also an hour by train. Communication Studies majors can receive upper-division core and core-option credit from the University of Winchester.
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