Why History Majors Should Study Abroad

By Anita Shelton, Ph.D.
Chair, History

Anita Shelton

"Someone once said,”The past is like a foreign country – they do things differently there.” So, whatever kind of history you are interested in, as an historian you need that experience of immersing yourself in an environment where they “do things differently.” Of course, you don’t just need
this as an historian, you need it as a person! It gives you new perspectives, greater understanding of human variety, greater confidence in yourself, and an all-around broadening unmatched by any other experience. Another benefit is that it immeasurably enhances your credentials when you go out into the job market. It shows that you are a curious, independent and enterprising person. In our increasingly globalized society the experience of study abroad puts you right on the cutting edge. Of course, living and studying in a foreign country, with new places, different languages, new people and new foods is also exciting and just plain fun. My own experience with living and studying abroad was like a personal renaissance – I felt a world of new possibilities within myself blossom in the new environment. I can honestly say that I have never spoken to anyone who regretted having gone on Study Abroad, and most people are making plans for a return trip before they even get back home. So: pick a destination, pack your bags and head out. Bon voyage!"

Recommended Study Abroad Programs for History Majors


Belgium

Summer Archaeology in Belgium (faculty-led)
Louvain-la-Neuve
Summer
Spend a month in the summer getting hands-on experience digging a castle in Europe. Students learn the contextual parameters of the Walhain project by situating the castle historically in the evolution of the Walloon region of Belgium from Roman through Early Modern times and situating the research project scientifically in the developing field of medieval archaeology.

Brazil

Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (ISA program)
Florianopolis
Semester or Summer
Florianópolis, composed of one main island, one continental part and surrounding small islands, is a beautiful city in southern Brazil. It is a unique destination where the past and the present coexist harmoniously. The Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina takes pride in being a socially responsible and technologically advanced university. Ethnicity and Society in the History and Culture of Brazil is a course History majors would be interested in that is offered at the Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, which is a program available through ISA.

France

Paris Study Abroad (faculty-led)
Paris
Summer
Take an art history course in Paris, which has the greatest collection of cultural resources in the world. The art history course focuses on the development of the city as it has functioned in the modern world since its complete rebuilding in the middle of the nineteenth century and the artistic and literary responses to both that process and France's volatile political history. Art History and French course credits are available to History majors on this month long program.

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. Through the English Language Program at the University of Würzburg, History majors can take German World Cultural Heritage.

Italy

Lorenzo de Medici
Venice, Florence, Rome, Tuscania, or multiple cities in Italy
Summer, Semester or Year
Lorenzo de Medici (LDM) is one of the largest and leading international schools of Italy, with centers in Florence, Rome, Tuscania, and Venice.  You can choose to spend a summer or a semester in one of these cities, or you can choose three different cities for an unforgettable semester-long study abroad experience. Students at LdM have many opportunities to experience these Italian cities "beyond the postcard." History majors can take courses on the History of the part of Italy they are studying in.

Japan

Kansai Gaidai University
Hirakata, Osaka
Semester or Year
The Kyoto-Osaka area is arguably the most historically important in Japan, and Kansai Gaidai’s history classes offer field trips to fascinating historical sites. Since all courses in the Asian Studies Program, aside from those focusing on the Japanese language, are conducted in English, it is possible for students with no previous Japanese training to pursue an in-depth study of Japan and Asia.

North Cyprus

Eastern Mediterranean University
Famagusta
Summer, Semester or Year
Eastern Mediterranean University is located on an island in the Mediterranean Sea in the midst of three continents, which makes it easy and economical to travel to Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, and Egypt.  EMU is a comprehensive university with strong programs in many subject areas.  All EIU students receive a free room at EMU. Ottoman Paleography is an example of a course offered for History majors at Eastern Mediterranean University.

Poland

Jagiellonian University of Krakow (API Program)
Krakow
Summer, Semester or Year
For centuries, Poland has been a bridge between the East and West. Set in the heart of Europe, Poland is a multifaceted country where the capital and medieval towns are trawled by contemporary city slickers, and horse-drawn carts negotiate country lanes, untouched by progress. Over the past decade, it has developed into a modern, vibrant and progressive state, yet at the same time it maintains its traditional culture.

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.

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 courses in World, US and English history.
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. History electives are offered for History majors at the University of Glamorgan.

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