Why Philosophy Majors Should Study Abroad
By Jonelle DePetro, Ph.D.
Chair, Philosophy
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"Philosophers are notoriously curious. The domain of philosophy uniquely includes all other disciplines, history, science, art, literature, language. What better way then, to discover the truths about one’s history and the possibilities for one’s future than to include study abroad as part of the process of education? Education truly is a process for philosophers; it is not simply job training or |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Philosophy Majors
Australia
Griffith University
Brisbane
Semester or Year
Brisbane, with a population of 1.6 million people, is Australia's third largest city after Sydney and Melbourne, and is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live. The population is very young and culturally diverse. Griffith provides many opportunities for study abroad students to become acquainted with the area through orientation activities and arranged day or overnight trips. Philosophy majors can take core, core-option and elective course while at Griffith University.
Greece
American College of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
Summer, Semester or Year
Greece -- home of the Olympian gods, sun-filled, passionate -- has been a destination popular with visitors for centuries."Undiscovered" Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, true crossroads of East and West, and gateway to the Balkans. Founded in 315 B.C, Thessaloniki is now a modern seaport city of 1.5 million inhabitants renowned for its wide avenues, neighborhood squares and tree-lined streets. While at ACT Philosophy majors can take lower-division core classes and general education courses.
Ireland
National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Maynooth
Semester of Year
The National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM) is located in County Kildare, Maynooth, about 15 miles west of Dublin city center. The student population is about 1/2 that of EIU at just over 6,000 students. NUIM has a rich history dating back to 1795 and is Ireland's 2nd oldest university. Maynooth has a classic, Irish feel with many historical sites and quaint country roads to visit and explore. NUIM offers upper-division courses for Philosophy majors.
Italy
The Good Life (faculty-led)
Siena (Tuscany), Rome, Florence
Semester of Year
The focus of this course is the meaning of the good life. Participants study the film “La Dolce Vita” which is about the present state and future of Western Civilization. It explores the question of how one can and ought to live one’s life. The film is set in Rome and it is to these Roman monuments and Italian imagery and culture that we will concentrate our study.
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." Religion and Culture in Italy is a course offered through the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department at LdM.
Japan
Kansai Gaidai University
Hirakata, Osaka
Semester or Year
Study Zen Buddhism and Shinto religion in their birthplaces! Kansai Gaidai offers several courses on Eastern religions. 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.
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. Realisms and Anti-Realisms is an example of a course offered by the University of Otago for Philosophy majors.
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.
United Kingdom
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. Philosophy majors can get credit for PHI 3980 at the University of Winchester.
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.
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