Why Psychology Majors Should Study Abroad
By John Mace, Ph.D.
Chair, Psychology
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"Psychology is the study of human behavior. One infl uence on behavior that is not discussed very much in most psychology classes is culture. Believe it or not, everyone does not behave and think like the Americans who are the subjects of most psychological research. There is no better way to learn of cultural influences on behavior than to study in another country. Studying abroad will allow you the |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Psychology Majors
Greece
Odyssey in Athens
Athens
Summer, Semester or Year
Odyssey in Athens is designed to afford college students a rich cultural experience in the birthplace of Western civilization while they take accredited, upper-level courses in their chosen fields of study. Odyssey in Athens is based in the facilities of the University of Indianapolis, Athens Campus in the heart of downtown - footsteps away from the Plaka, the old section of Athens at the base of the Acropolis. Psychology majors can take core and electives courses while at the Athens Campus of the University of Indianapolis.
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 lower-division core courses for Psychology majors.
Italy
Palazzi: Apicius and FUA
Florence, Italy
Summer, Semester or Year
Against the backdrop of Florence, a vibrant city layered in Renaissance art and history, you will experience modern Florentine life. Both schools, Apicius and FUA, are located within walking distance of such landmarks as the Uffizi Gallery museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Accademia. All Palazzi courses aim to provide students with the tools to expand their social, intercultural, and professional horizons. While at Palazzi, Psychology majors can take upper-level electives and general education courses.
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. It is an ideal school for those who wish to study theatre. Psychology of Crime is a course offered at LdM.
Japan
Kansai Gaidai University
Hirakata, Osaka
Semester or Year
Learn how psychology is practiced in the East in this unique program. 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. You have the option of living with a host family or in a dormitory. Yoga, Buddhism and Taoism: Psychology Applications is a course offered at Kansai Gaidai that Psychology majors might find of interest.
The Netherlands
Multicultural Human Behavior
Maastricht
Summer
This course will introduce students to a variety of topics related to the influence of culture on behavior. General topics (e.g., cultural categorization, ethnocentrism) as well as more specific topics (e.g., culture and violence, gender roles) will be explored. Taking this course in Europe will allow students to discuss topics within the classroom and then observe cultural differences and similarities in another country.
New Zealand
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. Forensic Psychology is a course offered at Massey University.
United Kingdom
University of Westminster
London
Summer, Semester or Year
Located in the center of London, Westminster students have easy access to London's world class theatres, libraries, museums, shops, and other entertainment venues. London is a city of 8 million people with enough museums, social and cultural events, gardens, shopping, and sight-seeing to keep you busy for months, if not years! You will never be bored as a student studying in London. Developmental Psychology, among others, is a course offered at the University of Westminster.
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. Upper-division courses for Psychology majors are offered at the University of Winchester.
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 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
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