Why Sociology-Anthropology Majors Should Study Abroad
By Craig Eckert, Ph.D.
Chair, Sociology-Anthropology
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"One of the most important concepts in the fields of sociology and anthropology is ethnocentrism. The term refers to the tendency of people to judge cultures different than their own as being inherently inferior. Sociologists and anthropologists, in contrast, adopt a stance of cultural relativism, the need to evaluate cultures on their own terms, to see how different behaviors and customs 'make sense' in the context of a specific culture. Study Abroad, perhaps more than any other venue, provides an ideal opportunity for students to develop a sense of cultural relativism, to immerse themselves in cutlures far different from ours and, at the same time, come to appreciate the nuances of different cultures. In so doing, Study Abroad becomes a truly life-changing experience, one than enhances the possibility of Eastern students truly becoming 'global citizens.'" |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Sociology Majors
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. Social Movements is a course for Sociology majors offered at the University of Würzburg.
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. Core and elective courses for Sociology majors can be taken at the Athens Campus of the University of Indianapolis.
Greece, Turkey, and Egypt
Sultans, Gods, and Pharaohs: Physical and Social Landscapes Across Three Continents (faculty-led)
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkake, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Esna, Luxor
Summer
This 4-credit study abroad experience will take you to three continents and three countries to see how physical and social landscapes influence one another. Mountains, plains, rivers, seas, and valleys will provide the physical landscapes of study as we examine social landscapes of past and present including ancient and modern religious practices, governments, education, and family/gender roles.
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 core and elective courses for Sociology majors.
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." Sociology and History of Italian Mafia is a course offered through the Sociology Department at LdM.
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 an outstanding cultural environment where students will be able to nurture their talents. Both schools, Apicius and FUA, are located within walking distance of such landmarks as the Uffizi Gallery museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Accademia. While at Palazzi, Sociology majors can take upper-division anthropology, upper-division sociology and general education courses.
Japan
Kansai Gaidai University
Hirakata, Osaka
Semester or Year
A variety of sociology and anthropology classes, focusing on Japan and taught in English, are available at Kansai Gaidai. 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. Issues in Contemporary Japanese Society and Culture is a course that might interest Sociology majors.
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. One of the courses Sociology majors could take at Massey University is Family, Intimacy and Domestic Life.
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. SOC 2961 is an example of a course offered at the University of Winchester for Sociology majors.
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. Sociology majors can take core courses and electives while at the University of Glamorgan.
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