Having the opportunity to attend a university in the heart of San Francisco allows us Dons to explore little samples of foreign cultures through Chinatown, Little Italy, Japan town, and other cultural hubs within our vibrant and diverse city. Getting to discover these different areas can spark a severe case of wanderlust and inspire us to travel… however, as college students, it can be costly, time-consuming, and seems almost impossible when we take our academic priorities into account--but don’t lose hope! Did you know about USF’s amazing sponsored programs that allow you to study abroad while paying tuition via USF? Besides airfare and personal expenses, USF makes it easy to study at a foreign university temporarily and transfer courses easily. Here are 7 fantastic USF-sponsored study aboard programs that you should consider applying for:
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Want to be immersed in a country known for their thousands of beaches, street art, lively music, and fun-loving people? This USF program allows you to spend a semester or a year in one of the most vibrant and exciting cities at the Jesuit University, Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). At PUC-Rio, you have the opportunity to take both Portuguese-taught and English-taught courses in areas such as Brazilian Culture, Literature, Business, Design, Civilization and History, International Relations, and Sociology.
2. London, England
Can you imagine how amazing it would be to live only steps away from Kensington Palace, the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park? Believe it or not, this dream is totally possible if you choose to study abroad at the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) in central London. Courses at AIFS are offered in numerous disciplines and you also have the option to take on an internship in this global and historical city.
3. Tokyo, Japan
Are you feeling inspired by SF’s Japantown? Then USF’s study aboard program at Sophia University, the prestigious Jesuit University founded in 1913 in the heart of Tokyo. USF students can choose from a great variety of courses and no previous Japanese language course is required. Sophia University offers high quality education with a global perspective.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
Want to put your Spanish into practice? Spend an academic year or semester at the Jesuit Universidad Iberoamericana—Santa Fé campus in Mexico City. Students have the option to choose from Spanish language courses as well as Latin American studies. If you have a high level of Spanish you can enroll in regular university courses in Humanities and Professional studies.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
This unique program is a semester-long service learning opportunity at Marquette University in South Africa where you can earn credit at the Leadership Academy of the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre and the University of the Western Cape. While you’re here, you will be working with a community-based grassroots organization twice a week throughout the semester.
6. Brisbane, Melbourne or North Sydney, Australia
Want to get away from the San Francisco fog and soak up some sunshine in Australia? Well this may be the program for you! With multiple campuses along the Eastern coast of Australia, students can choose their ideal location to attend the Australian Catholic University. ACU has smaller classroom sizes and various student support services as well as a high commitment to the moral and ethical aspects of all areas of study, which encourage students to think critically and fully engage in the education process. This program is ideal for those wishing to take classes in areas such as Business, Education, Environmental Science, Theology, Philosophy, Psychology, Exercise Science, Social Sciences, and Visual Arts.
7. Rome, Italy
Do as the Romans do, right? Eat like an Italian, study like an Italian, and live like an Italian through Loyola University Chicago’s John Felice Rome Center campus located on Monte Mario, Rome’s highest hill. This program offers courses in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This amazing campus is only a short bus ride to the heart of Rome, which is still today the ancient and vibrant capital of Italy.
In conclusion, I encourage all readers to consider studying abroad for the cultural experience, life-long friendships, to go out of your college comfort zone, and to gain a global perspective. Also, take into account that the programs listed above are only 7 out of 74! So, take the time to stop by the USF Center for Global education on Lone Mountain, Room 340 to learn more!
