The most important step in preparing to study abroad is finding a program that suits your academics goals and personal interests. When browsing through your program options, try to ask yourself the 'skills question' that our staff asks at the beginning of each information session. What do you want to do with study abroad? What kinds of skills are you hoping to develop during your time overseas that you can't do here on campus?

Villanova Year-Semester Programs

Following the policy listed in Program Criteria, the OIS currently coordinates four Villanova year-semester programs that are open to all students. The hallmark of a Villanova semester program is that at least one of the classes students take is offered only to Villanova students.  Villanova semester programs tend to require a higher level of independence and are geared towards immersing students in their host country. 

• Irish Studies at NUI Galway
• Italian Studies at Universitá degli Studi di Urbino
• Australian Studies at the University of Melbourne
• Spanish Studies at the Universidad de Cádiz
  
  The OIS also helps coordinate additional programs that are only available to certain majors. Participants in these programs must work with their major/college advisor as well as an advisor from the OIS to plan their semester or year abroad.
• Semester Vatican Internship: Only Communication and Computer Science Majors
• Sophomore Year Nursing Program at the University of Manchester

Non-Villanova Year-Semester Programs

If one of the Villanova programs doesn’t quite meet your needs, you are encouraged to research non-Villanova year or semester programs. Non-Villanova year or semester programs come in may forms and are offered in many different locations around the world. Over half of our students participate in non-Villanova programs for the year or semester.

To help you sort through the many options, the OIS has categorized the universities and programs that Villanova students have attended in the past. You may notice that some universities and programs fall under more than one category. When looking through the universities and programs in each category, try not to focus just on ‘familiar’ countries or locations. The right program for you might be in a more ‘non-traditional’ location. Villanova students have studied on every continent (except Antarctica) so you shouldn’t feel restricted by geography.

• Direct Enrollment - This means that you apply directly to the Host University or Overseas Program as a Visiting Student. This is often the most independent option and may require that you coordinate your own housing with the International Office at your Host University or Overseas Program.
   
• Program Provider - This means that you apply through a US-based Organization that helps you coordinate your study abroad. Most Program Providers guarantee housing and may also provide additional programming and on-site support.  Program Providers can be used for English-speaking countries, but are often encouraged for non-English speaking countries, especially if you don't have a background in the host country's language.  Many Program Providers in non-English speaking countries will offer courses taught in both the host language and in English.

Non-Villanova Summer Programs

If you can't go abroad for the semester, there are plenty of summer options available.  Students may choose to participate in a Villanova Summer Program, but there are many Non-Villanova Summer Programs too.  All non-Villanova Summer Programs must meet the same program criteria as the semester programs.  In addition, in order to receive Villanova credit, the non-Villanova Summer program must be at least 6 weeks long and if you are studying in a non-English speaking country, you must take at least one course in the language.  There is also a $250 administrative fee for all students who wish to receive credit for a non-Villanova Summer Program. 

Study Abroad by Major - Advising Sheets

Where can I study...

• Business
• Communication
• Geography and the Environment
  
  COMING SOON!
• Health Studies
• Internships
   

Still Searching for the Right Program?

Use the Overseas Course Database to see where Villanova students have taken classes in the past.

You can also use online search engines to help find the overseas experience that fits in with their academic goals. Please visit www.IIEPassport.org and www.studyabroad.com to learn more about study abroad options. PLEASE NOTE: Not all study abroad programs found through these independent search engines will meet Villanova's program policy.  Please check with your OIS advisor before applying.