Study Abroad – Albright College

Study Abroad

  • Valerie Velasquez-Melendez in front of the Louvre in Paris
  • Angelica Malone on a bridge in Costa Rica
    Angelica Malone on a bridge in Costa Rica
  • Abigail Hai on a boat in Turks and Caicos
    Abigail Hai on a boat in Turks and Caicos
  • Albright students and faculty in at Cajas National Park in Ecuador
    Albright students and faculty in at Cajas National Park in Ecuador
  • Emily McCormick in London admiring a rainbow
    Emily McCormick in London admiring a rainbow
  • Albright College students studying abroad in China
    Albright College students studying abroad in China
  • Madeline Kentner in Tanzania with a local villager
    Madeline Kentner in Tanzania with a local villager
  • Zyaire Valentine in front of the Mona Lisa in Paris
    Zyaire Valentine in front of the Mona Lisa in Paris

Adventure Awaits!

There is no better way to learn about yourself, expand your worldview, discover new strengths and abilities, and conquer new challenges than by spending significant time in a different country.

  • Begin your journey by viewing the Study Abroad 101 video to learn more about the requirements, options, and application process. Students may also study off campus domestically through programs that offer specialized coursework that Albright may not offer or do an internship combined with coursework here in the U.S.
  • After exploring the information below, check out our Lions Learning Abroad Canvas page for additional information.
  • Students who are planning to study abroad for a full semester or a non-Albright summer program should also make an appointment to discuss options.

Getting Started

Deadlines:

Albright Internal Application Deadlines (Faculty-Led programs):

    • Deadlines will vary by program, so please check your particular program.

Study Abroad External Application (non-faculty-led programs) and ALL Albright Scholarship Deadlines:

    • Summer, and Fall 2023 Programs — March 7, 2025
    • Interim and Spring Semester 2024 Study Abroad –October 4, 2024

Eligibility to Study Abroad:

Students wishing to study abroad or off-campus in a domestic program may do so upon completion of two full-time semesters at Albright. This means students may study abroad as early as the summer between the first and second year at Albright. Most Albright College students study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. Seniors may study abroad during their fall semester only.

Students interested in studying abroad must be in good academic standing, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 / 4.0. Students must also be in good financial standing and good social standing.

Getting Started:

Students should watch Study Abroad 101, or attend a Study Abroad 101 session with a Peer Educator to learn about their options and the application process. The next step is to then to make an appointment with the director, Kim Justeson, to go over the application process. We are located in the Experiential Learning and Career Development on Linden Street next door to the Gable Health Center.

Financial Aid:

In general, students are eligible to apply their federal financial aid when they study abroad for the fall or spring semester. This aid includes Pell Grants, state grants, subsidized and unsubsidized Loans, etc. as well as outside scholarships and loans. Students are generally not able to use their Albright scholarships to study off campus but there are several Albright scholarships for study abroad. Many Albright affiliates offer additional scholarships for which Albright students can apply, and there are other opportunities, including the Gilman Scholarship, (for students receiving a Pell Grant) which we can discuss with you when you make an appointment to talk with our staff.

Students studying on an exchange program pay their usual Albright College tuition (all financial aid applies) and then pay their room and board costs to the host institution.

Academics:

If you are considering a semester study abroad experience, you should meet with your academic advisor to think about a game plan for when the most advantageous time is for you to study abroad. Your advisor can work with you to begin thinking about timing and courses for your experience abroad.

Albright College Study Abroad Application:

EXTERNAL SEMESTER or SUMMER: A student desiring to study abroad or off-campus must complete an Albright College Study Abroad application by the appropriate deadline. This application can be found on our Lions Learning Abroad Canvas Page. This application is separate from the application you will complete for the program provider. You must click “Join Course” in order to submit the application.

You will also have an online application to complete for the program provider or exchange school.

INTERNAL FACULTY-LED: Students will need to complete the Albright Short-Term Faculty-Led Program application on the Lions Learning Abroad Canvas Page.

2025 Albright Faculty-Led Programs

Albright Faculty-Led ProgramsAlbright professors often lead programs abroad during the January interim session, spring break or summer sessions. We especially encourage students with high financial need to consider a faculty-led study abroad program. Scholarships and other special funding may be available. Please note that students must be in good financial standing before applying payments to a study abroad program.



Spring 2025 Course with Travel Components

Spring Break Cultural Study in Paris, France and Madrid, Spain, March 15-22, 2025

Learn about the cultural vitality and diversity of Paris and Madrid with faculty experts. Open to students enrolled in a French or Spanish course Spring 2025. (FRENCH101/102/202/301 & SPANISH 101/102/201/202/302/3xx)

Approximate cost: $2,500 – 3,000 (details coming soon)

Please contact: Arcana Albright aalbright@albright.edu or Katherine Brown kbrown@albright.edu

 


Summer 2025

Dinosaurs and Paleontology Lab Info Coming Soon!

DATES: July – August 2025 (approximate–will be updated soon)

Does digging for dinosaurs sound like your idea of a fantastic summer? Then this biology lab course with Dr. Cost is for you! This half-credit lab course accompanies the spring 2025 course that meets on campus. Course can count as a Natual Science Foundations.

BIO 115/215    Dinosaurs and Paleontology Lab

Students will work in an Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Sauropod quarry from the Jurassic time period.The work done here includes geological surveying, fossil removal and much more. This location will afford students a unique opportunity to work in a modern paleontological field site and to witness the many different branches of science which must work together to make this project successful.

Expected Cost Range: $2,800 – $3,300

Interim 2025

Summer, and Fall 2024 Programs — March 8, 2024

Interim and Spring Semester 2025 Programs — Study Abroad October 4, 2024

 

Study Abroad Scholarships– Albright College recognizes that study abroad can be financially challenging and offers a range of scholarships to help make this worthwhile endeavor accessible to as many students as possible. Scholarship descriptions, eligibility and the application are below.

Beall Scholarship for Study Abroad – Recognizing the important role of service-oriented experiential learning generally, and of study abroad in particular, Albright College offers scholarship support to students with financial need but who wish to study abroad on a semester or short term program. The student must participate in an activity that will both help the local community in the host country and increase the student’s engagement with the foreign culture. The activity must be an appropriate service-learning course, volunteer project or service-related research or internship experience that is arranged in advance with the program or university abroad. Please see the Beall Scholarship Suggested Programs list for pre-approved programs. Other programs can be approved by the Experiential Learning director. Students must have a minimum 2.75 GPA to apply for the Beall Scholarship.This award was established through the generosity of Robert J. Beall, Ph.D. and Mary Ellen O’Connor Beall, M.S.

Betsy Kiddy International Study Fund -This scholarship will be used to support student study abroad in South America with preference given to students studying in Chile and Brazil. This merit scholarship is intended for students with two semesters of language study who will pursue intensive language study during their study abroad experience.

Marian Frances Wolbers Study Abroad Scholarship – Established by Michael John Walker in honor of Marian Frances Wolbers in celebration of their lifelong friendship and devotion to Japan, which started at Keio University’s International Center. This study abroad scholarship is available to all Albright students with financial need and is awarded with preference for students studying in Japan or other East Asian countries.

Ashley Adams Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship requires language study at Albright and demonstrated merit and need. Applications are due in late March/early April for the summer, fall, interim, or spring of the upcoming academic year. For more information please see the department website or contact Dr. Adam John (ajohn@albright.edu).

Scholarship for Year of Study In Scotland – The Foundation of The St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia invites Albright to nominate one student to apply for a scholarship to study in Scotland. The purpose of the scholarships is to foster cultural exchange and the development of each individual student through his or her year at one of the four ancient universities of Scotland. This is a full-year program and the scholarship awarded totals $25,000.

Requirements
Each student applicant must satisfy each of the requirements below in order to be considered for one of the scholarships:

  • Nomination: The student must be nominated by Albright College
  • Full Time: The student must be a full time registered student at your institution
  • Top Quarter of Class:The student must be in the top quarter of his/her class
  • United States Citizen:The student must be a United States Citizen

Each nominee will be expected to attend the spring quarterly dinner in Philadelphia where they will speak briefly (5 min. or less) about their current studies and activities, and his/her planned study and activities during the year in Scotland. If selected, scholarship recipients will be expected to attend a second dinner to speak about his/her year in Scotland.

Deadline for study for the next academic year is mid-February. Deadline is firm to give staff time to review, rank and submit applications. For more information contact Kim Justeson. Applications can be downloaded from the website.

External Scholarships-In addition to Albright study abroad scholarships and funding through study abroad program providers, students are encouraged to apply for scholarships found at the links below:

Albright College has selected the following study abroad and domestic programs as affiliates. An affiliate is a highly recommended program and provides valuable educational programs and cultural experiences to participating students. Studying with an affiliate provides an Albright College student access to affiliate-sponsored scholarships and other perks unavailable to non-affiliated students.

Academic Programs International (API)API offers programs in 50 cities within 21 countries. API was founded in 1997 by four women dedicated to providing high quality, affordable study abroad programs for U.S. students.

American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS): AIFS provides quality study abroad programs for an academic year, a semester or a summer in locations in Europe, Africa and Australia.

Arcadia University: The Arcadia University Center for Education abroad offers more than 100 fully accredited undergraduate programs in 14 countries, as well as internships, field research, and service learning opportunities, for a semester, summer, or academic year. Explore New Zealand, Australia, China, India, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, South Africa and Tanzania!

CEA/CAPA, The Global Education Network: CEA/CAPA has developed distinct programs in select cities around the world and has worked with higher education institutions for 45 years to meet their goals for learning abroad. The “Albright in London” program partners with CAPA for our fall semester in London.

Center for International StudiesFor more than a decade, CIS, the Center for International Studies, has been providing safe, challenging, life-changing experiences. Programs are available in Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland and Spain.

ISA by Worldstrides: For over twenty-five years, International Studies Abroad (ISA) has provided college students in the US and Canada the opportunity to explore the world.

The School for Field Studies (SFS): is one of the country’s oldest and largest undergraduate environmental study abroad programs. Through their network of field stations in places like Australia, Bhutan, Peru, and Turks and Caicos Islands, SFS takes students out of the classroom and into communities around the world to engage in high-quality field research, exploring and examining the interdependent cultural, economic and ecological aspects of real-world environmental issues. In the end, students leave their SFS program with a deeper understanding of the complexity of environmental issues, and a unique perspective on what it really takes to develop long-term conservation solutions.

SSA-Education Abroad: SSA-Education Abroad (formerly Spanish Studies Abroad) has provided unique learning experiences in the historic city of Seville, Spain since 1969. Since then, they have grown to providing programs in Alicante and Barcelona Spain; Córdoba, Argentina; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Havana, Cuba. They offer semester, academic year, January, May and Summer programs. You can choose your courses from a broad curriculum taught in Spanish and English concentrating in a wide variety of disciplines, especially the Spanish language, and you will receive personalized attention as you seek your goals.

The Washington Center: For over 35 years, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars has helped more than 50,000 students from around the world gain valuable experience, and set them on a course of achievement, leadership and engagement in their communities.

Exchanges

Albright offers several exchange programs in which students pay Albright tuition during the semester that they study at a university abroad. Please contact Kim Justeson, kjusteson@albright.edu, in the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center for more information on our expanding list of exchange programs. Albright students should not begin an application with an exchange partner without first meeting with the director.

Universidad Mayor-Chile-Albright’s newest exchange is a fantastic opportunity for students to become more fluent in Spanish. Students take an intensive month-long Spanish course prior to the semester which will prepare them to then take courses in Spanish at one of the university’s locations in Santiago and Temuco.

Universite Grenoble Alpes -This new exchange is for students who would like to study in Grenoble, France. Students take French language and culture classes as well as content-area courses in English or French.

Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul, South KoreaEwha Womans University offers “International Exchange and Study Abroad Program“ and “International Co-Ed Summer College” for both male and female exchange and visiting students.

Sookmyung University, Seoul, South Korea- Sookmyung Women’s University accepts both male and female students for their international exchange program. Students can study for a semester or full academic year with a selection of over 150 courses in English.

Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan-Ochanomizu University was founded in 1875 as Tokyo Women’s Normal School, Japan’s first institution of higher education for women. Ochanomizu accepts female exchange students only. While most courses at the university require advanced knowledge of Japanese, they offer a summer program that caters to students with a beginning level of Japanese or no prior knowledge.

Nanjing Xiaozhuang University-Nanjing Xiaozhuang University (NXZU) is located in Nanjing, China. Nanjing, an ancient capital city of six dynasties, is called the “live fossil “of modern times. NXZU attaches great importance to international exchange and educational cooperation, as well as opening education to the outside world.

Special Consortium Exchanges:

Irish American Scholars-Albright participates in an exchange with a program representing 5 universities in Northern Ireland. It is possible for Albright to send up to three students each semester on this exchange.

Students may choose from the following schools: Belfast Metropolitan College, Queens University, St. Mary’s University College, Stranmillis University College, University of Ulster. Applicants must be juniors or seniors and have a minimum 3.2 GPA. Deadline for applications to be turned in to the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center is January 25, 2024 Deadline is firm to give director time to review, rank and submit applications.

Germany-Reutlingen Exchange and Danzer Scholarship-Reading, PA and Reutlingen, Germany are sister cities. Students selected for this exchange are able to study at the University of Reutlingen for the fall semester and take Business classes in English as well as an intense German language course. Students pay their normal Albright tuition with all financial aid and receive an additional scholarship. No prior German language is required. For more information please visit the Exchange Webpage.

Deadline to apply for the Danzer Scholarship is Feb 1.

Contact Kim Justeson for more information.


Application Information

Get Advice about Program Choice

  1. Your first step will be to attend a Study Abroad 101 session or meet with a Peer Educator. This session/meeting will give you a basic overview of the process and tools to find a program that works best for you.
  2. Meet with your Academic Advisor about what you might want to do and where you might want to study. Your Academic Advisor can help you narrow down academic options and make sure that you can fulfill your degree plan requirements on the study abroad program of your choice.
  3. Next, meet with the Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning. You can make an appointment on Handshake.

After deciding which program is the best academic and financial fit you can begin the application process.

Obtain Albright College Approval to Study Abroad

To study abroad, you will need to complete the five-part Albright College Application for Studying Abroad / Off-campus. The Director of Experiential Learning will go over the application process with you during your appointment. This application process will help you ensure all academic and financial obligations are met and will include the following steps:

  1. Obtain approval of your anticipated courses from the appropriate department chair or faculty member. Choose extra courses in case classes are closed or other unanticipated circumstances prevent you from taking your original courses.
  2. Meet with the Financial Aid Office and Student Accounts Office to discuss financial aid eligibility and payment procedures.
  3. Obtain a budget breakdown of the program and living expenses for your chosen program. You can usually obtain a detailed budget of expected costs from the program provider. This will give you anticipated spending for costs outside of tuition and housing costs.

Apply to a Study Abroad Program

Once you decide on a program provider (or university, if direct-enrolling) then you will need to apply to that program provider or host institution who will be sponsoring your program.  In almost all cases this application will be online and can be found on the program provider or host institution’s website.

Please note that you will be completing two separate applications with Albright’s application to be turned into the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center and your program’s application to be submitted to the program provider.


More Information

Experiential Learning And Career Development

Building: Experiential Learning and Career Development Center
(ELCDC) located in the Geiser House
Address: 1817 Linden Street – next to Gable Health Center
Telephone: 610-921-7630
Email: elcdc@albright.edu
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Kim Justeson, Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning & Student Professional Development

Telephone: 610-921-7630
Email: kjusteson@albright.edu

Upcoming Events

STUDY ABROAD 101 -Watch our video anytime to learn more about how study abroad works at Albright College.

Have a question about study abroad, or want to learn more? Schedule an appointment with a peer educator on Handshake or drop by the ELCDC.

The 2023 Study Abroad Fair — Wednesday, September 20, 11:00 – 1:30 pm, Student Center, South Lounge

 

News

Click here to get a peek into Janae Taft’s study abroad experience in Ghana!

 

Myth #1:   Only foreign language majors can study abroad.

Fact: No matter what your concentration, you CAN study abroad. It is possible to take courses in English through a program provider in a non-English speaking country.

Myth #2: I have to pay Albright tuition during the semester(s) I am gone.

Fact: When you study off-campus, you only pay the price of that particular abroad program. There are no extra fees from Albright. In some cases students end up paying less than they do at Albright!

Myth #3: None of my grants, loans, or scholarships can be used to pay for my off-campus study.

Fact: Albright scholarships, such as the Presidential, Founders and talent scholarships, cannot be used for off-campus study. However, Pell Grants, Stafford loans, Perkins loans, State grants and most privately funded scholarships may be used.

Myth #4: If I’m a science major, I have to take all my classes here at Albright.

Fact: There are many science programs offered all over the world. Science is universal and is taught the same almost everywhere. Who knows, maybe organic chemistry makes sense in England!

Myth #5: I have to go to another country to study off-campus.

Fact: There are many domestic programs available right here in the United States, including the Washington Center, the Philadelphia Center, and the National Theatre Institute.

Myth #6: The application process is hard and time consuming. It’s not worth the effort.

Fact: The Albright application process is easy and straightforward. The application process for specific programs varies widely with some requiring a written essay, recommendation, etc. You do have to invest a little time, but it’s very manageable and well worth it in the end–just ask anyone who has done it. The staff at the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center is helpful and will guide you through the entire process.  Make an appointment today: elcdc@albright.edu or 610-921-7630.

Regardless of your major, you can study abroad. Don’t be surprised if the Director of Experiential Learning visits one (or more!) of your classes. Our outreach program is designed to help you understand the importance of studying abroad and its connection to your academic life here at Albright.

In addition to classroom visits, we host programs in residence halls and with student organizations. If you would like us to present a program to your student organization or in your residence hall, contact us.

Take advantage of Study Abroad 101 and our Peer Educators, who will be available to answer your questions about off-campus studying. They will share their experiences and offer encouragement to you not only to consider studying abroad, but to actually do it!

We host a Study Abroad Fair during the Fall semester, thereby enabling you to meet with representatives of many programs at once. Check the News and Events section for details.

We encourage parents, family and friends of a Study Abroad participant to share in the preparation, support, and re-entry of your student. We invite you to explore many different resources that can inform you about Study Abroad and assist you in supporting a Study Abroad participant. You can also find many helpful links under our Resources page.

Advising Students

Faculty can be wonderful advocates for studying abroad.  Sharing your experiences and enthusiasm can make the difference in whether a student follows through with their plans to study abroad or not. Some quick tips to help with advising students:

    • The earlier the better! Students will be better able to plan academically and financially for study abroad programs when they begin planning as freshmen. Encourage students to be in touch with Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning & Student Professional Development, Kim Justeson, as soon as possible.
    • Students in ALL Majors can study abroad. Certain majors have a bit more difficulty studying abroad for a full semester, but with summer and short-term programs their needs can be met as well.
    • Students must seek approval for each course they hope to take, as well as several alternates, from the appropriate Albright department chair. Students are told to provide a full course description from the institution or provider to allow the department chair to make an informed decision. The department chair has the final say as to whether the course credit abroad will be accepted at Albright College upon completion of the course with a C- or above. Only course credit transfers, not the grade.

Short-Term Faculty-Led Programs Abroad

Participating in an education abroad opportunity can be the highlight of a student’s undergraduate experience. Faculty-led study abroad programs are one important way to promote experiential learning through international education on a short term basis, making it within the reach of many students who would not otherwise be able to study abroad. The Handbook for Faculty-Led Programs Abroad will guide you as you consider planning and implementing a short-term study abroad course. Additional resources for planning courses abroad include: The Forum on Education Abroad’s Standards of Good Practice and NAFSA: The Association of International Educators’ website.

You don’t need to create a study abroad course alone though. Albright works with partner programs and can connect you with organizations who will handle travel logistics while you focus on the academics. The proposal forms below will guide you in your planning of a course. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kim Justeson for guidance in completing the forms.