Study Abroad

The Center for International Education and Outreach is dedicated to fostering a culture of study abroad at Saint Francis University. Our diverse international programs give students an exciting way of completing credits and/or offering service. Study abroad introduces students to a new culture, a new way of life. They learn to recognize and appreciate how culture determines values and behaviors. Study abroad helps students develop skills and give them experiences a classroom setting will never provide. In addition to making friends around the world, study abroad increases students’ self confidence and will have a lasting impact on their world view. Students at Saint Francis University may participate in any of the study abroad programs listed below.

If you are interested in studying abroad, please contact The Center for International Education and Outreach at 814-472-3245, jhorvath@francis.edu or stop by 215 Schwab Hall . Details on any of the programs listed below may be found at : www.francis.edu/StudyAbroad.htm.

Semester in France

Students who spend a semester in France will stay in the University’s newly-renovated facility in Ambialet, located in southwestern France. The Semester in France program is based in Ambialet but includes two 10-day stays in Paris, plus numerous excursions. With the exception of airfare and personal spending, the cost for spending a semester in France is the same as a semester in Loretto. The student’s financial package applies.

The core academic program is 16 credits: 6 credits in French Language & Culture, 4 credits in Fine Arts, 3 credits in Religious Studies, plus an additional three credit course taught by a visiting professor (4 credits in BIOL 206 in the Spring 2010 semester; 3 credits in ECON 409 in the Fall 2010 semester). All classes are taught in English. Students have occasionally taken an additional on-line course through Continuing Education to help them maintain progress toward graduation.

Springtime in Italy

During the Springtime in Italy 4-week program students live in residence halls in Parma, Italy where they take classes from Saint Francis professors. Because tourism is not a large industry in Parma, students are able to experience true Italian culture and cuisine. The cost of a bicycle is included in the program cost, so students explore the city easily by pedaling around town just like locals.

Students may take 4 credits in Fine Arts (Drumming, Photography, Guitar, Culture and Values and/or Exploration in the Arts), and 3 credits in Italian Language. The cost of the program (approximately $5,300) includes: round trip airfare, tuition (7 credits); textbooks and course materials; domestic + Euro transport; TrenItalia 6 day pass; bicycle rental; room accommodations; medical insurance; optional cooking lessons.

Spanish in Mexico

Participants of the Spanish in Mexico 4-week, summer program become familiar with the Mexican culture, travel to new and interesting places and live with Mexican families.

Students may take a total of 7 credits: 1 credit of Exploration in the Arts, 3 credits in Spanish Language, 3 credits in Religious Studies, Sociology and/or International Communication or 6 credits in Spanish Language. Students will take the classes at the Universidad Interancional. Spanish language classes will meet 3 hours per weekday with conversation classes 1 hour per day. Students are placed at one of the 50 different language group levels, according to knowledge of Spanish, ability to communicate, fluency and age. Language majors or minors take two-hour mini courses according to interests and levels. Religious Studies, Sociology, or International Communications are taught in English. Advanced students may enroll in a 400-level Spanish course. The cost of the program (approximately $4,000) includes: tuition for 6 credits; room and board; transportation to/from US airport and SFU; airfare; transportation between airport in Mexico City and Universidad; eight excursions; textbooks; course registration fee; health insurance.

Spring Break in London

Business majors and Master of Business Administration students may travel to London for Spring break and earn 3 credits in an innovative hybrid course: Great Britain and the European Union in the Global Economy. This course is cross-listed as MGMT 409 , MKTG 409 , ECON 409 , FIN 409 , MIS 409 , MHRM 544 , or MBA 513 . This course includes required class meetings in Loretto and several WebCT online projects.

The cost of the program (approximately $2,200) includes airfare and room. Tuition, meals and incidentals are additional.

Spring Break in Paris

The Spring Break in Paris program provides students with firsthand education about the culture and history of Paris while practicing French language skills in a real-life setting. The program is intended for French majors and French minors, who will earn 3-6 credits towards the study abroad requirement upon successful completion of the program. The program is also open to any student who has already completed FREN 112 or FREN 102 , and who will therefore have elementary skills in French; students who are taking FREN 102 during the spring semester may enroll pending approval from the instructor.

The cost of the program (approximately $2,200) includes airfare, metro pass, room some meals, excursions and medical insurance.

Hugs for Honduras

Every spring break, students and faculty travel to El Progreso, Honduras to participate in service projects at Pro Nino, an organization that helps keep children off the streets. This program originated in 2004 and continues to attract students from all majors. While at Pro Nino, students participate in projects such as repairing buildings and providing medical care at clinics. Physician Assistant and Physical Therapy students are able to go with faculty members to clinics near El Progreso to help provide medical assistance to individuals who would otherwise have no access to medical care. Students are drawn to the Honduras program for opportunities to engage in service learning, interact with the children at Pro Nino, and have a meaningful spring break.

Ireland, Scotland, Australia and More

Saint Francis University belongs to the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad. This is a consortium of 24 schools that offer English-language programs in a variety of countries such as Australia, Hong Kong, India, England, Belize, Ghana, Ireland, and Scotland. Programs range from 10-day trips over Christmas break to semester-long internships. The amount of credits varies although all credits earned while participating in any of these programs go directly on the students’ Saint Francis University transcript.

Accommodations are usual ly in dormitories, hotels or in budget accommodations. Scholarships and financial aid are available. Participants who are 26 years of age or older do not need to enroll for credit. Program costs vary per program yet includes tuition (for SFU students), health insurance; round-trip transportation from designated cities; accommodations; daily breakfasts; a rail/bus pass; program excursions; airport transfers; and some additional meals.

Physical Therapy Clinical Education in Italy

Clinical education in another county offers a unique multicultural perspective. The DiSepio Institute grants two travel/study scholarships annually to support international clinical experience. Students need not speak the language of the host country, although some language preparation will be offered as part of the orientation program. Participating students will be assigned clinical instructors who speak English and will be able to document in English. Currently, students are hosted by Fondazione F. Turati in Gavinana in the province of Tuscany, Italy. Fondazione Turati is one of Italy’s leading rehabilitation and long-term care centers.

Physician Assistant Clinical Study Opportunities

During the clinical year (second year, professional phase), all students are required to complete clinical rotations in a number of specialties, including an elective rotation (for more information on rotations refer to the Master of Physician Assistant section of the catalog). With the approval of the Physician Assistant Program, students may seek the opportunity to complete the elective rotation internationally. International elective rotations may be set up with the assistance of an organization that provides medical missions to the underserved, or specializes in student placement of medical rotations internationally. One such program is Child Family Health International (CFHI). CFHI specializes in finding students medical experiences in places such as Bolivia, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Nicaragua, and South America. All students who wish to participate in clinical experiences abroad must be in good standing with the Physician Assistant Program and seek prior approval.