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 wishing to have a study abroad experience are strongly encouraged to enroll in a Saint Francis University Study Abroad program (list below) to ensure direct acceptance of the course work and credit. Students electing to participate in an international study abroad program outside of Saint Francis University should be aware that the transfer of those credits is not guaranteed. Credits from a Non-Saint Francis University study abroad program or independent travel abroad experience will be considered for transfer after the necessary paperwork is completed through the Registrar’s office. In order for federal financial aid to be available for outside study abroad, a consortium agreement is needed between Saint Francis University and the outside institution hosting the study abroad program. Students interested in this option must notify the financial aid offices at Saint Francis University and the host institution.

Students electing to travel for curricular or co-curricular purposes associated with degree requirements, and students participating in outside Study Abroad programs, will be required to sign a waiver releasing the University of any liabilities.

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 extended stays in Paris and Barcelona in addition to 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 10 credits: 3 credits in French Language & Culture, 4 credits in Fine Arts, 3 credits in Religious Studies. Additional courses are taught by visiting faculty. All classes are taught in English and students from every major are eligible for the program.

Summer in France

A four-week, summer program in France has been developed to accommodate students who cannot fit a semester in France into their schedules. Students stay in the Ambialet facility perched on a hilltop overlooking the Tarn Valley. Students will explore the French countryside, local castles, incredible cathedrals, museums and restaurants all while earning 6 to 7 credits. Courses available include 3 credits in French language and additional credits taught by the visiting faculty. Non credit cooking classes are also available.

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.

May in Mexico

Participants of the May in Mexico 4-week, summer may earn up to 7 credits while becoming familiar with the Mexican culture, traveling to new and interesting places and living within the land of the Maya located on the Yucatan Peninsula. Courses offered are: 1 credit of Exploration in the Arts, 3 credits in Spanish Language, 3 credits in Religious Studies, and/ or International Communication or 6 credits in Spanish Language. Advanced students may enroll in a 400-level Spanish course.

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 online projects.

Hugs United

During spring break, students in Hugs United travel to Central and Latin America where they work closely with an orphanage and provide much needed love and support. Students also volunteer in the local schools and work on construction projects. A medical team and physical therapy team, made up of Health Science students, provide work in the area clinics. A large number of students are drawn to spring break outreach programs for opportunities to engage in service learning, interact with the orphans, and have a meaningful spring break.

Ireland, Scotland, Australia and More

The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA) is a consortium of twenty-four schools throughout the nation, including Saint Francis University, with study abroad programs and internships in English speaking countries. Annually, programs are coordinated in Australia, Belize, Canada, England, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Scotland, South Africa, and other English-speaking areas. Students may receive credit for successfully completing the CCSA program in which they are enrolled. Classes are taught by faculty from consortium-member schools, including Saint Francis University. In addition, internships are available in Dublin, Ireland; London, England; and Sydney, Australia.

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.