Sign Up for 2013 Study Abroad Programs by Oct. 31

International study can be a sound investment and an important growth experience for college students. Radford University students who want to enrich themselves personally and professionally can select from a full complement of study abroad programs at the RU International Education Center. The application deadline for spring semester 2013 is Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Twenty faculty-led study abroad programs are scheduled for either spring break or summer 2012. Spring break destinations include France, the Galapagos Islands and the Netherlands. Destinations for the summer programs, which award academic credit, are China, Finland, the Middle East and Australia.

A study abroad experience in England will be led by Richard Straw, professor of history. He described the three-week excursion as one "that will immerse students in the history and culture of London as well as other areas of England."

In London the class will explore the back alleys and major historical and cultural sites of the city with an expert guide who knows places that average visitors would be long in discovering on their own. Straw said the class will make day trips by train to other parts of England, including Stonehenge, Canterbury Cathedral, the Roman city of Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, Windsor Castle and the Cotswolds.

"Study abroad is an extraordinary opportunity for students," Straw said. "Rarely in life will most of us have the chance to take three weeks to really get to know a new place—its history, culture, people, food, sights and sounds."

Another study abroad opportunity is being organized by Matt Turner, associate professor of communication, whose class will visit New Zealand for a three-week tour of the island country and its media marketplace. "We will focus on the role of international media and intercultural communication," he said. "It can be transformative to see how others live and experience our world."

RU students can also study abroad for a semester or a year with one of 20 affiliate program providers or with one of eight RU exchange program partners, including France’s Blaise Pascal University, University of Kassel in Germany and Japan’s Kansai Gaidai University. Exchange programs allow RU students to pay regular Radford tuition and study overseas without paying tuition at the host institution. Affiliate programs charge a fee that usually includes at least tuition and housing.

"Graduates who have studied abroad or participated in professional work experiences in other countries will have a distinct advantage in the job market," said Teresa King, director of the International Education Center. "Study abroad experience on a resume demonstrates independence, self-confidence and experience in the global marketplace."

Radford University students interested in studying abroad must complete the online application. To learn more, visit the International Education Center in 108 Cook Hall, call (540) 831-6200, or email iec@radford.edu.