Local Roots, Global Reach

Vietnam. Cambodia & Thailand. Germany. South Africa. Peru. Switzerland. Costa Rica. South Korea. India. Spain. Mexico. Australia. Italy. Nicaragua. New Zealand. Recent exciting destinations in the US include Hawaii and Yellowstone National Park! (And those are just some of the destinations where Thiel students have studied recently.) Thiel is abroad!

One of the most exciting and educational experiences at Thiel is the opportunity to study abroad. As part of our commitment to educational excellence and global awareness, we offer opportunities for our students to become world-ready leaders through many study abroad programs. There is no better way to learn, mature and develop self-confidence than immersing yourself in the challenge of a foreign culture.

Featured travel blog

• Ivey Shorts (India)

Current Study Abroad Opportunities

• Our faculty-led short-term Study Tour program promotes international exploration in May of every year. Last year, 9 students traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand and 7 participated in a Study Away ecology trip to Hawaii.  A 3 credit course is available as part of our May trips.  In addition to a possible service trip to Nicaragua during Spring Break, the Study Abroad program will be travelling to Egypt in May 2024.  Financial Aid may be available for these study tours on an academically competitive basis.
• Semester-long exchange programs with three top-tier Korean universities in Seoul: EWHA, Dongguk and Duksung Universities, where classes are offered, in English, to participants.
• A chance to explore South American and Spanish culture in Ecuador's largest city, Quayaquil, through UEES
• Students can also craft their own summer or semester long study abroad experience at a location and through a provider of their choosing.

Vera Heinz Program

The Vira I. Heinz Program for Global Leadership (VIH Program) is a powerful leadership development and civic engagement program, providing funding to support a summer study abroad experience and the scaffolding to maximize learning as a result.

The VIH Program prepares awardees for tomorrow's global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for global experiences, leadership development, and civic engagement. Universities and colleges across Pennsylvania participate in the VIH Program. Students from each of the participating institutions apply, and through a selection process, are admitted into the program. Awardees typically receive up to $8,500 to apply toward the costs of a summer experience that is an approved, credit-bearing, academic, study abroad program of at least 4 weeks over the summer. Additional funding may be available to students in need.

Participation in VIH Program will be a student’s first academic experience abroad. Applicants should demonstrate interest in VIH thematic areas such as civic participation and leadership and can expect supplementary learning opportunities as part of their time in the program in addition to their summer study abroad. Program specifics may vary year to year, but the generous funding provided by The Heinz Endowments is at the core of empowering students to embark on a meaningful international learning opportunity as part of their leadership journey. The VIH Program is administratively based at The University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. Please see the application and eligibility requirements for important information.

Thiel College is a participating institution in the VIH Program for Global Leadership. Please visit https://viraheinz.pitt.edu/ or email vihprogram@pitt.edu for more information.

How can I study abroad?

The study abroad coordinator, Dr. Cynthia Sutton, is ready and eager to help you develop a personalized, international experience at quality partner universities around the world. We also help bring together groups, led by Thiel faculty, who explore the true meaning of global citizenship by venturing to unique destinations during short "study away" experiences.

We encourage semester-long study abroad during the junior year, but international travel is possible during any point in a student's college career. It is never too early to begin planning – schedule an appointment with the study abroad coordinator to learn more about how your dream of global travel can become a reality.

Additional Resources

Thiel College offers several sources for funding and planning study abroad programs.

• For all Thiel students, there are several other scholarships also available, in addition to many outside sources. Contact the study abroad coordinator for more about funding options.
• International Studies Abroad (ISA) and CIS Abroad are available to help plan the study abroad experience.
• Like the Thiel Study Abroad page on Facebook
  
• Share in the adventures of our global travelers through their blogs:
  • Ryan Hart (Greece)
  • Keeley Criswell (Germany)
  • Alli Gloor (Costa Rica)
  • Sarah Toombs (Morocco)

Top 5 Questions Students Ask

How soon can I study abroad?

• Many students successfully study abroad multiple times during their academic career. Thiel encourages you to study abroad by your junior year, however you can study abroad or complete a global internship as early as the summer after your first year, or if you are a transfer student, as early as your second semester.

Do I have to speak a foreign language?

• While many students study abroad specifically to learn a new language or strengthen their language skills, you don’t need to speak a foreign language to participate. Thiel Study Abroad offers programs instructed in English, even where English is not the native language.

Is study abroad affordable?

• Programs can be equal to or less than the cost of attendance at Thiel. You can apply your financial aid towards both summer and semester participation in study abroad, and many generous scholarships are available, including: Eugene and Agnes Grove Scholarship, Diane Frederick Memorial Award, Dr. Ella Grace Hunton Awards, and The Vira I. Heinz Program for Women, Non-Binary, and Transgender in Global Leaders. Contact Thiel’s Study Abroad Coordinator Dr. Cynthia Sutton for more information.

Will I graduate on time?

• Planning and coordinating with your adviser can help you focus on those programs you can apply to your major or minor, allowing you to graduate on a four-year plan.

When is the deadline to apply?

• Application deadlines vary by program, but can be as early as 9 to 12 months prior to the term of participation. It is recommended that you make an appointment with Dr. Sutton.