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Local Roots, Global Reach

Germany. South Africa. Peru. Switzerland. Costa Rica. South Korea. India. Spain. Mexico. Australia. Italy. Nicaragua. New Zealand. (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, 14 students went to Peru, while 11 toured Spain, with each tour, a 3 credit course is combined. In addition to a service trip to Nicaragua over our spring break, the Study Abroad program plans to travel to Iceland and Australia in May of 2018. Financial aid is 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.

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.

• The Vira I. Heinz Program offers Thiel women, who are first-time international travelers, a minimum of $5,000 to help fund their travel through a competitive application process. Typically three women are awarded this scholarship annually.
• 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.
• Read more about study abroad in our brochure  
• 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 in Global Leadership. 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.