My sister recently graduated from high school and she is interested in attending a college in Texas or Oklahoma. One of the criteria is whether a potential college offers a study abroad program. After some research, I’ve learned a few things that will help her decide, and hopefully, will help you decide as well.
What colleges in Oklahoma have a study abroad program? There are more than 20 colleges in Oklahoma that offer a study abroad program. The opportunities for studying abroad are available to students interested in attending a state university, a private college, or a community college. Not all study abroad programs are equal, so included in this article are examples of study abroad programs at five Oklahoma colleges and universities, including:
- University of Oklahoma
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Rogers State College
- Tulsa Community College
- Oklahoma Christian University
There are primarily three categories of colleges in Oklahoma.
1. Major State Financed Universities (large and small) like the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
2. Private College/Universities (large and small) like Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma Baptist University and Oral Roberts University.
3. Community Colleges (2 year programs) in Oklahoma also offer study abroad programs for their students.
State Universities in Oklahoma that offer Study Abroad Programs
Following are examples of three state universities that offer Study Abroad opportunities in Oklahoma.
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma’s Study Abroad Program is considered one of the most robust study abroad programs in the state, and the nation, and encourages current and potential students to “See the World … Stay a Sooner!” The program is offered through the College of International Studies.
Five study abroad program types are offered to help students find a perfect fit at OU.
OU Study Centers
Students can choose from three OU International Study Centers located in Arezzo, Italy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Puebla, Mexico. Students at these campuses are taught by OU professors. The OU staff are on-site and help students explore the language, culture, and history of the host country. Tuition and fees are handled as though the student was attending school on the campus in Norman. Financial aid and scholarships may be used as well. Finally, the credits earned may be used toward their chosen college degree.
Journey Programs
These programs require less of a time commitment. They occur during the summer and last 3-4 weeks. The programs are “taught by OU professors, have OU tuition and fees, and come with their own scholarship for airfare!”
College Sponsored
The college sponsored programs are led by professors from a variety of OU colleges (Education, Business, etc.). The programs are targeted at the student’s major are primarily available in the summer.
University Exchange
Some students prefer the opportunity to study at a university abroad taught by non-OU faculty. The benefit is the student pays the same tuition and fees at OU’s normal rate. The programs are considered “highly immersive.”
Affiliate Programs
OU has agreements with several affiliate providers and universities abroad that allow for more study abroad opportunities, especially for those students who require a study abroad program not offered by the OU programs. The student pays the university or the affiliate provider directly. Financial aid may be applied if approved.
The selection process for OU’s Study Abroad Programs may be quite competitive. The Selection Criteria is based on the following: academic standing, financial aid requirements, grade point average, letters of recommendation and a personal essay.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to study abroad as an OU student, students must meet a short list of eligibility requirements:
- Be in good standing at OU
- Be enrolled full-time at OU the semester prior to the study abroad term
- Have completed 2 semesters of college-level course work in residence as a full-time student on a college and/or university campus
- Be a degree-seeking student at the time of study abroad
Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Study Abroad
Northwestern’s Study Abroad Program clearly offers students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse interests a broad curriculum that is international-focused. Their mission states, “By facilitating experiential and traditional learning, sponsoring programs, and guiding the University’s study abroad initiatives, these efforts provide a much needed global perspective for the NWOSU community.“
Recent study abroad opportunities took NWOSU students to Ireland, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. Iceland is on tap soon. The enrolled students earn college credit for their experience and enjoy opportunities to learn valuable life lessons along the way. Recent programs allowed students to visit the post office in Ireland that served as Headquarters of the Irish Rebellion. Students not only get to take a fascinating course on the country they’re visiting but they’ll get to experience the lessons for themselves. Many students comment that the trip and the things they’ve learned will never be forgotten.
The Iceland trip is described as an opportunity to “Take advantage of round-the-clock daylight during the summer in this otherworldly place of dramatic beauty. Revel in the geothermal wonders of Iceland—Blue Lagoon hot springs, volcanic craters and subarctic fauna. From the capital Reykjavik you will travel the popular Golden Circle and see Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. From there, continue on to the famous black-sand beaches of Vik and the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur.”
I know my sister and I would love a trip to Iceland.
Rogers State University
RSU offers a Studies-at-Large program as part of their Academic Enrichment Program. The program offers a semester in Wales and a summer Art Program in Italy. The Art Program helps “immerse RSU students in the world of art outside the United States.” The students reside in the village of Montone for a brief period of time. While there, they are required to study the architecture, art, and art history of the region. They also create their own pieces of art based on their experience.
Private Colleges in Oklahoma that Offer Study Abroad Programs
Oklahoma Christian University
European Studies
Oklahoma Christian’s European Studies programs offer students an opportunity to discover the famed history and culture of Europe. Students earn college credit while studying, traveling and serving overseas.
The itinerary includes excursions across Europe that allow students and their faculty sponsor to enjoy productive and interesting stops along the way, including museums, palaces, cathedrals, architecture, and other famous and not so famous locations. The students live and study briefly at Das Millicanhaus, Oklahoma Cristian’s academic and residential facility in Vienna’s 9th District.
The Fall European Studies and Spring European Studies programs require a semester’s time commitment. Students can earn 12-17 hours of credit. The shorter six-week Summer European Studies program is also available and offers 6-9 hours of credit.
Asian Studies
The Asian Studies program offers a multi-country adventure in Japan, China and Hong Kong. The schedule includes classes, lectures and required locations to earn credit. An example itinerary includes:
Weeks 1-4 – Homestays and classes in Ibaraki, Japan at Ibaraki Christian University
Week 5 – Group travel in Japan – Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima
Week 6 – Group travel in Hong Kong
Study and Travel Courses
Study and Travel Courses are limited and short-term in nature. Students should check the college’s study abroad section of their website to determine the schedule of upcoming programs.
Long-Term Exchange Studies
Oklahoma Christian’s Long-Term Exchange programs offers students the opportunity to live abroad for longer periods of time (semester/year) while learning the host country’s language.
CCCU Programs
Oklahoma Christian partners with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) to provide students additional programs that increase the number of options available. Locations may include Oxford, the Middle East, and Costa Rica.
First Class
First Class offers new students at the university to travel abroad with the university President. How about experiencing the culture and history of locations like Vienna, Austria. The students participate in “lectures, site visits, group worship and other activities.” This experience includes living in Oklahoma Christian’s Das Millicanhaus facility in Vienna.
Two-Year Community Colleges in Oklahoma also Offer Study Abroad Programs
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa Community Collegeranks among the best community colleges in Oklahoma. The enrollment is close to 30,000 students. Founded in 1970, the college and is the state’s largest multi-campus community college.
The Division of Global Learning Academic is the home for the study abroad program. The college boast’s the #8 rank nationally among community colleges in the number of students who study abroad. Approximately 100 students study abroad each year.
TCC’s Summer Short-Term Programs run 8-14 days, normally begin in May, and costs students approximately $3,000 for the travel expenses. Tuition and fees are extra. Each program usually allows up to 20 students, with recent travel locations including England, France, Ireland, Japan, Nicaragua and Scotland.
RELATED QUESTIONS:
What are the types of study abroad experiences?
There are primarily five study abroad program types. They include:
- University Study Centers in a foreign country.
- Short-term Programs are brief, often one to four weeks.
- College Sponsored programs are led by professors from the college.
- University Exchange at a host country university and taught by their faculty.
- Affiliate Programs are third party companies that are approved by the college.
How many students normally study abroad each year?
The Institute of International Education determined that approximately 330,000 students studied abroad during the 2016-2017 school year. They also estimate that about 11 percent of all undergrads study abroad at some time during their undergraduate careers.
Is it safe to study abroad?
Most study abroad programs have already vetted the countries and cities where their programs are available. But there are always skills men and women must hone to ensure a safe experience. Two resources to keep in mind are:
- The U.S. State Department, which offers up-to-date travel alerts.
- Locate the nearest U.S. embassy and consulate at your destination by visiting foreignborn.com