Our Philosophy
As part of our pledge to 100% Engagement and IIE Generation Study Abroad, every UA student will have the opportunity to participate in an experiential learning program through Study Abroad. Global and Intercultural Comprehension will be at the heart of the curriculum and assignments in the class. Students will develop an understanding of global issues and worldwide impact of individual and systemic actions while respecting diverse viewpoints – vital for their future careers. Students will be able to reflect on their own and other cultural biases and think critically about the world through interaction and collaboration with cultures and societies that are different than their own.
Developing a program involves coordinating many moving pieces including curriculum, logistics, contracts, finances, recruitment and application. The time needed to put a new program in place will vary based on its complexity.
Program Offerings
Service Learning Programs: Students can gain hands on learning experiences in contributing to community programs in various fields, while working closely with local community partners and experts. Whenever possible, UA students participate in co-convened learning environments with local students in order to enhance peer-to-peer academic and cultural exchanges. We are committed to partnering with local community organizations and trusted partners on ethical and sustainable projects, as well as to the challenge of continually assessing and monitoring our impact both on campus and abroad.
Clinical Shadowing: Students have the opportunity to shadow doctors and observe clinical practices and patient interactions in a global clinical environment. These programs help students intending to pursue careers in health professions to gain valuable experience to build resumes or graduate school applications.
Internship Programs: Internship programs offer students the opportunity to gain professional experience during their time abroad. This allows students to gain highly-valuable global experience that is vital in today’s global workplace. Internships are offered in business, health, STEM fields and others.
Field Work Programs: Field Schools provide a chance for students to conduct hands-on field work. The primary objective of field schools is to provide students with opportunities to apply their classroom learning in a field-based setting, particularly in the areas of archeology or environmental and cultural resource management.
Research Programs: Research opportunities allow UA students to take their lab-based research methods and experience and apply them in a global context. This allows students to understand the cultural, societal and historical differences of a particular region. The UA currently has 12 research programs in fields from Computer Science to Environmental Studies.
Faculty-Led Programs: In partnership with Study Abroad, UA faculty work to further internationalize their campus by developing and teaching a program abroad. These programs offer an academic framework complementary to the host country location.
Exchange Programs: We partner with universities all over the world to both send and receive students. Student exchange programs involve a reciprocal exchange of students over time and a commitment of resources on the part of both the UA and the partner institution. Student exchange programs involve a bilateral exchange of students from both institutions.
