Learning abroad at Southern Utah University serves as a method to foster empathy, cultural and global understanding, experiential learning, and personal enrichment for students, faculty, and staff, according to the university's Office of Learning Abroad.
Students participating in these programs can experience immersion in different parts of the world, encountering unique environmental and historical wonders in person. For example, Jaycee Carter, a social sciences major who works at the Office of Learning Abroad, described a short-term anthropology trip to Guatemala that included hiking to the top of a volcano.
Beyond the travel experience, studying abroad can influence academic and career paths. Carter noted that her experience in Guatemala inspired her to switch her major to social sciences and described the programs as a significant asset for resumes when applying for graduate school or jobs. Additionally, a Forbes study mentioned in the report indicates that those who learn abroad often become more empathetic and service-oriented.
SUU offers several types of study abroad opportunities. Short-term programs typically occur during summer breaks or holidays for one to two weeks, led by faculty and offering up to six academic credits. Semester or year exchanges allow students to study at one of over 60 partner universities worldwide, with SUU tuition and financial aid applicable. The National Student Exchange provides options to study at one of over 200 schools within the United States, United States territories, or Canada.
Students and faculty interested in these programs can visit the Office of Learning Abroad website at suu.edu/studyabroad or visit their office in the Sharwan Smith Student Center International Affairs Office, ST 169.
