Monmouth College considers off campus study, including both international and domestic experiences, to be an opportunity for students to enhance their liberal arts education. Such study may serve as a significant complement to the major or to the general education curriculum and to the mission of the college. Monmouth College makes available to its students programs which are intellectually challenging, aesthetically inspiring, and diverse in setting. The off-campus experience enables students to explore different perspectives on the human condition in a global community.

     The College takes seriously its obligation to provide quality programs, which are only approved after careful review by the faculty. Many of the programs endorsed by Monmouth College are offered under the auspices of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) or the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA). Other programs like Washington Semester at American University and at the Ecole Normale Superieure de Gestion et Commerce (ESGCI) in Paris are also available. While some programs require proficiency in a foreign language, most do not. Students may use their Monmouth College financial aid only for approved programs. (Students interested in participating in non-approved programs must consult the registrar for transferability of credits.) While most of these programs cost about the same as study on campus, except for travel expenses and incidentals, some may be slightly more expensive. Applications for these programs are competitive and students must make application to the Curriculum Committee.  All Monmouth College applications for off-campus programs during the academic year 2002-2003 are due on February 1, 2003.

Studies in Latin American Culture and Society (fall only) is an interdisciplinary program for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of life in Latin America and wishing to develop fluency in Spanish. This program, which focuses on the humanities and social sciences, is designed to take full advantage of its Costa Rican setting. Language study is stressed as the key to understanding the culture. Course work in language, literature, geography, anthropology, politics, and culture enables students to develop insights which are reinforced by field trips and two weeks of field work in rural areas. In San José and its environs, students live with families both to improve their language ability and enjoy personal involvement in the daily life of a Latin American community.

Length of Program: late August to December

Enrollment: 25 to 30 students

Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with at least two years of college level Spanish or equivalent

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Susan Holm

The Tropical Field Research Program (spring only) is designed for advanced work in the natural and social sciences. Independent research in the humanities is also encouraged. Costa Rica supports an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life and provides rich research opportunities for students of tropical biology and ecology. An equally broad range of research topics is available for students of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, geology, history, political science, literature, fine arts, and sociology. Students prepare for their research during a month-long orientation which includes intensive language training and a review of field work methodology. Their field study may be integrated with an ongoing project or undertaken independently under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Length of Program: late January to May

Enrollment: 25 to 27 students

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors with prior course work in the discipline in which they propose to do research, plus at least one year of college Spanish (two years are strongly recommended)

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Susan Holm

Return to top

Monmouth College participates in an arrangement with Augsburg College's nationally recognized Center for Global Education (founded 1982) to provide study abroad experiences in Mexico and Central America. The program in Mexico is based in Cuernavaca, "The City of Eternal Spring," and the different semester options provide planned, guided, academic travel to other parts of Mexico, and/or to Guatemala, El Salvador, or Nicaragua. Programs offered are for both the fall and the spring semesters. Each program is theme-driven, and the themes may vary from year to year, but programs are interdisciplinary and provide a thoughtful and highly effective way to combine knowledge and further study of a language with academic work and in-depth experiences in other disciplines, such as business administration, communications, cultural studies, ecology, economics, education, history, literature, philosophy, political science, religious studies, sociology, and women's studies. All programs include an orientation program, home stays and opportunities for travel and for internships. These well-planned and thoughtfully organized experiences offer Monmouth students the opportunity to live the goals of a liberal arts education. The programs are open to application from any sophomore, junior or senior who has studied at least one semester of college-level Spanish (SPAN 101), and is in good academic standing.

Length of Program: fall and spring semesters

Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic standing with at least one semester of college-level Spanish

Campus Representative: Susan Holm

Central College in Granada

Monmouth College participates in an arrangement with Central College in a program of study at the University of Granada (founded 1531), in Granada, Spain. Granada is both an ancient and a very modern university city that retains evidence of Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and especially Arab civilizations. This latter culture left Granada's most famous site, a magnificent hill-top palace, the Alhambra.

Classes are held at the University's Center for Modern Languages, where students from all over the world (including Spanish students majoring in foreign languages) study language, literature and translation. The program offers Monmouth College students several different opportunities to study the Spanish language and literature, as well as the possibility of studying business and economics, art, geography, history music and sociology, among other disciplines. Monmouth students can choose either a fall quarter or spring semester option. Students are placed at the appropriate level of language study by a test administered by the University of Granada and by an evaluation by the on-site Director of Central's Granada program. Students are then offered class options appropriate to their language ability from one of five different levels of Spanish, and at the Superior level may study in a variety of disciplines at the University. All courses are taught in Spanish by Spanish professors at the University of Granada. The on-site Director is a native of Spain and has taught in the United States. The Program has been operated since 1968. It offers a strong orientation, home stays, participation in community service programs, cultural activities in Granada (flamenco dancing programs, dance lessons, excursions to the opera and to museums) and educational excursions to other areas of Spain. The different programs are open to any sophomore, junior or senior in good academic standing at Monmouth. Although students who have never studied Spanish are eligible, Monmouth recommends it especially for students who have passed SPAN 101 and/or 102 or the equivalent.

Length of Program: fall quarter or spring semester options only

Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic standing

Campus Representative: Susan Holm

Return to top

The London and Florence Program compares the artistic achievements of two historically prominent cities. Participants study the historical and political context of art, architecture, literature and theater as well as Italian language. Visits to museums, galleries, theaters, short trips to other areas of England and Italy, and discussions with local scholars supplement this course work. Students spend eight weeks in each city and enjoy a week-long mid-semester break. An optional intensive course in Italian language is offered every January in Florence (3 semester credits). In addition, a pilot program running from January through March based in Florence is available for a small number of students, particularly those from colleges with term calendars.

Length of Program: late January to May

Enrollment: 50 students (25 begin in London, 25 in Florence)

Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Tom Sienkewicz

The Florence Program provides an excellent opportunity to study Renaissance painting, sculpture, architecture, history, and literature for students interested in art, history, Romance Languages and the humanities. Italian language instruction, a studio art course, and courses providing a broad perspective on Italian contributions to world civilization facilitate the study of Florentine artistic and cultural heritage. Visits to museums and galleries, short field trips to other cities throughout Italy, and discussions with local scholars supplement this course work. Staying with Italian host families enriches participants’ awareness of modern Italian life as well as the academic study of Italian Renaissance culture.

Length of Program: late August to December

Enrollment: 25 to 30 students

Eligibility: Juniors, and seniors. Prior Italian language recommended

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Tom Sienkewicz

The American University in Paris is a small, private liberal arts college which offers an American-based program with a strong international perspective in the heart of Paris, France. Approximately 800 students from 85 countries study at AUP. Course offerings include Art History, International Business Administration, English and Comparative Literature, Communications, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, French, Gender Studies, German, Italian, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Science, and Spanish. While English is the language of instruction at AUP, French is the language of the daily environment of both students and faculty. Students with a strong proficiency in French can take part in AUP's exchange program with the Sorbonne. The school also has the means to aid students in locating reasonable housing arrangements, which include a home-stay with a French family, an independent room, or a studio apartment. (16 semester hours.)

Campus Representative: Tom Sienkewicz

Ecole Normale Supérieure de Gestion et Commerce in Paris, France, one of the largest and well-known groups of business schools in France, is located in the heart of Paris in a charming residential neighborhood and offers a wide number of international business courses taught in both French and English at both the undergraduate and graduate level. All English-based courses are taught by native English speakers who have earned both academic and professional qualifications that allow them to guide students towards a theoretically sound yet applicable course of study. Academic standards are high and the social aspect is rich at ESGCI. All students are expected to participate in the Student Associations. Numerous sports, organizations, and clubs are available for the students' enjoyment and leadership experience. Students from over seventeen countries are represented in this program. Housing can be arranged in school-owned apartments. The school also has the means to aid students in locating reasonable housing arrangements. (16 semester hours.)

Campus Representative: Ken McMillan

Return to top

The Indian subcontinent provides a rich and complex background for the study of a non-Western civilization. India Studies program participants live with Indian host families in Pune, a city that is at once both traditional and highly industrialized, offering students an excellent opportunity to observe the interaction of tradition and modernity that characterizes contemporary India. While there, students enroll at Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth for an academic session, where they have language instruction, choose four other courses and complete their independent study projects. Additionally, students enjoy field trips, which can include nearby cultural sites such as the Ajanta and Ellora caves and the pilgrimage to Pandharpur. A variety of extracurricular activities, such as dance, yoga, weaving, and batik, can be arranged.

Length of Program: mid-July to mid-December

Enrollment: 20 students

Eligibility: Any currently enrolled student may apply, though priority is given to those who will be juniors or seniors

Credit: Equivalent to one extended semester of work on the home campus (18 credits).

Campus Representative: Farhat Haq
 

Students study at Waseda University's International Division in Tokyo after a brief orientation providing intensive language practice and cultural discussions. In addition to required language study, electives may be chosen from a wide range of Asian studies courses taught in English. A family living experience in Tokyo provides an informal education in Japanese culture and is in many ways the dominant feature of the program, offering total immersion in the Japanese way of life. The program is recommended for a full year of study, although a term or semester option is also available. Administered by Earlham College, Japan Study is recognized by both ACM and GLCA.

Length of Program: mid-September to late June (academic year), mid-September to late December (autumn term), mid-September to early February (fall semester)

Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. No Japanese language study required for acceptance, but at least one semester or term of Japanese must be completed before departure.

Credit: Equal to an equivalent period on the home campus

Campus Representative: Don Capener

Monmouth College maintains with Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan, a student-exchange agreement which allows Monmouth College students to study at Kansai Gaidai for a semester or a full academic year. Kansai Gaidai University is a private, nonprofit institution fully accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Kansai Gaidai offers a broad liberal arts curriculum from which any Monmouth College student could select suitable and rewarding major or general education courses. All courses are taught in English, except for instruction in Japanese language. While no prior knowledge of Japanese is required to apply, Monmouth College students are expected to study Japanese at Kansai Gaidai. The school will provide home stays for students. Either fall or spring semester option. (c. 16 credits.)

Campus Representative: Tom Sienkewicz

Return to top

Currently located on the University of Dar es Salaam campus in Tanzania, this interdisciplinary program addresses the challenges of building a modern independent nation and focuses on development issues in Africa. University of Dar es Salaam faculty members offer courses in culture and society, political and economic development, and Swahili language. Students also complete an independent field project under the guidance of program staff or university faculty. Family stays in Dar es Salaam offer students the opportunity to live with Tanzanians and participate in community life. The academic program is also enriched by field trips and a rural stay.

Length of Program: early January to mid-May

Enrollment: 20 to 25 students

Eligibility: Advanced sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Mary Bruce

The Tanzania program offers undergraduates a unique opportunity to conduct field work in some of the world’s greatest paleoanthropological and ecological sites. Students divide their time between the University of Dar es Salaam and the Northern Region of Tanzania. At the University they take courses in intensive Swahili, human evolution and the ecology of the Serengeti while developing a field project. For the next six weeks, students live in field camps and pursue individual field projects in the Serengeti/Ngorongoro area before returning to the University for final work on their projects. The program is both physically and academically demanding.

Length of Program: late July to mid-December

Enrollment: 20 students

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Ken Cramer

The enormous political, social and economic changes taking place in Russia provide a fascinating context for this program, and the Kuban/Black Sea region program site provides a particularly rich environment for understanding the changing nature of Russian life and the issues of national identity which accompany these changes. The program combines intensive study of the Russian language with a course on Russian society. Students live with Russian families and the combination of home stays, field trips and individual projects provide for maximum exposure to contemporary Russian life. The program is based at Kuban State University in Krasnodar, a regional center of one million people. The city's distinctively Russian atmosphere encourages a stronger cultural immersion than is usually found on Russia programs in more Westernized locations. In addition, little English is spoken in Krasnodar, providing students increased opportunity to develop their Russian language skills. Administered by ACM, the Russia Program is also recognized by GLCA.

Length of Program: late August to mid-December

Enrollment: 20 students

Eligibility: One year Russian language

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: William Urban

Combining its rich cultural heritage, the emerging revival of democracy, and a struggle for economic success, the Czech Republic mirrors much of East and Central Europe. The program is based at Palacký University in Olomouc, the historic capital of Moravia. Students from many disciplines can benefit from intensive language training and course work, field trips to major Central European cities, independent research, and housing among Czech students in university dormitories. Courses cover Central European history, contemporary socio-political issues, and Czech literature and culture. Administered by ACM, Central European Studies is also recognized by GLCA.

Length of Program: early September to December

Enrollment: 15 to 20 students

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: William Urban

Return to top

The Chicago Arts Program is a 15-week semester of urban art immersion during which students explore the arts through practical, creative, and scholarly activity. While living in Chicago, in addition to attending a wide range of cultural events, students meet and work with local artists and arts professionals in part-time internships, on Independent Study Projects and in two courses: the Core seminar, Negotiating Chicago’s Artworld, and an elective studio-based Special Topics workshop. Possible internship placements include but are not limited to museums and galleries, artists' studios, theater and dance companies, recording studios and popular music venues, literary organizations and publications, film and video production companies, architecture firms, arts education and community outreach organizations, and graphic and interior designers. Not limited to arts majors, the program benefits all students who have strong career interests or graduate school aspirations in the arts and humanities.

Length of Program: late August to mid-December, or late January to mid-May

Enrollment: 30 students (fall), 20 students (spring)

Eligibility: Advanced sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Cheryl Meeker

Chicago is a quintessential American city that was founded on economic exchange, grew with America's westward expansion, became the hub of Midwest economic and political power and continues to illustrate the best and worst of American society. The Urban Studies Program immerses students in the life of Chicago while exploring both the historical and current forces that define urban life. Through supervised internships, seminars, a Core Course and independent study, students experience the dynamics of a modern city while learning academic concepts to frame those experiences. Possible internship placements include legal, criminal justice, community and social justice organizations, historical and cultural institutions, educational, public relations, and media facilities, political and philanthropic institutes, along with a host of other possible placements. Foremost, the Urban Studies Program develops the skills necessary for effective leadership in civic and political life by exposing students to effective models of action in light of the realities of urban America.

Length of Program: early September to mid-December, or early February to mid-May

Enrollment: 50 to 60 students (fall); 35 to 45 students (spring)

Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Steve Buban

The Urban Education Program offers term or semester student teaching internships, a summer sequence of courses leading to bilingual or English as a Second Language (ESL) certification, and an intensive one-month course in January on multicultural and global awareness. Chicago offers exceptional opportunities for students interested in education and educational issues. The diversity of communities served by Chicago schools provides a rich setting in which interns learn from working with people who represent cultures and languages from all over the world. The variety of educational programs operating within the metropolitan area also enables students to work in virtually any kind of school. Placements are made in public, private, or alternative schools, and students can work in traditional or progressive, city or suburban, multilingual or monolingual, regular or special education, magnet or neighborhood schools. Seminars focus on the social, political, and economic factors that influence systems as well as the impact of schools on students, teachers, and communities. Coaching and supervision emphasize collaborative approaches for developing effective teaching strategies. The "Dimensions of Multiculture" course offered during the January interim explores the meaning of cultural identification and its impact on children's learning, and also serves candidates for bilingual certification, foreign students wanting to develop a deeper understanding of American cities, and a broad range of students interested in expanding their understanding of other cultures.

Length of Program:

Student Teaching: semester, term or multi-block

The Oak Ridge Science Semester is designed to enable qualified undergraduates to study and conduct research in a prestigious and challenging scientific environment. As members of a research team working at the frontiers of knowledge, participants engage in long-range investigations using the facilities of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) near Knoxville, Tennessee. The majority of a student's time is spent in research with an advisor specializing in biology, engineering, mathematics, or the physical or social sciences. Students also participate in an interdisciplinary seminar designed to broaden their exposure to developments in their major field and related disciplines. In addition, each student chooses an elective from a variety of advanced courses. The academic program is enriched in informal ways by guest speakers, departmental colloquia, and the special interests and expertise of the ORNL staff. Administered by Denison University, the Oak Ridge Science Semester is recognized by both ACM and GLCA.

Length of Program: August to December

Enrollment: 20 students

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics or social sciences

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent

Campus Representative: Chris Fasano

Newberry Seminar students have an extraordinary opportunity to do advanced independent research at one of the world’s great research libraries. They attend interdisciplinary seminars taught by visiting professors and work with resident scholars and library staff. During the semester-length fall seminar, students write a major research paper based on the Newberry’s collections in the humanities. In the winter and spring, the seminars are month-long courses. The Newberry seminar is for students looking for a personal and academic challenge, and for those considering graduate study. Administered by ACM, the Newberry Seminar in the Humanities is also recognized by GLCA.

Length of Program: early September to December (fall seminar)

One month (January to May short-term seminars)

Enrollment: 15 to 25 students (fall seminar)

8 to 15 students (short-term seminars)

Eligibility: Exceptionally qualified juniors and seniors

Credit: 16 semester hours or the equivalent (fall seminar); equivalent of one course (short-term seminars)

Campus Representative: Mark Willhardt

Students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability are selected as candidates for this program at American University in Washington, D.C. The Washington Semester program is designed to bring superior students into contact with source materials and government institutions in the nation’s capital. In addition to regular study and a research project, students participate in the Washington Semester Seminar, a course consisting of a series of informal meetings with members of Congress and government officials. The program is 16 weeks in length. Junior standing is required. (Students normally earn 16 hours of credit.)

Campus Representative: Ira Smolensky