Concordia College International Education

Catalog Contents

Return to:

International Education

Summer Study-Abroad Programs

May Seminars Abroad -- Experience something different than do tourists and resident students abroad. Led by Concordia faculty, about 200 students each May explore a wide variety of topics (language, literature, culture, art, theatre, economics, religion, politics, etc.). Develop expertise during the pre-seminar course taken spring semester. Spend the month of May learning at historical sites and modern institutions and from government officials and business leaders, artists and academics.

Archaeological Expedition -- Participate in the excavation of Caesarea Maritima, a Mediterranean city built by King Herod.

Biology Travel Seminar -- Explore a variety of biosystems in such areas as Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii.

Mexico Summer Study Program -- Live in family homes and learn from Concordia professors and native instructors in Mexico City.

Practicum in a Spanish-speaking Country -- Live and work with selected families in Spain or Mexico following the Spanish May Seminar.

Practicum in France -- Live and work with selected families in France following the French May Seminar.

Practicum in a German-speaking Country -- Gain academic credit for work experience in a German-speaking country during the summer months.

Practicum in Russia -- Enhance cultural understanding and language skills by living with Russian families for the summer following the May Seminar.

Semester or Academic Year International Programs

Community Development in India -- Spend fall semester traveling throughout the country studying Indian history and culture, philosophies and religions, development perspectives, sustainable development and ecology, and the role of women in community and economic development. Contact International Education Office.

CREDO in Crete -- Students in this academic honors program travel to important sites in Crete, Turkey and Greece to supplement classroom studies on the origin and foundation of classical Western philosophy. Contact International Education Office.

French Teaching Interns -- Work or study in France for six months in preparation for assisting French language instruction at Concordia the following academic year. Contact French Department.

Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat in Jena -- Selected juniors or seniors study eight courses during the academic year at one of the oldest and most picturesque universities in Germany. Contact German Department.

German-American Federation Exchange Program -- An all-expenses-paid year of study at a German university for one or two outstanding German majors each year. Contact German Department.

International Business Program -- Merge your business and language training by studying for a semester at a university and interning for a company in France, Germany or Mexico. Contact French, German and Spanish Departments.

International Center -- Absorb the language and culture of France, Germany or Spain by immersion living without leaving Concordia's campus. Contact French, German and Spanish Departments.

Malta and the Mediterranean -- Study the history and culture of Malta and the Mediterranean as well as electives of your choice at the University of Malta during the spring semester. Contact International Education Office.

Norwegian Study Programs -- Study Norwegian language, culture and society during the fall semester at Hamar Teachers College, Concordia's sister school in Norway, or attend the University of Oslo. Contact Scandinavian Studies/Norwegian Department.

Scandinavia and the Baltic -- Gain a perspective on Northern Europe from Lillehammer, Norway, site of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Contact Scandinavian Studies/Norwegian Department.

Student Teaching Opportunities Overseas -- Fulfill your student teaching requirements at various sites in Europe and around the world. Contact Education Department.

Universidad de Navarra Program -- Study the Spanish language, arts, history, culture and society for one or two semesters at the Instituto de Lengua y Cultura Espanolas in Pamplona. Contact Spanish Department.

Tanzanian Exchange Program -- Learn introductory Swahili followed by enrollment at the University of Dar-es-Salaam in East Africa during the fall semester. Contact History Department.

Semester Study-Abroad Programs -- Students may select from hundreds of study abroad programs for a semester or year, ranging from university study to experiential education programs in a wide variety of countries. Contact International Education Office.

International Education Procedures

Concordia College is dedicated to enabling students to influence the affairs of the world. Future leaders need to develop an appreciation of other cultures, to become aware of the state of the planet, to understand how the world works, and to learn how to become effective and ethical agents of change in the world. The curriculum of the college is designed to help students open these windows on the world by bringing students from other lands to our campus, by "internationalizing"our instruction, and by providing our students a broad range of opportunities to study abroad.

The International Education Office is here to assist students in making the most of their "once in a lifetime"experience. There are four major phases to study abroad: 1) selecting a program; 2) preparing for departure; 3) living and learning abroad; and 4) returning home. Careful attention to each of the four phases is necessary for students to realize the full value of their study abroad experience.

Selection Phase. Select a quality study-abroad program that will enhance your educational, occupational and personal goals. Talk to your academic adviser, your department chair, the registrar and the International Education Office to refine your choice of program.

Orientation Phase. The Orientation Seminar (World Discovery 150, quarter course). The primary purpose of this required course is to orient students to another culture, making their living and learning abroad a more successful and memorable experience. This course is taken the block immediately prior to departure overseas. Students beginning their study abroad in the fall take the orientation seminar the previous spring (Block 4); students beginning their study abroad after Christmas take the seminar the previous fall (Block 2).

Study-Abroad Phase. Immerse yourself in both your studies and the culture of the country of your choice. And have the time of your life.

Re-entry Phase. The Re-entry Seminar (World Discovery 155, quarter course). Much of what students learn from their study abroad occurs after their return. The required re-entry seminar provides an opportunity for students to assess and learn from their study abroad through systematic reflection with other returning students. Students returning from their study abroad in the fall take the re-entry seminar during Block 1; students returning from their study abroad after Christmas take the re-entry seminar during Block 3.

Some students believe that they must take a leave of absence from Concordia to study abroad, or that it is to their advantage to make study-abroad arrangements independently. Each of these beliefs is absolutely wrong! There are a number of advantages to remaining a Concordia student while studying abroad.

First, there may be a difference in how study abroad courses transfer back to Concordia if they are taken through an International Education approved program and all phases of the International Education process are completed. (See director for details.)

Second, you can use Concordia's financial aid to help you fund your study abroad.

Third, the International Education Office, located in Room 110 in the Outreach Center, will assist you in choosing a program that meets your needs.

Grading procedures for International Educational Programs. Grading standards differ significantly from country to country. Due to the cultural transition and grading possibilities, it is difficult for students to understand and control all experiences that may impact their grades. Therefore, students enrolled in the International Education Program and completing all phases of the process will receive grades of pass/fail only. A passing grade will be considered anything above a failing mark. Pass/fail grades do not impact the grade point average. This allows the student the opportunity to experience the culture and explore beyond the classroom without serious repercussions to the grade point average.

International credits completed through Concordia College but not through the International Education Program (departmental programs) are considered Concordia credits. All grades are recorded and do impact the Concordia and overall grade point averages. (Whether a Concordia departmentally based international program operates under this policy or the International Education Program policy is the decision of each individual program director and department.)

International credits not completed through Concordia College are considered transfer credits. This requires a grade of C or better, and all credits are recorded with a passing grade that has no impact on any grade point averages.