Do you want to study abroad but are worried about the time, cost or traveling alone? Consider applying for one of the 2024 May term study abroad trips! Instead of studying in a foreign country for a whole semester, these programs are adventures that last from one to three weeks. They are tailored towards specific interests but are mostly open to all students, regardless of major. Academic credit may be received from a trip as well. Most importantly, these programs serve as opportunities to discover different cultures and will be unforgettable experiences.

There are many diverse options when it comes to choosing a destination. In any case, you can bet on a fantastic experience in which you will be thrust into a whole new world. Director of the English Professional Writing and First Year Writing Program Tara Moore is planning a trip to England, where students will explore the home country of some of the world’s most famous authors while enjoying local food and sights. Her program also counts towards the Western Cultural Heritage core requirement. 

If you are interested in human-centered programs, then maybe the trip to Vietnam is a good choice for you. About two weeks will be spent in Ho Chi Minh City and other places in Vietnam. Students will learn about the child and family welfare system in the southeast Asian nation and come to understand the life of children in orphanages. This program is typically of interest for occupational therapy and developmental psychology students.

Associate Professor of Economics Sanjay Paul is leading a trip to Switzerland and Germany. Students who travel with him will learn about the organizations that keep the world running: the United Nations, the European Union and the World Trade Organization. In Geneva, Switzerland, students will attend United Nations (UN) briefing sessions and explore the city. As well as learning about these organizations firsthand, they will also meet students from Konstanz University in Germany. 

“We learn about international business and we visit corporations,” Paul explained. “So students get to see a whole range of possibilities after they graduate from Etown, almost regardless of the degrees that they have.” You may embark on the Switzerland trip with plans to go into international business but end up finding your love for foreign diplomacy, or vice versa.

There is a lot of work that goes into this trip, but for Paul, it is worth it to see the positive impact it has on students’ lives. “What I enjoy is getting to see the students experience urban life in Europe and make friends with the Konstanz students,” Paul said. “It’s wonderful to see how quickly they hit it off with each other.” 

This trip is open to students of all graduating classes. The main requirement is to take Paul’s International Organizations Seminar in the spring. If finances are an issue for you, don’t worry: you’re not alone. Etown and other organizations provide a wide selection of scholarships to choose from. 

There are five $1000 scholarship awards given out each semester. There is a scholarship for diversity, first-generation students, STEM students and two that are merit-based. A student can only be awarded one per term, but they can apply to every one that they fit into.

The Gilman Scholarship is a competitive, need-based award that can secure $5000 towards a student’s study abroad plans. This award is only eligible for students who are going on the May trips to Japan or Ireland. If you are interested in applying for the Gilman Scholarship, you should reach out to the Study Abroad Office; they will review your personal essay before you submit it. 

If you can’t find a scholarship to apply for, there are still more ways to get the money you need. For example, you can sign up for a crowd fundraising website, such as GoFundMe or FundMyTravel, which is an easy way to potentially earn enough to fully fund a trip, especially if your post is shared on social media or with your family. 

College serves as a time to explore your options. Studying abroad is an excellent way to do this: you can find your passion while exploring a foreign country. Even if you don’t go for a whole semester, a May term trip can change your life. 

For more information, visit Etown’s study abroad page: https://www.etown.edu/offices/study-abroad/short-term-programs.aspx