International Programs/Semester-long Study Abroad
Students interested in the many study abroad opportunities available should consult the Global Education Coordinator, who is the designated study-abroad advisor. The College endorses the following programs:
Roberts Wesleyan College Programs:
A. Instituto Espanol Murallas de Avila (IEMA) in Spain
IEMA was created to provide a semester in Spain for students working toward a major, minor, or concentration in Spanish. Features include living with a Spanish host family; language, history and cultural classes taught in Spanish; courses designed specifically and managed by Roberts Spanish Department Chair, Dr. Maria Villodre. Students receive 19 credits during this program.
B. Jamaica Theological Seminary in Kingston, Jamaica
This program was initiated in spring of 2011 for eligible juniors and seniors seeking a study abroad experience in the Caribbean. The programs of study at Jamaica Theological Seminary (JTS) are particularly conducive for students majoring in Religion-Philosophy, Contemporary Ministries, and Biblical Studies, although the program is open to students from all majors. Courses are taught in English, and housing in campus dormitories is provided.
Roberts Wesleyan College Partner Programs:
A. The Australia Studies Centre
The Australia Studies Centre (ASC) is offered through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. ASC is a "cultural studies program with an arts emphasis, based in Sydney, Australia...Designed to provide undergraduates of all majors and career interests with opportunities to participate in Sydney's art culture, the program also educates students in Indigenous affairs and Australia's role as a global economic power." http://www.bestsemester.com/asc/overview/
B. China Studies Program
The China Studies Program (CSP) is offered through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. CSP is an interdisciplinary semester program hosted by Xiamen University in southeastern China. Students will learn about Chinese culture, religion, politics and economics and the role of China as it grows as a world power. http://www.bestsemester.com/csp/overview/
C. Houghton in Australia
In cooperation with Houghton College, students may experience a semester in Australia. Students study at Kingsley College in Melbourne, exploring faith and life in Australia over the course of 12½ weeks. The program combines academic work with travel and cultural engagement. http://www.houghton.edu/academics/off-campus-programs/houghtons-programs/houghton-down-under/
D. Houghton in Tanzania
In cooperation with Houghton College, students may experience a semester in Tanzania. Students will study African history, anthropology, environment, language, politics, and religion over the course of an intensive 12-week semester. There are also extended trips to game reserves and tribal villages. http://www.houghton.edu/academics/off-campus-programs/houghtons-programs/houghton-in-tanzania/
E. India Studies Program
Best Semester offers a semester in India based in Tamil Nadu province. Students will be immersed in a local community and receive broad exposure to a variety of peoples, places and customs in India through a range of issues such as poverty, social justice, rapid social change, and religious pluralism. The program includes an extensive two week travel portion.
F. The Latin American Studies Program
The Latin American Studies Program (LASP) is offered through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Students learn Spanish as well as Latin American culture, politics, religion, economics, history, and ecology. There is an opportunity to live with host families and engage in service learning. In addition, students are given time to travel to other Central American countries. http://www.bestsemester.com/lasp/overview/
G. Middle East Studies Program
The Middle East Studies Program (MESP) is offered through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Students will gain understanding in the intersection of culture, religion, economics, and politics in the Middle East, as well as the global dimensions of the Islamic faith. MESP will help students "understand the complex issues surrounding current regional conflicts and ongoing efforts toward achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East" and learn about the history of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish relations in the Middle East. http://www.bestsemester.com/mesp/overview/
H. Oxford Programs
The Oxford Programs are offered through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. "The CCCU offers a variety of programmes and services in Oxford. Collectively, these efforts are coordinated by the centre for Scholarship & Christianity In Oxford, the UK arm of the Council. SCIO provides teaching, service, and support for The Scholars' Semester in Oxford, the Oxford Summer Programme." http://www.bestsemester.com/osp/overview/
I. Uganda Studies Program
The Uganda Studies Program (USP) is offered through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Students study at the Uganda Christian University Honours College in courses taught by local faculty. "Topics such as Christianity and Islam in Contemporary Africa, African Literature, and East African History will present many insights into African life because of the guidance of faculty who live in and love Uganda and East Africa." The USP also offers students the opportunity to engage in home stays, travel, service learning and daily interaction with Honours College students. http://www.bestsemester.com/usp/overview/
Independent Programs:
Students may choose to study abroad with an independent program provider (e.g., CIS, CEA, SUNY schools, IES, etc.) if Roberts partner programs do not meet their criteria. In this case, the student must fill out an Off-Campus Study Form with Student Services, in addition to additional forms, at the time of registration in order to notify the College of their intent to study off campus. Students on independent study abroad programs may continue to receive Federal and State financial aid; however, they are ineligible for both Roberts institutional aid and the Off-Campus Enrichment Scholarship.