Danielle Ferguson, Staff Writer
For those who want to gain that critical career advantage in the stand for facing the competitive job market which awaits graduation, whilst in the process delve into diverse cultural knowledge, increased confidence levels, independence and much, much more, then look no further.
Through a series of articulation agreements with numerous universities across the globe, Saint Leo University can now offer students the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad in numerous locations including Rome, Italy; Madrid, Spain; Heidelberg, Germany; Paris, France; London, Bristol, Essex, Sunderland, England; Limerick, Ireland; Dundee, Scotland; Quito, Ecuador; Aigina, Greece; or Sydney, Australia.
Saint Leo offers these semesters abroad to increase the global sophistication of college students exposed to foreign cultures where they are taken out of their comfort zones, and in doing so broaden their perspectives, realize their potential, learn a cross-cultural and multi-geographical skill set and enrichment as they become their own innovators in life.
Although each of the individual universities maintain different requirements for their major concentrations and selected offerings, Saint Leo University states that a student is eligible if they meet at minimum- junior standing, major department approval, academic advisor approval and cumulative GPA which meets the specific study abroad universities’ requirements. Both juniors and seniors can study abroad during the fall semester with exceptions made for athletes in season during this time period. However, only ten Saint Leo students are given this unique opportunity annunally: therefore, it is vital that if one is interested, they get in contact with the associate director for multi-cultural and international services- Paige Ramsey-Hamacher, at least two semesters prior to the semester studying abroad. Financial aid packages are available for the study abroad programmes offered and it is important to note that from an educational stand point, any grades obtained by students abroad receive Saint Leo accreditation therefore are factored into the student’s cumulative GPA, become part of the official transcript and are designed to meet graduation requirements.
If a semester abroad still doesn’t satisfy, then Saint Leo University also offers the Irish American Scholars (IAS) program running adjacent with the British Council, whereby up to three Saint Leo students can study in Northern Ireland for a full college year. Northern Irish colleges and universities have a lot to offer in terms of furthering career opportunities and students can apply to study in Belfast Metropolitan College, Queen’s University Belfast, Saint Mary’s University College, Stranmillis University College and University of Ulster- Coleraine, Jordanstown, Magee or Belfast.
The application and selection process for the Northern Irish year abroad pervades that juniors or seniors have a minimum GPA of 3.2. Along with this nomination by the home institution (Saint Leo) is needed with an academic transcript from their most recent semester with applications available on request including a 500-word essay outlining educational objectives for studying in Northern Ireland. Two letters of reference from the academic advisor and another faculty member or administrator are also required and for art students a submission of their portfolio to date. Although tuition and fees are waived, IAS students are responsible for their own dorm and board, books and travel costs.
The deadline for both a semester abroad in the various countries, as mentioned, or a year in Northern Ireland is February 1, which is strictly adhered to for fall enrolment of final selection and placement of students.
For further information on any of the study abroad opportunities offered here at Saint Leo, access the Saint Leo University website, under academics, other university programs and the study abroad section. Likewise further questions or information can be obtained through emailing the primary point of contact paige.ramsey.hamacher@saintleo.edu or www.britishcouncil.org/northernireland.
