Study Abroad & Off-Campus Programs

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

St. Augustine of Hippo

You can learn about the world in the classroom and then explore the world in person through the many off-campus study opportunities available at Milligan. From summer experiences to semester-long studies, our off-campus options span six continents and countless cultures.

We educate men and women to be leaders in a global economy and to have a solid grasp of international issues, including cultural, social, economic, and political differences.

If you choose to take the Humanities European Tour, your classrooms are cathedrals, castles, and historic markers of Western civilization that you will study with Milligan faculty as your guide.

Other programs allow you to experience the depth of culture in Russia, the Middle East, or Latin America. You can get a front row seat to the music industry in Nashville or take cues from filmmaking experts in Los Angeles. Develop a global perspective at the International Business Institute in Europe or cultivate your journalism skills in New York City. 

Why Study Abroad?

Personal Growth: “97% said studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity, 96% reported increased self-confidence, 89% said that it enabled them to tolerate ambiguity, and 95% stated that it has had a lasting impact on their world view.”

Intercultural Development: “Study abroad educators often assert that one of the goals of study abroad is to train future global leaders to be more effective, respectful of other cultures and political and economic systems, and willing to take a stand for the world’s welfare, not just what benefits a specific country.”

Education and Career Attainment: “Employers are looking to graduates to have international experience either by studying or working abroad. Now there are many more opportunities to study and work abroad, or stay on and work afterwards.”

Improve Second Language: “88% of job recruiters say speaking more than one language is critical to business success.”

Cross Cultural Communication: “In today’s increasingly global society, it’s important to possess the skills to communicate across cultures – and this means understanding more than just a different language. Studying abroad helps you become familiar with the customs and traditions of the country in which you are studying, in addition to the language. By interacting with locals, you can develop an appreciation for the culture and its differences from your own.”

Watch to learn more.

How can you study abroad?
  • Meet with your advisor to begin a discussion to start planning at least a year before you intend to travel.
  • Apply! Complete the Milligan Global Education Opportunities (GEO) Application for approved programs. All study abroad participants must apply for approval to study abroad. Faculty led programs are exempt; however, students may need to apply directly to the faculty leader.
  • Apply for an internal scholarship! You must complete the Milligan Study Abroad Application and the Scholarship Application .
  • Other requirements:
    • Be a full-time student.
    • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
    • Abide by good conduct expectations of the University.
    • Have been a full-time student for one full semester at Milligan.
    • Will return for one full semester as a full-time student to Milligan (last semester seniors exempt). 

Faculty Led Programs

*Summer programs may not be eligible for financial aid depending upon the student’s circumstances.

Humanities USA Study Tour (1 credit hour)

The Humanities USA tour is a one-week study tour of several culturally and historically important American cities. Students visit sites connected to their study in the Humanities curricular sequence. In addition to travel, students complete writing assignments and fulfill all the academic obligations outlined by the tour professors. The tour offers students an opportunity to experience some of the art and history presented in the Humanities curriculum at less expense (of time and money) than the HUMN 200T European Study tour. The course is offered in May term; students may earn one credit hour for the travel experience.

Humanities European Study Tour (4 credit hours)

Milligan students may earn four hours of humanities credit by participating in a one-hour preparation course offered in the spring semester and a multi-week tour of Europe offered each summer. One or more of Milligan’s humanities professors will lead the tour, which visits several European countries. Visits are made to sites of both historical and cultural significance. In addition to travel, students attend lectures and discussions, complete writing assignments, and fulfill other responsibilities outlined by the tour professor. The preparation (HUMN 200P) and tour (HUMN 200T) may be taken in place of HUMN 202. Prerequisites include HUMN 101 and HUMN 102.

International Field Work Course (3 credit hours)

This is a four-week intensive summer course located in the Philippines. Faculty and students will travel to Cebu, Philippines and work with local nonprofit organizations who are pursuing social and economic justice on several levels. The main organization the faculty and students will work with is My Refuge House. It is a Christian nonprofit serving girls who have been rescued from trafficking and abuse. One of their ministries is a community outreach program which trains community groups and schools on what trafficking and abuse looks like, how to ask for help, and how to be a positive bystander. Milligan students will engage with these trainings, working with students and community members in and outside of the city. Students will also receive training themselves from several other organizations – such trainings will include: cultural competence, HIV/AIDS, causes and effects of trafficking and abuse, poverty issues, social enterprise, etc. The faculty member leading the trip has extensive experience with the organizations involved and will be working in conjunction with them to development hands-on activities and exercises.

National Parks Tour (2 credit hours)

LeadersDr. Brian Eisenback and Dr. Michael Whitney
Catalog descriptionBiol 200 – Field Studies in Biology

An analysis of selected biological problems and/or in-depth study of unique ecosystems. Subject content varies according to selected topics. The course is conducted at an off- campus location, and the student may incur additional expenses for travel. A student may not accumulate more than four hours credit in this course. Offered in the May term each year.

Description: For two weeks, students and faculty will visit National and State parks in the USA (and sometimes Canada). This will reward 2 hours towards Milligan’s natural science requirement. Students will research the history, ecology, flora, and fauna of at least one destination and deliver a report to the group. Students will also maintain a daily travel journal. The course is open to any Milligan students, faculty, staff, or alumni. Seats are limited and are awarded on a first come basis.

Highlights of past trips: 2016 – Acadia National Park, Maine; Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada; Gros Morne National Park and Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland, Canada. 2018 – Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho; Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington; Olympic National Park, Washington; Seattle, Washington; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Costs: Costs vary by trip, but typically the cost is around $700 plus food expenses. The fee covers transportation, camping, and entrance/activity fees. Payments are due in full by May 1.

Important info: Students will need to bring the following items: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, flashlight, hiking gear. Tents and other basic camping supplies are provided. See trip leaders for more details.

Dates: Offered May term each year. The trip begins the day after graduation and lasts two weeks. Students must sign up by contacting a trip leader and depositing an initial payment before April 1. Attendance in an April (date TBD) orientation for all participants is required.

Approved Affiliate Programs and Organizations

CCCU GlobalEd

CCCU GlobalEd is a collection of faith-integrated, off-campus study programs that foster intellectual, cultural, vocational, and spiritual growth. These programs transform the way students experience the world and equip them to live out their Christian faith in today’s global society. More than 13,000 students have benefitted from these academically rigorous, Christ-centered experiential education programs for the past 40 years.

CEA Study Abroad

Immerse into life abroad! Perks like on-site staff to show you the ropes, cultural engagement activities, and 24/7 health and wellness support enhance your life abroad, while internships, service learning, and volunteer opportunities help build your career readiness. You can even keep that study abroad experience alive after your program ends by becoming a CEA Alumni Ambassador and sharing the benefits of international education on your own campus.

Council On International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

A nonprofit, nongovernmental organization, CIEE is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization. Since 1947, CIEE has helped thousands of people gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive, relevant, and valuable exchange programs available.

Global Education Oregon

Global Education Oregon creates pathways to international, experiential learning for students, faculty, and university partners. Founded on the belief that international engagement is integral to developing global citizens, GEO prepares students for a 21st century workforce, creating exceptional academic and professional development opportunities abroad.

Studio Arts College International (SACI)

Pursue your passion in a U.S.-accredited arts program at the oldest and most prestigious American art school in Florence. SACI is more than an opportunity to study abroad in the birthplace of the Renaissance: it’s an experience you will carry with you, in your career and throughout your life. Alumni have been nominated for Academy Awards, exhibited in the London National Portrait Gallery, and designed jewelry for major Hollywood productions—there is no limit to what you can achieve. Yet for many it’s the opportunities to embrace and adapt to new challenges, to collaborate with people from all different backgrounds and cultures in one of the most vital artistic centers of Europe, and fully engage with art and design in a transformative way.

Contact

Matthew McDonald
Associate Professor of Chemistry; Director of Study Abroad