GLOBAL EDUCATION FAIR GUIDE
THE CHRONICLE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 | 13
Choosing a Program How do you choose a Global Education Program? First, keep in mind that there is no “one size fits all” in global education. The choice needs to be an individual one based upon your academic and personal goals. It is important not to rush into a program choice without considering all the options, however tempting it may be to simply follow the choices of your peers. “The road less traveled” often leads to the greatest rewards.
Level of immersion in the host culture/city: • Is there a Resident Director, or any staff who deal solely with this group of students? • Do you enroll directly in classes at a local university, or is there a separate center for the program? • Are there special classes at the center? If so, in what subjects, and who teaches them? • If you enroll directly at the university, would you be taking separate classes specially designed for program students, or would your classmates be from the host university? • Do you want a high level of support and structure in your program or do you desire to be as independent as possible?
So how do you identify the program which is the best fit for you? First, you need to ask yourself some questions about your academic goals, and how the various programs might help you achieve them. Language of Instruction: • Is one of your goals to improve your fluency in a foreign language? • Are classes conducted in English or in the language of the host country? • What are the language requirements for applicants? Duration of the program: • Is this a year-long program, or can students enroll for a single semester? • If a summer program, how many weeks is it? • How long can you be away from Duke?
Living arrangements: • Would you live with a host family, in an apartment, or in a dormitory? • How far is the housing from the university or program center? • How much privacy/personal independence does the housing offer? • Who would arrange the housing and could you switch if it were not satisfactory? • Are meals included? Can the program accommodate students with special dietary needs (e.g. food allergies)?
Credits: • How many credits can you expect to earn on the program? • How many study away credits will your department accept towards a major/minor/certificate program? • Will you be able to earn the course codes that you need to progress in your degree program?
Fees: • What do the fees cover? (The cost of tuition, books, housing, meals, special excursions, and airfare may or may not be included.) • Are there not-so-obvious expenses you should take into account? • Are there scholarships available?
Eligibility requirements & number of participants: • Is there a minimum GPA for the program? • Are there prerequisites and do you meet them? • Is the program limited to degree-seeking university students? • Is the group large, small, or medium, and do you feel comfortable with the group size? • How selective is the program? Will you need to apply to a back-up program? Past participants: • Is it possible to speak with a student who has recently participated in the program?
We always recommend that you start by looking at Duke’s own programs, for which you pay Duke tuition and mostly earn in-residence Duke credits. If there is a Duke program that suits your goals, this is usually the simplest option. You can find more information on all Duke programs by browsing the GEO website and visiting the GEO in Smith Warehouse. If you do not find what you seek among the Duke-in programs, you may wish to explore the Duke-Approved Program List listed on the GEO website under Programs. This list, which is updated yearly, includes about 175 nonDuke options currently approved for transfer credit. The list is organized by region and country, and contains links to each program’s website. If you are unable to find a Duke-administered or Dukeapproved program that suits your academic needs, please contact the Global Education Office for an advising appointment.
Make the world your classroom! Over 40 semester and summer Duke programs plus 175 non-Duke options for credit!
Global Education Office for Undergraduates global.duke.edu/geo 919-684-2174 globaled@duke.edu