University of Dayton Education Abroad Programs: Expanding Horizons and Elevating Skills

The University of Dayton (UD), a private Catholic research university located in Dayton, Ohio, recognizes the importance of global awareness and cross-cultural understanding in today's interconnected world. To that end, UD offers a diverse array of education abroad programs designed to expand students' perspectives, elevate their skills, and prepare them to be successful global citizens. These programs cater to various academic interests and time commitments, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage in meaningful international experiences.

A Commitment to Global Education

UD's commitment to global education is evident in its comprehensive offerings, which include summer and winter courses, semester-long programs, integrated learning experiences, cross-cultural engagements, and international internships. These programs are facilitated by the University of Dayton Global and Intercultural Affairs (GIA) and UDayton Global, ensuring students receive comprehensive support throughout their international journey.

Short-Term Faculty-Led Programs: Immersive Learning Experiences

For students seeking a shorter, more focused experience, UD offers short-term, faculty-led programs during the summer and winter breaks. These programs provide direct UD credit through focused academic instruction tied to the program’s location, offering a unique chance to deepen your knowledge alongside peers and faculty while gaining valuable real-world experience. These experiences are led by UD faculty members and provide credit for one core business class. For example, students in the School of Business Administration (SBA) may participate in these GIA programs.

One student who pursued Economics in the EU noted that the experience provided exposure to another country's economic system and challenged them to test lessons learned throughout their UD journey. In Amsterdam, they visited and observed businesses, understanding their cultural values and how they impacted the country’s economy.

These programs allow students to take courses from UD faculty and UD students during winter or summer break abroad or elsewhere in the US. By participating in these programs, students may be able to graduate early, add a minor or second major, or have time to participate in a semester-long internship, as they can earn credits towards their degree.

Semester-Long Programs: Immersive Cultural Integration

Students seeking a more immersive experience can participate in semester-long programs, which take place during the fall or spring semesters. These programs allow students to live and study as visiting students at partner schools abroad. Courses are typically taught in English, although some partners may have foreign language requirements.

These immersive experiences help students develop independence, cross-cultural understanding, and adaptability while fully engaging with a new campus community. Students stay on track for their major at the University of Dayton and gain valuable skills like global awareness, problem-solving, and communication. Choose from partner universities in locations such as Australia, Ireland, Finland, Germany, France, Spain, and more.

Integrated Learning Programs: Connecting Classroom Learning to Real-World Experiences

Integrated learning programs combine travel with an existing fall or spring semester course at UD and are led by UD faculty. These courses expand their curriculum through travel during short breaks-typically early January, spring break, or early May-so students gain immersive, hands-on learning abroad without committing to an extended time away.

Cross-Cultural Programs: Engaging in Meaningful Service and Learning

Through cross-cultural programs, including breakouts and immersions offered through ETHOS, the Center for Social Concern, and the Honors Program, students engage in meaningful service and learning during winter, spring, or summer breaks. While they are not always credit-bearing, these immersions allow students to apply their skills and personal values to real-world opportunities in diverse communities. After spending 13 days walking 160 miles across Spain as part of El Camino de Santiago, one student discovered a deeper spirituality. First-year engineering students have the opportunity to participate in the Costa Rica Immersion Program with their classmates and professors during Spring Break.

International Internships: Gaining Hands-On Work Experience

Stepping beyond the classroom, UD encourages students to gain hands-on international work experience through internships. Students may engage in an international internship through a variety of ways. Some faculty-led summer programs offer a part-time internship as part of the program. UD sometimes offers a stand-alone international internship, and students can seek internships through third-party providers. The Careers Accelerator program helps students gain the experience and skills they’ll need to find their dream job, and they can also help you find internships or work opportunities.

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Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Virtual Global Collaboration

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) brings international partnerships directly into your courses. Through virtual teamwork with university students abroad, students tackle real-world challenges, share perspectives, and gain firsthand experience in cross-cultural communication and digital collaboration. You might take a class on campus where you virtually collaborate with students in Guatemala.

A Supportive Environment for International Students

The University of Dayton fosters a supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can connect, belong, and succeed. UD offers a supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can connect, belong and succeed. As a first year international student you’ll live on campus, along with 85% of the student community.

The University’s UDayton Global program helps prepare international students for life studying in the US. They offer classes designed for your personal academic needs, and personalized support for any issues you might face during your time at Dayton. As a student at UDayton Global, you’ll get personalized help and support at every step of your journey. You’ll take credit bearing courses that are combined with extra support, language skills and cultural experiences. You can go on excursions and take part in fun activities with fellow international students, exploring the local area. The program also offers extensive career help.

Events like International Education Week, CultureFest, and the International Festival give students opportunities to celebrate diversity, build meaningful relationships, and engage with a vibrant community. Residents participate in retreats, interest-driven programming, and city excursions. The Diversity Peer Educators program strengthens leadership and dialogue skills through peer-led workshops focused on identity, inclusion, and connection. The Creating Inclusive Community mini-course invites students to reflect on how we live, learn, and lead together. Dialogue and intercultural development are foundational to social justice education at UD.

The World Associates Program is a student employment opportunity within the Global and Intercultural Affairs Center where students serve as ambassadors and peer leaders supporting global engagement on campus. As a World Associate, students gain hands-on, work-based learning experience by assisting with programs, events, and outreach initiatives that promote intercultural understanding.

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Location and Campus Life

The University of Dayton is located at 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, United States. The University campus offers a wide range of academic and recreational facilities. There are more than 270 student clubs and organizations students can get involved with, and the DaytonUD’s 17 sports teams compete in the prestigious NCAA Division I. Dayton is a gem rich in history, culture and recreation, and the city is the perfect combination of accessible and affordable.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UD offers scholarships to international students pursuing full-time degree programs. These scholarship ranges are one-year amounts that include eligibility for the textbook scholarship and are renewable for all four years, or eight semesters at UD.

Visa Requirements

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. As a student at UDayton Global, students receive personalized help and support at every step of their journey.

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