One of the most rewarding experiences for many Pirates is the opportunity to study abroad. ECU's programs range from short-term trips to the United Kingdom, Africa, the Middle East and Asia to long-term experiences at the university's year-round program in Tuscany, Italy. Our Pirates are traveling the world and expanding their global reach.
Take a look at some of our students’ study abroad experiences and learn more about ECU’s opportunities to travel the world.
Brody School of Medicine
India
As a Brody Scholar, Dana Shefet participated in the Himalayan Health Exchange between her first and second years in the Brody School of Medicine. The three-week global health initiative takes place in the Spiti Valley of India near the northern tip of the country.
“This program was absolutely incredible, and I recommend it to anyone who would like to learn more about global health, primary care and serving communities globally. After this trip, I became a more humbled, understanding and cognizant medical student who is working to serve my future patients best through conversation and understanding where they stand in terms of changes that are realistic for them to be making in their own lives.”
— Dana Shefet, ECU Brody Scholar, Brody School of Medicine
College of Education
Ireland
A group of nine students from ECU's College of Education and the Honors College spent 11 days studying climate change in Ireland. The group studied the impact of climate change on the Wild Atlantic Way — Ireland's scenic coastal route — examining the changes through the lens of Irish history and culture.
The team, led by ECU faculty members Tammy Lee and Bonnie Glass, partnered with the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland as part of the experience.
College of Health and Human Performance
Central and Western Europe
Open to all majors, this trip through central and western Europe took 40 Pirates across the continent to learn more about the historical and cultural differences between Germany, Italy, Switzerland and France. Led by the College of Health and Human Performance’s Jake Jensen and Alan Taylor, the group learned about the cultural, monetary, religious and family functions across the four countries.
Stops and activities on the trip included visiting Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle and the historic Dachau Concentration Camp and Memorial; a gondola ride through Venice, Italy; visiting Switzerland’s Black Forest and a cuckoo-clock factory; and exploring France’s Arc De Triomphe and Eiffel Tower.
Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
Israel
McClean Pink, a graduate student in the Department of Anthropology, has been gathering data this summer in Jordan for her master's thesis on artifacts from the Petra North Ridge excavations. Directed by thesis advisor Megan Perry, McClean’s research is funded by a Bikai Fellowship from the American Center of Research.
Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
South Korea
Six Pirates in ECU’s Department of Geography, Planning and Environment participated in a study abroad experience in Seoul, South Korea, this summer. Led by faculty member Misun Hur, the experience gave students hands-on exposure to key principles of sustainable urbanism, with site visits emphasizing themes of environmental management, sustainable transportation infrastructure, and global architecture and design.
College of Fine Arts and Communication
Germany
School of Theatre and Dance major Tom Gregus spent part of his summer in Germany as part of his study abroad program. Gregus had the opportunity explore Berlin, visiting the Reichstag government building overlooking the city while paddle boating with classmates on the Spree River. One highlight included visiting the infinite mirror room in Illuseum Berlin — a museum of holograms, optical illusions and interactive galleries.
College of Fine Arts and Communication
Kenya
A group of ECU dance students and professors traveled this summer to Kenya, where — immersed in local culture — they learned a variety of African dance styles, taught children’s dance classes, and saw wildlife on a weekend safari.
The experience capped a virtual semester exchange between ECU’s School of Theatre and Dance and Dance Centre Kenya. The students designed choreography in the spring that they performed together in Nairobi.
"The whole experience of engaging with peers and community leaders from different regions of Africa has hopefully encouraged students to be open to new ways of collaborating on an international level and to be inspired by and actively pursue opportunities and connections with global peers."
— Jessica Teague, Assistant Professor of Dance
Want to learn more?
ECU's Office of Global Affairs offers multiple study abroad programs, ranging from short-term summer programs to long-term international campus experiences. Each year more than 50 programs are created by ECU faculty to teach programs abroad. Non-ECU affiliated programs are also open to students.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for students to subsidize the cost of study abroad programs. Contact the Office of Global Affairs to help plan your future Pirate study abroad trip!
Don't forget to check out the ECU Study Abroad Instagram Highlight to check out firsthand experiences from our students!
Credits:
ECU News Services and Contributed Photos