See the world on OW’s dime!
SUNY Old Westbury offers a variety of study abroad programs, allowing students to expand their academic horizons, immerse themselves in new cultures, and gain valuable international experience.
Old Westbury students can study at five universities, including Beijing Jiaotong University and Jinan University, with programs ranging from total immersion to courses led by Old Westbury faculty. These programs are offered in the spring, summer, and fall. In South Korea, students can attend Gangneung-Wonju National University, a research university known for its courses in information technology, tourism, and marine resources, with programs available each semester.
In England, students can study at London South Bank University, where they can participate in internships and community service. Programs are available in the fall, spring, summer, or for an academic year. In Austria, the University of Applied Sciences offers programs in management, media, and health sciences, with the option to study for a semester or a full academic year. In Spain, students can immerse themselves in the culture and language at the University of Santiago de Compostela, with options to study for a semester, an academic year, or during the summer.
Old Westbury collaborates with the Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI) to offer courses in business, law, diplomacy, French, and humanities in Paris and Bordeaux. These programs are available in the fall, spring, and summer sessions.
Students can join a faculty-led program focused on the culture and architecture of Havana, Cuba, with lectures taught in English and field trips to explore the city’s heritage.
There are numerous options to enhance your global perspective. As stated by President Sams “It’s a central activity or a global experience being able to roommate with a person from Japan or roommate with a person from Rwanda. It’s so important.” Students can find new friendships and connections in other countries that change and help develop their understanding of other cultures and regions.
Studying abroad can be beneficial to local students and beneficial to other countries across the world. Sams stated, “Partnering with countries that have identified semesters abroad for their students as well as for students coming to them adda an important piece to their kind of national ambitions. And what we’re finding is that, and this is not new, it is that study abroad is an opportunity for them to send their best and brightest to the brightest schools across the world.“. Studying abroad is a transformative experience that broadens your horizons.
Students often worry that they can afford the study abroad program based on their financial situation but according to Barbara Hillery director of the study abroad program, “I think that students also need to know that if they’re receiving financial aid, financial aid can help pay for study abroad.” In most cases, it is covered by financial aid. Applying is free and hassle-free through the SUNY Old Westbury Study Abroad program’s website.
For students who are hesitant to study abroad, there are immersive programs where professors and faculty can help guide you, according to Barbara Hilary, “If some students I find are a little trepidatious about going abroad, then I would recommend that they join a faculty-led program, such as the one we have in the summer in Santiago” studying abroad being led by faculty helps students stay connected to both Old Westbury and make new connections as they take the course.
