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Office of Education Abroad

Major Advising Page - Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry supports study abroad and encourages it for all interested students. Often, students find some of the softer skills of chemistry more easily found overseas: communication, ethics, problem solving--along with research opportunities for more hands on experience. 

If possible, plan on taking at least one (or two) major-related courses while studying abroad. This will allow you to gain knowledge of chemistry and chemistry-related subjects in a foreign country while allowing you to compare and contrast with our own domestic experience.

Chemistry majors should begin the study abroad advising process as early as possible to make study abroad fit into the four year curriculum. Tell your academic advisor that you are interested in study abroad at each registration appointment. Together, identify the best terms to go abroad,  for summer or semester, based on the courses in your four-year-plan.

Specific things to consider: 

  • The Department of Chemistry encourages students to complete their foundational chemistry courses at VU, which is why chemistry majors travel less, during the semester, in the first and second years of their program.

Search the OEA Course Approval History database to select from more than 3,000 study abroad courses that have already been pre-approved for liberal education requirements and a growing list of technical courses.

The Course Approval History database is not all-inclusive and students can work with an OEA advisor to submit additional courses for review.

Don't forget - CLAS has a list of policies and limitations specifically focused on study abroad. Make sure you're aware of these as you plan your overseas experience.

Timing
This image shows when students can study abroad for their specific major. For Chemistry students, summer study abroad is possible after the first year through the end of junior year. Semester study abroad is possible during junior year.

Due to sequencing, students should work with their academic adviser to determine the best time to study abroad. 

The Chemistry department encourages students to consider programs that provide practical experiences. Internships, field work and lab research are wonderful ways to gain hands-on, professional experience. 

Study abroad opportunities are not limited to formal instruction. Consider taking advantage of the unique research, internship, and fieldwork opportunities available in different regions of the world. 

In the past, students have :

  • Researched ruthenium-based organometallic linkers for photoactive porous materials (Galway);
  • Taken a geology class with lab which included excursions into the mountains. This at inspired a focus on geochemistry (New Zealand);
  • Interned with a major cosmetic company doing HR and digital work (London).

*Villanova University - Irish Studies at the University of Galway
NUIG offers a wide-array of science offerings, including chemistry. Strong partnership with Villanova.

Arcadia University College of Global Studies
Arcadia University offers supported direct enroll programs at many Universities around the world. 

Looking for more? 
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Perhaps you're looking for something different, something non-chemistry? Visit Passport Villanova to discover other programs. 

Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the OEA Course Approval Database to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs. The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

 

Non-VU partner programs under 6-weeks long must require a petition in order to be approved. Contact your OEA advisor for petition information.

*Villanova Summer at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea

Arcadia University College of Global Studies
STEM Summer Research Opportunities in Brisbane and Glasgow

Looking for more? 
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Perhaps you're looking for an internship opportunity or something non-chemistry related. Visit Passport Villanova and explore other opportunities.

Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the OEA Course Approval Database to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs. The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

 

It is important to plan ahead as it is not uncommon for scholarship deadlines to occur much earlier than a Villanova or program application deadlines.

There are many scholarships available for students through Villanova University, our partner programs and other external sources, like the US Government. The OEA can help students with the scholarship search and application process. If a scholarship is found outside of the OEA scholarship page, students should have it reviewed by the OEA to determine if it is a viable option. 

Browse the scholarships opportunities found on the OEA website.

CLAS

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