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Office of Education Abroad

Major Advising Page - English

The Department of English encourages students to broaden their perspectives on the range of literature and related cultural forms around the globe; develop a sense of the impact of literature on social history beyond the U.S.; and take the opportunity for immersive cultural experiences including readings, films, plays, musical performances, etc.

If you are excited about literature, the arts, and culture in general; in writing creatively in response to other cultures; in becoming familiar with diverse literary traditions; and in exposure to non-American Anglophone literature, then study abroad is for you! Plan on taking at least two or three major courses within your English major. Field work, independent study and internships are also possibilities to complement your coursework.

Study abroad fits easily into the English major as long as students begin the study abroad advising process as early as possible. Tell your academic advisor that you are interested in study abroad at each registration appointment. Together, identify the best terms to go abroad - whether summer or a regular semester or year -  based on the courses in your four-year-plan.

Specific things to consider: 

  • Though not prerequisite for the major, students are strongly encouraged to take ENG 3001 (Foundational Literature in English) early on in their time at VU.
  • ENG 2250, the Junior Research Seminar, and ENG 5000, the Senior Seminar, must be taken at Villanova. 

Search the OEA Course Approval History database to select from study abroad courses that have already been pre-approved.

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 English students, summer study abroad is possible after first year through end of junior year. Semester study abroad is possible beginning spring semester of sophomore year through fall semester of senior year. Senior year study abroad must be approved by the College.

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

The English Department encourages students to consider programs that provide practical experiences. Internships 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 independent study opportunities available in different regions of the world. 

*Villanova University - Irish Studies at the University of Galway

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

DIS - Study in Scandinavia

IES Abroad - Cape Town

Looking for more? 
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. 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, and and the program’s website will list the most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

 

*Villanova Summer Irish Studies in Galway, Ireland

 *Villanova Summer Studio in Irish Theater *For qualified undergrads

*Villanova Summer at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea

*Villanova Summer Literature and Politics in Prague, Czech Republic

*Villanova Summer Learning Communities Abroad Internship in Dublin

Villanova Course-embedded Travel
The English Department offers short term, international opportunities that are embedded within a semester or year long on-campus classes, which provide students with the opportunity to connect classroom learning with onsite studies. Previous opportunities have included the "Writing through Conflict" program in Belfast. Contact the English Department for current offerings. 

Looking for more? 
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Visit Passport Villanova and explore other opportunities. Non-VU partner programs under 6-weeks long must require a petition in order to be approved. Contact your OEA advisor for petition information.

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.