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Office of Education Abroad

Major Advising Page - Humanities

As a Humanities major, study abroad is an integral component to further the exploration of God, the natural world, society and the human person . Through the variety of courses and experiences, you will be able to explore the diversity of thought within an international context. Often, this takes place through research programs that pair culturally rich coursework with the opportunity to research your own area of interest. 

Plan on taking at least one or two major-related courses while studying abroad, while some programs may allow a deeper dive into the major.

Though study abroad fits easily into the major, students should 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,  for summer or semester, based on the courses in your four-year-plan.

Specific things to consider: 

  • The Humanities major encourages flexibility and opportunity - work with your academic advisor to determine best approach to study abroad.
  • Students can take up to four major courses or two minor courses to count towards their Humanities requirements.  
  • 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 Humanities 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 Department of Humanities encourages students to consider programs that provide critical thinking and practical experiences. 

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. 

These programs are not exclusive, there are many programs out there that work for Humanities students. These are recommended based on academics, location and partnership with VU:

*Villanova Semester: Honors Global Scholars Humanities at the University of St. Andrews

*Villanova Semester: Honors Global Scholars Politics, Philosophy, Economics Cambridge

*Villanova Partnership: Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford
Year-long study preferred, or spring semester if year is not an option.
*Plan Ahead! Deadline is generally late-February for the upcoming academic year. 

Arcadia Abroad - King's College London 

Arcadia Abroad - University of Edinburgh

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia

IES Abroad - University of 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 so and the program’s website will list most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

 

*Villanova Summer Dublin Early Year's Experience (EYE) - Dublin Internship

*Villanova Summer Dublin Early Year's Experience (EYE) - London Internship

*Villanova Summer Irish Studies at National University of Ireland, Galway

Arcadia Abroad - Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford *Two sessions encouraged

College Year in Athens (CYA) Summer

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. 

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.

Catherine Barr Windels Scholarship at Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford

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.