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Office of Education Abroad

Major Advising Page - Theology and Religious Studies

Through the variety of courses and experiences, you will be able to explore the diversity of thought on religious and theological matters in 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. This will allow you to engage Christianity as a living tradition of beliefs through diverse cultural context, and render theological concepts in dialogue with others. 

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: 

  • THL 1000 must be taken at Villanova University.

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 Theolgy and Religious Studies 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 Theology and Religious Studies 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. 

VU Partnership with Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford
Study theology, philosophy, English literature and British history for one year in Blackfriars Hall at Oxford University
*Deadline is generally late-February for the upcoming academic year. 

Arcadia Abroad - King's College London 

Arcadia Abroad - Trinity College Dublin

Arcadia Abroad - University of Edinburgh

CIEE Arts + Sciences Program in Seoul, Korea

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 Irish Studies at National University of Ireland, Galway

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.

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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