International Programs
"International education exchange is the most significant current project designed to continue the process of humanizing mankind to the point, we would hope, that nations can learn to live in peace..." - J. William Fulbright
Dear Students,
The School has initiated Study Abroad programs seven educational programs located in Asia and Europe. In addition, less formal, but no less intense, Study Abroad programs can be arranged for countries located in Africa, Latin America, the Russian Federation as well as with other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Many of these programs are undertaken with SP2 faculty or alumni and, in all cases, requires a high level of self-sufficiency and independence in carrying out an independent research effort based on the student’s own professional interests. SP2 also cooperates with other first-tier universities in permitting our students to participate in their structured Study Abroad and international exchange programs.
Students enrolled full-time in any SP2 degree-granting program may participate in a Study Abroad experience. These programs typically are 4-6 weeks in length and occur during either the first or second summer session, or both. Penn students may earn up to one unit of academic credit (1 CU) in the form of a “free elective” toward their degree requirements. In general, the financial costs associated with participation in these study abroad opportunities include: 1) the payment of 1 CU of tuition and fee to either Penn or, on a pre-approved basis, to the host or sponsoring institution; 2) the cost of return air travel between Philadelphia and the city in which the host institution is located; 3) international health insurance; 4) housing, food and other ordinary living expenses; 5) translation services; and 6) local travel within and around the student’s host country. For some programs, local housing may be available at little or no cost to the student. In other situations, and based on demonstrated financial need, SP2 may be able to assist a limited number of students with the cost of air travel between Philadelphia and the city in which their host institution is located.
In addition to the School’s formal exchange programs, students also may participate in a broad range of comparative research projects of their own design and in a country of their own choosing. Typically, these projects are conducted in countries located in developing Asia, Africa or Latin America. Currently, and thanks to our large network of alumni and former visiting faculty, the School is able to facilitate independent field research opportunities for students in Asia (including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand), Africa (including Botswana, the Cameroons, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa) and Latin America (including Argentina, Brazil and Mexico). Each independent study is highly individualized and is developed jointly by the student with the School’s Director of International Programs.
All students undertaking a Study Abroad experience must complete an international/comparative research project on a social policy, social welfare or social work topic of mutual interest to the student, the student’s host institution, and SP2. Students will be provided with an opportunity to discuss their research findings following their return to Penn.
Detailed information, including an electronic application form, can be downloaded from the following URL address: www.sp2.upenn.edu/~restes/PIE.doc. Completed applications for participation in Study Abroad experiences are due by not later than January 15 but early applications are encouraged.
A school-wide informational meeting for students interested in undertaking Study Abroad experiences will be held in October of each year. Questions concerning the opportunities identified above may be directed to either Professor Richard Estes, Director of International Programs, or to Professor Roberta Iversen in relation to the Finland program. Dean Lina Hartocollis is available to answer questions related to financial aid.
I sincerely hope that many of you will find these exchange opportunities to be of interest.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Gelles
Dean & Professor