Study Abroad in Philosophy

What are the benefits of study abroad for someone in Philosophy?
Through an interdisciplinary curriculum at Ohio University, Philosophy majors examine the discipline from a variety of perspectives.  Therefore, a first-hand examination of different cultures and ways of life would continue this teaching method and would certainly be beneficial for Philosophy majors as they incorporate theory with real life experiences

When is the best time for Philosophy students to go abroad?
Students can benefit from studying abroad their sophomore or junior year due to the large variety of Arts and Sciences requirements that can be fulfilled.  It would be to the student’s advantage to plan ahead so they can fulfill some of these general education electives while they are abroad. Major students are also encouraged to take Philosophy courses while abroad in order to get a new perspective on the discipline.

What types of academic requirements can I fulfill abroad?
University-wide requirements: Tier II courses can often be fulfilled easily abroad.
Tier III courses are offered on some OHIO study abroad programs, but credit for Tier III
cannot generally be transferred back from a Non-OHIO or exchange program.

Arts and Sciences requirements: Courses to fulfill college level requirements,
including the foreign language requirement, can be taken abroad.

Major requirements:  Students can look for programs abroad that offer Philosophy course equivalent to Ohio University Philosophy courses.  Since there are no sequence courses in the Philosophy major students have flexibility in the courses they can fulfill while abroad. 

What are some other academic considerations for someone in Philosophy?
If students can identify courses offered by study abroad programs that are similar in content to OHIO Philosophy major courses, the department may grant credit for the OHIO equivalent course, and these credits would count towards the major. Transfer credit must be approved by the department prior to departure.  Students should utilize the foreign study checklist available at the Office of Education Abroad to seek pre-approval of credits.

Transfer credit will be earned on the Non-OHIO and exchange programs and students should complete a Foreign Study Checklist prior to departure.


What do I do next?
Visit our Planning Your Experience page to discover the steps you'll need to take.

Sample STUDY ABROAD programs for Philosopy through Ohio University

OHIO-Art, Art History and Film in London & Edinburgh
Summer program.  Students have the opportunity to live in the heart of London and take courses in art studio, art history, art writing and documentary filmmaking.   

Sample STUDY ABROAD programs for Philosopy through Affiliate Providers

 API-Leeds, England
Semester/Academic year program.  Students can choose from courses in philosophy, English, politics, psychology, modern languages, biology, history, education, sociology, theology and more.

CEA- Galway, Ireland
Semester/Academic year program.  Students can choose from a full curriculum of courses including philosophy, archaeology, economics, English, marketing, accounting & finance, psychology, history, mathematics, women’s studies and more.

CEA-Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Semester program.  Students can choose from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s course offerings including many liberal arts programs such as philosophy, anthropology, communications, economics, education, history, journalism, social work and more.

CIEE-Brussels
Semester/Academic year program.  Students can take courses in French in the liberal arts including philosophy, religion, history, communications, art history, archaeology and film studies.

Globalinks-AustraLearn
Semester/Academic year/Summer program.  Choose from Universities in Australia and New Zealand which offer an array of liberal arts and humanities courses.

Foreign Language Programs:
OHIO-Chinese Language and Culture in Beijing, China: Take intermediate Chinese language course during this summer program.

API-Spanish Language Program in Madrid: Academic year/semester/summer. Choose from beginner to advanced Spanish courses.
CIEE-Arabic Language and Culture in Rabat, Morrocco: Academic year/semester/summer. Choose from beginner to advanced Arabic courses.
CEA- French Language and Culture in Aix-en-Provence, France:
Academic year/semester/summer.  Choose from beginner to advanced French courses.  

Additional opportunities available! Click here to view more program options & come to walk-in advising, Mon-Fri, 1-4 PM.

Transfer credit may be earned on approved Non-OHIO & exchange programs. Students participating on these programs should complete a Foreign Study Checklist (available at the Office of Education Abroad) to seek pre-approval prior to departure. Students wishing to utilize financial aid and scholarships, click here. OHIO scholarships may not apply to all programs listed on this page. Students should research the country where they plan to study at www.travel.state.gov. Students traveling to a country with a state department warning will be required to sign a waiver (available in the Walter International Education Center) prior to departure.

Work, Volunteer, Intern suggestions for Philosophy

Cross Cultural Solutions:
Internships and volunteer opportunities in Ghana, India, Costa Rica, China and more in areas like health, education, and social services.

Amnesty International:
Employment, internships, and volunteer opportunities are available. Amnesty International currently has more than 100 volunteers and interns working for them.

United Nations Development Program:
Work or volunteer to promote peace and global development abroad.

For an extensive list of opportunities to work, volunteer, or intern abroad please click here.

Students should consult their academic department regarding earning credit for internships. Students will not receive transfer credit for internship programs UNLESS the internship is required of a student’s major and the student receives pre-approval for the internship. Students should register with the Office of Education Abroad before traveling overseas.

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