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Study Abroad in Sociology

“There has been a growing trend in the importance of ‘global sociology’“

-Stephen Scanlan,
Undergraduate Coordinator
for Sociology

What are the benefits of study abroad for someone in Sociology?
There has been a growing trend in the importance of “global sociology,” demanding that
students gain international and comparative perspectives on society. Embracing cultural
diversity, learning new languages and developing a global outlook can complement
the critical thinking skills essential to a liberal arts degree and to developing the
“sociological imagination”.

When is the best time for Sociology students to go abroad?
A major in sociology allows for some flexibility, but students would benefit greatly from
studying abroad during their sophomore or junior years. Summer is also a good time for
study abroad. Upon their return, students can connect their study abroad experience with
their senior capstone course. Timing depends on the exact requirements you’d like to fulfill,
so start planning early to identify the ideal timeline for you to go abroad.

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
generally cannot 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 will fulfill major
elective courses in areas such as social inequality, social psychology and social institutions.

Criminology or Prelaw courses
: Students with a focus on criminology or prelaw
may wish to look for a program with a focus on these areas.

What are other academic considerations for someone in Sociology?
Core sociology courses (with the exception of intro to sociology) are more difficult to fulfill
abroad. Students will be best served taking these courses at Ohio University and fulfilling
other major courses abroad. Major elective courses (with specific sociological themes)
are easier to transfer to OHIO. Talk to your academic advisor and pick up a foreign study
checklist from the Office of Education Abroad to ensure pre-approval of your transfer credit
if participating on a Non-OHIO or exchange program.

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 Sociology through Ohio University

OHIO - Swansea University, Wales exchange program
Semester/Academic year program- This is an OHIO exchange program. Students choose from a wide array of courses, including sociology, criminal justice, legal studies, politics and international relations, modern languages, history, war and society, business, economics, psychology and more.

Sample STUDY ABROAD programs for Sociology through Affiliate Providers

CEA-Prague, Czech Republic
Semester/Academic year program- Sample courses include Intro to Sociology; Culture, Identity, and Film; Intro to Social Science Research Methods, Sociology and the Family,Twentieth Century Social Theory, Subcultures: Lifestyles, Literature, Music and more. Summer program courses include Intro to International Relations, East Central European Politics and International Development.

CIEE-Cape Town, South Africa
Semester/Academic year program- This program offers a wide arrary of courses in archeology, African languages, history, poltical science, social anthropology, sociology, psychology, environmental and geographical science and more. Summer program courses include Transformation in South Africa, Cape Town and the African City, and Urban Ecology in 21st Century Africa.

GlobaLinks-University of Wollongong, Australia
Semester/Academic year program- The University of Wollongong offers a wide selection of courses in sociology, law, history and political science.


USAC- Bangalore, India
Semester/Academic year program- Sample courses include Service Learning, Social Problems, Population and Poverty, Indian Culture and Traditions, Contemporary Political and Economic Issues in South Asia, Business Relations between India and the United States and more.


Foreign Language Programs:
OHIO-Spanish Language and Culture in Merida, Mexico
OHIO-Chinese Language and Culture in Beijing, China
OHIO-Italian in Florence, Italy


API-Spanish Language Program in Madrid
CIEE-Arabic Language and Culture in Rabat, Morrocco



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 Sociology

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.


Yamada International House, 56 E. Union Street, Athens OH 45701 (740) 593-1840

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