Faculty-Led Study Abroad

Professor Alec Lindsay and class at Victoria Falls in Zambia.

Faculty-led study abroad programs are just what the name implies: NMU faculty leaders in various academic departments develop a course which takes place entirely – or partially – in another country. These programs usually take place in the early summer, but may take place during spring or winter break, or even as part of a semester-based course.

NMU students usually earn from 4 to 6 academic credits during an NMU-sponsored FLSA. The programs are experience-rich – that is to say site visits, guest lectures and field excursions are built into the intensive time spent abroad.

For some students, FLSAs are the perfect choice because they fit so well into a tight academic schedule back on NMU’s home campus. They don’t necessarily disrupt plans for summer employment, and they can often pave the way for a more independent, lengthier time spent studying abroad. Why? FLSAs are confidence builders. More importantly, they will help you stretch your imagination about what the you – and the world – can accomplish.

TO GET STARTED, check this Web page regularly as well as student announcements concerning FLSAs planned in the coming academic year. And plan to attend the fall Study Abroad Fair. Faculty leaders will be there to recruit for next year’s programs.

In the meantime – check out some of the programs sponsored in the 2007-08 academic year:

ZAMBIA:  Professor Alec Lindsay and a group of 14 NMU students conducted field studies in ecology in the African nation of Zambia. Check out their blog on Dr. Lindsay’s faculty web page: http://nmuinzambia.blogspot.com/

HONDURAS: Nursing professors Eileen Schmit and Mary Jane Tremethick led a second group of NMU nursing students on a service-oriented health education project in the Central American nation of Honduras.

ITALY: English professor John Smolens conducted a travel writing seminar over spring break. Students traveled throughout Italy and produced portfolios featuring their impressions of travel and their own personal growth.

SOUTH AFRICA: Nursing professors Anna Sanford and Kathleen Thompson led a group of students to South Africa to study AIDS-related health measures and community health initiatives.
Criminal Justice professor Bob Hanson also led a group to South Africa with studies focused on criminal justice practices in the rich context of social change and race relations.

PERU: In Summer 2008, professors Julie Higby and Barb Wittler taught a course on alternative healing practices, including Shamanism, herbal remedies and indigenous health practices.

EUROPEAN STUDIES – Language professor Nell Kupper led a course that featured studies in the humanities in three European nations: France, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Students interested in participating in a FLSA must turn in the completed FLSA student application packet at International Programs. When you have completed all the steps, you will be notified of your formal admission to the FLSA program. Be prepared to pay required deposits and final payments throughout the months leading up to your FLSA. Typically, final payments are required 1 to 2 months before the travel abroad. While financial aid may be applied toward program costs, you remain responsible for making timely payments of tuition and program fees. There are also health check and insurance issues that need to be addressed with FLSA participation. Links for all materials are on the left of this page.