COMMUNICATION
The Communication Department at ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ encourages students to study abroad during their four year degree at ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University. In-class instruction and professional internships are just a few of the many opportunities that exist for communication majors.
The Communication Department sees study abroad as a way to develop a deeper understanding of self and other and true appreciation of difference; to develop a multicultural identity and commitment to being a citizen of the world; to develop intercultural communication competencies; to communicate effectively in a language other than English OR to communicate effectively in cultural variations of English; to be an effective ambassador, fostering productive ties between the US and other countries on an individual basis.
Communication majors 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:
- Core COM courses must not be taken overseas, including COM 1000, COM 1100, all 2000-level Theories courses, COM 4001 and 4002.
- Students are most successful taking 3000-level electives overseas.
- No more than two (2) COM courses may be transferred to satisfy COM major requirements; one (1) COM course may be transferred to minor.
- When searching overseas university coursework, often students should look not for "Communication" but for the specific concentrations within the VU-COM major: journalism, media studies, critical media, cinema studies, public relations, intercultural communication, rhetorical/performance studies, organizational or interpersonal communication.
Search the OEA Course Approval History database to select from 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.
Semester
- Semester study abroad is available in any semester as long as the required courses are completed.
- Fall Senior Year - Must have departmental and College approval
*OEA can assist with this petition process
Summer
- After 1st, 2nd and 3rd year.
- Study abroad after senior (4th) year not permitted.
Students should work with their academic advisor to determine the best time to study abroad..
The Communication Department at ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ strongly encourages students to consider programs that provide practical experiences. Internships, field work and research are wonderful ways to gain hands-on, professional experience.
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.
In the past, students have:
- WFI Interns at the UN have written speeches for IFAD officials, contributed to research projects and special events, blogged UN events around Italy, worked on internal IFAD communication projects, and have engaged in social media advocacy to assist in realizing IFAD's mission.
- Produced video documentary about the struggle for affordable housing (Seville).
- Created advertising and marketing campaign for nearby vineyard and coffee company (Urbino).
Strong complement for students interested in intercultural communication, advertising and marketing. Program is offered during fall semester each year.
The Communication Department also manages their own page which offers an introduction to the program. Only available during junior year.
in Seville
Strong social justice focus through documentary and journalism co-curricular activities.
in Prague
(Sites in Copenhagen and Stockholm)
Looking for more?
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Visit to discover 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. 
Social Justice Documentary Program
Each year the Communication Department offers a social justice documentary course that spends a full year learning about, and then creating, documentaries that focus on societal issues. Previous locations have included Ghana, India, Italy and Costa Rica. Contact the Communication department for current offerings
Looking for more?
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibilty to study abroad. Visit 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 ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ or program application deadlines.
The Communication department specifically manages scholarships within their department.
There are many scholarships available for students through ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ 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 opportunties found on the OEA website.