Exploring the Benefits of Studying Abroad While in College

If you are ready to expand your horizons and further your studies—it’s time to pack your bags! And if you need further reinforcement, we spoke with the experts at SHU to get the answers to your questions about studying abroad.

What are the benefits of studying abroad?

Can you fully understand a culture from a book, photos or video scenes? With an immersive experience, you witness daily life through a unique lens—learning local customs, observing cultural values and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

You gain an understanding of how people think and live across cultures—an essential skill for life and career success. “There are countless benefits to studying abroad, including increased independence and intercultural competence” said Renee Cassidy Pang, director of SHU’s global education. “In terms of professional pursuits, some of the programs offer internship opportunities and employers value that international experience.”

Students also begin to build a global network that can be invaluable after graduation—opening doors to travel, cross-cultural collaboration, professional opportunities and lifelong friendships.

What skills do you gain by studying abroad?

Resilience. Adaptability. The list of skills goes on—learning how to listen, how to understand context and how to communicate across cultural barriers. These skills are increasingly valuable in global work environments.

Amy Jennings, Sacred Heart’s study abroad coordinator, recalled her college study abroad experience. “When I was abroad (in London), I was the busiest I’ve ever been in my life. It was an amazing experience. It allowed me to build skills such as time management and confidence.”

Can you earn credit for coursework abroad?

Undergraduate students can earn credit for courses, which count toward graduation requirements, whether for short-term or semester programs. The courses tend to be unique experiences. For example, Pang said a recent faculty-led summer session in Italy was focused on agriculture and sustainability. It included undergraduate students from about 10 different majors.

Program options are offered for graduate students at Sacred Heart University’s Dingle, Ireland, campus or through other SHU faculty-led opportunities.

Sacred Heart University’s College of Health Professions (CHP) also offers study abroad opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. These can be short-term (such as one- to two-week intensive courses), service-learning experiences in Guatemala and Ireland or longer-term clinical rotations for specific programs.

“These are unique opportunities and are particularly accessible for students who may have not experienced international travel before,” Irina Ellison, CHP associate dean for academic affairs & global programs said. “Students are able to strengthen their clinical skills, under the guidance of our expert faculty and international partners, while experiencing new cultures and developing informed perspectives on global health and collaborative care.”

SHU’s Davis & Henley College of Nursing also coordinates study abroad and global clinical opportunities. “We are one of only a few nursing programs that allow study abroad,” Cynthia O’Sullivan, associate dean, academic affairs & global nursing, for the College of Nursing said. “We are continually looking to build the program to provide undergraduate and graduate students with deeply enriching programs that build their skills and confidence and let them share their knowledge and learn from others.”

One of the global clinical opportunities takes place in Berekum, Ghana, on a college and hospital campus—Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Teaching College and Holy Family Hospital. The program focuses on caring for patients in an acute care hospital as well as outpatient clinics, along with an interprofessional team. Sacred Heart has been working with this college for several years, educating their faculty to receive their MSN nurse educator’s degree.

What unique experiences are provided for students?

O’Sullivan said students not only share their skills and talents but also learn from the professionals on the ground in places such as Ghana and Guatemala. “This really expands their experiences,” she said. “They learn how to problem solve and work toward better outcomes while working in areas with limited resources and facilities.”

Ellison and Pang said faculty is often involved at the granular level, from proposing trips to being on the ground with students. In those areas where there is not a common language, students must become creative problem solvers—whether caring for populations with health care needs or participating in an internship.

Any tips on how to pursue study abroad options?

It’s best to start early and assess how much time you can commit to the experience. Jennings said the best approach is to work with your academic adviser and plan accordingly, making sure study abroad programs fit within your major and graduation and program requirements. The programs also have academic and other requirements that must be met. And some have limited slots, so planning early and meeting requirements can help.

How much do these programs cost?

All SHU semester study abroad programs adhere to a “home tuition” policy, meaning that financial aid and scholarships will still apply to tuition payments through SHU. Financial aid packages generally do not apply to short-term programs outside of the academic year (winter, summer and school breaks). Students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Assistance with questions about how financial aid applies to study abroad program costs.

For more information about programs and costs, call the global education office at 203-396-8028 or check out the frequently asked questions. In addition to information about costs, you can find out more about eligibility, application requirements and available scholarships.

Interested in learning more?

You can check out the many opportunities by visiting Sacred Heart University’s study abroad office, global educational and clinical opportunities through the Davis & Henley College of Nursing or global health programs through the College of Health Professions.

SHU students can also check out the offerings and ask questions during the Study Abroad & Global Engagement Fair planned for September 3, 2025, at the McMahon Commons at SHU’s Park Avenue Campus.

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