(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)November 20, 2003

(Mahwah) – Conduct field studies in tropical agriculture in Puerto Rico. . .Hike through national parks and forests in the American West. . .Journey to China and become immersed in Chinese culture and history. Promises offered in a slick travel brochure? Hardly – they’re the promise of exotic and historical destinations scattered throughout Europe, Africa and Asia and the United States, offered through Ramapo College of New Jersey’s study abroad program. Study abroad opportunities are open to students from all U.S. colleges or universities, college graduates, teachers and community members who seek to combine travel with an educational experience.

More than an educational opportunity, students are exposed to many aspects of the culture and society in the host country. They participate in field trips, excursions and have daily direct contact with the people who live there, many times as guests in their homes.

Ramapo College is initiating several new semester-long study abroad programs, one to east India and another to Australia. In keeping with Ramapo’s international education mission, new programs to Spain, Cuba, London, Italy and South America will be launched next year.

In addition to broadening one’s horizons by gaining opportunities to explore one’s heritage, experience other cultures and acquire academic credits, participants also get life-altering experiences,” says Joseph Dallon, Ph.D., study abroad director.

The College offers semester-long programs individually tailored to a student’s major in Australia, Canada, England and India. Short-term programs provide opportunities to travel to the American Southwest, Jamaica and London in the winter and South Africa, Canada, Costa Rica, China, Ireland, London, Prague, Puerto Rico and the American West in the summer. These short-term explorations average three weeks. Among the courses offered and areas of interest explored are French and Spanish language, including conversation and composition; tropical ecosystems; tropical agriculture; tropical botany; international business; Irish literature and film; contemporary British media; Chinese history and culture, and the national parks and forests of the American Southwest.

Studying abroad for a few weeks, a semester, a summer or a year has long been the bastion of financially secure students. Dallon seeks to increase disadvantaged students’ participation in the program. The College’s study abroad office has launched a campaign to make students aware of affordable options available to them. The criteria for both scholarships and other forms of financial aid are diverse enough that all students can qualify for some level of financial aid,” says Dallon.

The College has also made it a priority for its undergraduates to experience this educational opportunity. Rodney Smith, Ed.D., president of the state liberal arts institution, has stated that his goal is for 80 percent of all of the College’s students to participate in a study abroad program.

Dallon strives to accomplish four objectives as study abroad director: increase enrollment, programs, destinations and overall program quality. All of the study abroad experiences, rooted in a rigorous academic context, count towards a student’s degree as a requirement, an elective or as a general education course. Courses are taught by full-time Ramapo College faculty members and/or by resident full-time professors at the host institution.

For more information about study abroad destinations, contact Dr. Dallon at 201.684.7730.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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