Program Information
Program Learning Goals
- Provide students with theoretical, and/or analytical frameworks, and practical knowledge for living and working in a global society in order to help students to understand how to interact across boundaries and in diverse contexts with a range of people.
- Expose students to different cultures and languages to gain a richer, more nuanced worldview, appreciate difference, and gain cultural humility.
- Help students develop and use intercultural communication and language
- Encourage students to examine the dynamics of power and how it shapes such issues as knowledge, privilege, gender, economics, religion, environment, and/or race relations.
- Employ discipline-specific approaches/methods in critically examining international and/or global issues, processes, trends, events, structures, etc.
Programs
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Student Stories
Check out some stories from fellow Bruins who have studied abroad!
Patton Kirkpatrick
Hello! My name is Patton Kirkpatrick and in May of 2024 I was able to participate in SLCC’s Japan Study Abroad program. The experience was amazing. I am so thankful that I was able to go and learn.
Japan was both very similar to the US but also very different. I would say the biggest difference would be in communicating information through context. The way information is presented was different enough to be confusing to me and it took a bit to get used to.
I definitely struggled when it came to actually speaking Japanese. I could tell that some of my classmates were a bit more advanced than I was. There was a lot of times where I couldn't say what I wanted and ended up not saying anything at all.
I still learned a lot though. When it came to the Japanese lessons, I could understand most of what the teachers were saying, which felt pretty good. I have an easier time identifying words and phrases now, though I still struggle with vocabulary and complex grammar.
When it came to the activities and day trips I was fully expected to have to sit out of things or end early due to my physical disabilities. However, I was able to do a lot more than I originally thought. We would walk constantly, and I could keep up pretty much most of the time. My favorite activity we did would be the tea ceremony. It was such a unique experience and I'm glad I was able to do it.
Having my walker with me was a big help. Being able to have a portable seat I can bring anywhere was super handy so I could rest and recover throughout the day.
The students and staff at Shitennoji were amazing. They were so helpful and accommodating. There were sometimes where I felt like a bit of an inconvenience, but I hope that it wasn't too rough on them.
The dorm I stayed at was super nice. I was in my own dorm, which was essentially a full apartment. It was nice not having to share amenities with people but there were also sometimes where it felt a little lonely. I did enjoy the privacy though. Being able to be alone and do what I need was hugely important for me to recover from the daily activities.
Meere Birima
Don’t see a country or program that fits your interests or academic goals? Check out the University of Utah’s Learning Abroad Affordable Programs! If you need help connecting to a study abroad program or connecting with a Learning Abroad Coordinator at the University of Utah, contact the Engaged Learning Office.