Today’s journalists are expected to have a global understanding of the events they cover, and there is no better way to understand outside cultures than to experience them in person. The School of Journalism encourages its students to pursue the opportunity to get out of their comfort zones and foster the skills that will make them better journalists and people.
Academic advisers can help students fit study abroad into their schedules so that students still graduate on time. The Office of Overseas Study facilitates both IU and outside study abroad experiences for over 2,000 IU students each year, be it for a semester, year, summer or even a few weeks.
Summer in London
The School of Journalism offers an eight-week summer program of study in London. IU faculty teach journalism courses, but the learning extends beyond the classroom. What makes this program special are the unique experiences that enhance and reinforce academic lessons.Throughout the eight weeks, a variety of activities and events will give students the chance to participate in British and European culture. Media internships in London also are part of the experience.
Travel courses are another way for journalism students to incorporate foreign experiences into their studies.
Travel courses
Travel courses are another way for journalism students to incorporate foreign experiences into their studies. - From London to Paris: In the Footsteps of Ernie Pyle takes students to England and France to trace the World War II correspondent’s journeys.
- International Public Relations students visit Japan to tour media organizations and talk with public relations leaders at corporations.
- Technology, Change and News takes students to Seoul, South Korea, to explore how to appropriately use available cutting-edge technology to create innovative, yet effective news coverage.
- Media in Latin America: Messages and Moguls, Dictators and Democracy takes students to Santiago, Chile in May. The course is open to those with two semesters of Spanish. This four-credit-hour course also counts as a journalism research elective.
- Reporting on HIV/AIDS in Africa gives students experience in health reporting while spending three weeks in Eldoret and Nairobi, Kenya. They will work with Kenyan journalism students and explore the IU-Kenya Partnership’s AMPATH project. They also will meet with African journalists and international correspondents in Nairobi to discuss health reporting.
Expenses
Expense should not stop students from pursuing their dreams to see the world. The Office of Overseas Study helps IU students access millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships. In addition, the School of Journalism’s Director of Experiential Learning and Recruitment Katheleen Lee can help journalism students find ways to fund their trips.Other opportunities
Classes often travel for specialized reporting trips or to attend conferences. Graduate classes have conducted extended reporting projects off campus. Also at the graduate level, students may fashion their own independent study that takes them abroad. Other classes and groups have visited alumni at news organizations and public relations organizations.Questions?
Contact Director of Experiential Learning and Recruitment Kathleen Lee, (812) 855-1725, or by mail:Ernie Pyle Hall
Indiana University
940 E. Seventh St.
Bloomington, IN 47405
