GEO Sq Logo

Duke GEO Article
by the Duke Global Education Office

  • Student in front of Chicago skyline

Try on a New City for Credit

5 Reasons to Pursue a U.S.-Based Study Away Program

At GEO we believe you can have a global experience anywhere in the world, including right here in the U.S. The Duke Global Education Office administers a growing number of U.S.-based study away programs in iconic places such as: New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Silicon Valley. 

Here are five reasons why U.S.-based study away programs are unique:

1.     Pre-Professional Focus

Many U.S.-based study away programs are designed to enhance students' pathway to their careers. Professional growth and personal leadership development are focal points in the course content and accompanying site visits, positioning students to have a competitive advantage when pursuing future internships and jobs.

2.     Coursework with an Internship Component

Select U.S.-based study away programs offer coursework with an internship, research, or independent study component. The faculty who lead these programs often have strong connections in the host city/region and can assist students with their efforts to secure an internship. Past program participants have used the internship component to set a foundation for job options post-graduation.

3.     Duke Alumni Network

One of the most distinguishing components of the U.S.-based study away programs is the involvement of Duke alumni now working in host cities/regions. Alumni love to give back, and they do so by inviting students to behind-the-scenes tours, networking events, and private meetings at their organization. Others host guest lectures, give presentations, or serve as mentors. This direct access to Duke alumni – and their network of contacts – who are leaders in their fields is a hallmark of Duke's U.S.-based study away programs. 

4.     Faculty Directors Know the Area Like a Local

Sure, you could visit these places on your own, but you won't get the same insider experience you will get with Duke faculty directors who know these cities/regions like a local. The directors' nuanced familiarity with the area allows students to go beyond the typical tourist perspective and truly use the city/region as a learning lab.

5.     Programs Run Long Enough to Have an Impact

Unlike other universities that run their U.S.-based programs as an alternative spring break or a J-Term/winter break, Duke's study away programs run for a summer term or a full semester and are intensive in nature. Students have enough time to delve into the course topics and form solid connections with people in the field.

 

U.S.-Based Duke-In Programs

 

SUMMER


SEMESTER


*Program offers coursework with an internship component.

 

RELATED ARTICLES

Study Away Programs Offering Coursework with an Internship, Research, or Independent Study Component

If you are an undergraduate looking for an internship, research opportunity, independent study program, or other practicum experience, check out the options available through courses on study away programs.
 

Read More

Ask Away: Q+A with Duke Students about Study Away

Get ready to 'Ask Away'! This series of events and resources will help you connect with alumni of various study away programs. Check out the new GEO Peer Advisors, Q+A videos, student panel events, and a searchable directory of 190+ ambassadors!
 

Read More

Program Recommendations by Area of Study

Looking for a study away experience with an emphasis on courses in your discipline? Use these links to browse study away/abroad opportunities by areaof study. Browse these program recommendations by area of study for a quick guide to summer and semester programs – both Duke-In and Duke-Approved.

Read More

Back to Back: How I Studied Abroad Twice in the Same Summer

In the summer after her sophomore year at Duke, Tiffany de Guzman ('19) did two Duke-In summer programs: Duke in Bologna and Duke in Oxford. We asked her to share what motivated her to tackle four credits in one summer and what advice she has for others considering doing the same.

Read More

Study Away Myth Busters

Find out the top six things that people get wrong when sharing advice about study abroad/away, from finances to course credits to language requirements.
 

Read More

How To Choose a Study Away Program

When it comes to choosing a study away program, the array of options can be overwhelming. It might seem easier to follow friends’ recommendations, but study away is really about your own path. What are you looking for? What are your academic and personal goals? Here’s a list to get you started with evaluating your needs.

Read More