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.

SUMMER

• Duke in NY Summer Internships in the City* 
   
• Duke in Silicon Valley

SEMESTER

• Duke in D.C.* (Spring)
   
• Duke in Los Angeles* (Spring)
   
• Duke in NY Arts & Media* (Fall)
   
• Duke in NY – Finance (Spring)

*Program offers coursework with an internship component.