Contact Information
Phone: 401.865.2114
Website: https://global-education.providence.edu/
E-mail: pcabroad@providence.edu
Location: Harkins Hall 215
Christian F. Wilwohl, Ed.D., Dean
The Center
The Center for Global Education supports the mission of Providence College “as a community committed to academic excellence in pursuit of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor.” To that end, the Center seeks to provide a welcoming learning and living environment whereby members of the PC community are exposed to a diversity of cultures, and social and political viewpoints, and come to truly see and understand themselves as world citizens.
Study Abroad
The Center administers a comprehensive and academically integrated study abroad program, with over 300 program options for undergraduates. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to visit the Center or its website (https://global-education.providence.edu/) for information concerning study abroad program options. The development of program options for students is carefully designed to augment and enrich the liberal arts perspective of Providence College. Programs are assessed in terms of quality of educational experience, relevance to the student’s academic interests, and potential for cultural enrichment. Faculty advisors and departmental chairpersons participate in the planning process and advise students on appropriate program choices.
Planning for Study Abroad
Students planning on studying abroad should begin planning as early as their freshman year. Careful planning of the student’s curriculum over their four years at Providence College will ensure that coursework can be completed in the proper sequence and that coursework and credits completed abroad will count towards the undergraduate degree. The Center assists students throughout the process, from informational sessions before departure to the processing and posting of academic credit upon completion of a semester, year, or summer abroad. For summer study abroad, the College also approves a wide range of programs. Students should contact the Center for information on available program options.
Application for Study Abroad
Applications for study abroad approval on a semester or year program must be made to the Center for Global Education by December 1 of the academic year prior to the intended year of study. Applications for summer study abroad are typically due in mid-March. Interested students should consult with Center staff in Harkins 215 for additional information regarding programs, applications, and deadlines. In all instances, final approval for study abroad must be granted by the dean of global education.
Home School Tuition and Portability of Student Financial Assistance
As part of Providence College’s commitment to academic excellence and opportunity, study abroad is an integral component of the undergraduate academic curriculum. In order to make study abroad equally accessible and affordable for all students, regardless of financial means, the College follows a Home School Tuition policy. Students pay their normal PC tuition and a study abroad fee for the semester or academic year abroad. Students with financial aid receive both their merit and need-based aid for study abroad, as part of the home school tuition policy.
Academic Credit and Grades on Semester or Academic Year Study Abroad
Academic credits and grades earned during a semester or year of study abroad are recorded as PC course credits and grades. The courses, credits, and grades are posted on the student’s academic transcripts and course grades are calculated into the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
International Student Success
The Center for Global Education assists international and exchange students at Providence College to make their transition to American education, and (along with the Student Success Center and major academic advisors) helps to monitor their progress toward their degree.
PC in Rome
In partnership with CEA Study Abroad, the PC in Rome program offers a semester-long study abroad program for students to study theology and religion, along with Italian language (required), and elective courses in a variety of disciplines, many of which fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. Housed in the historic Prati neighborhood in the center of Rome, just a few minutes walk from Vatican City and Piazza Cavour, the Center’s academic program takes advantage of Rome’s religious, historical, and cultural sites as an extension of the classroom itself. Students share apartment housing with American and Italian roommates in the Prati neighborhood, which is easily accessible to the Center.
Theology courses offered include:
Civ in London
Civ in London is a competitive program for students in the traditional Development of Western Civilization (DWC) track. Admitted students will go abroad the spring semester of sophomore year as a cohort of 30-40 students, accompanied by two Providence College faculty leaders. In addition to completing the DWC 202 requirement, several core and major courses are available at the IES London Center to keep students on track.
PC Faculty-Led Abroad (FLA)
PC Faculty-Led Abroad (FLA) are Providence College courses that include a short-term travel component. Most FLA courses take place during the Spring semester where travel occurs during Winter Break, Spring Break, or alternatively, during the shortened “Maymester” term. All FLA courses are developed and run by PC faculty and travel to a diversity of destinations each year. These programs are priced economically (with scholarships available) and typically do not require prerequisites to ensure all members of the PC student body can participate. Whether students are interested in exploring such areas as Christian social principles through international service-learning (Guatemala) or gaining a deeper understanding of international business in the Asia Pacific Region (Australia), FLA has many options available. Providence College is proud to sponsor 10 Faculty-Led Abroad programs for the 2022-2023 academic year. Please note that applications are due between October 1 and November 15 depending on the FLA program and more information can be found on our website.
