What is Study Abroad?

The mission of The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) is to support and collaborate with academic departments at The University of Southern Mississippi to develop and administer a wide range of educational programs abroad that will enhance students’ academic, professional, and personal development. The OSA is committed to providing a variety of credit-bearing programs that are accessible to students from diverse academic and personal backgrounds. The OSA offers short and long-term options through faculty-led programs, international exchanges, student teaching placements, internships, and affiliated partner programs.  

 

FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS: Taught by USM faculty, students travel as a group, earning between 3 - 16 USM credit hours.  Each program earns specific credits, with programs offered in a variety of majors.  Faculty-led programs lend to an active learning environment, allowing students to get hands-on experience within their field of study! Examples include: British Studies Program, Honors Abroad, Business and Culture in Italy, and Semester in Spain. To see all of our program options, go here.

 

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM: More of an independent and individualized experience ranging from one semester to a full academic year. Undergraduates choose from one of our 14 partner universities to exchange their student life while still earning USM credit! Students pay Southern Miss in-state tuition and fees, with housing and travel expenses paid separately. Partner Universities include: The Hague University, Keele University, University of Birmingham, and Université d’Orleans
 

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: For seven weeks in the summer, students can gain international work experience while earning six hours of USM credit in Dublin, Ireland!  Through our partner, EUSA, students work with advisors to find the best placement within their field of study or interest. Industry Examples: Communication and Media, Business and Sports Management, Law, and Not for Profits/NGOs.

 

STUDENT TEACHING ABROAD: Seniors required to student teach during their last year have the opportunity to complete half of their placement internationally. Placements are available through our Consortium of Overseas Student Teaching in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. Recent placements include: Costa Rica, Greece, Germany, and New Zealand

There are other options if a student’s area of interest is not available through one of USM’s programs, students may consider a program through one of our partner programs: CIS Abroad or API Abroad. These programs require approval from the Office of Study Abroad. Please request advising for additional information.