Sociology Abroad

“To understand people, a sociologist needs to see past the walls, the misconceptions, to bypass established boundaries and establish new insights. Cultural similarities and differences are variations of the same human search for meaning. Through immersion in different places and different ways, study abroad offers the greatest range of opportunities to understand people and their culture,—all essential to a sociology major and minor, to careers in a global economy, and to life in a technological age. Expanding our intellect, our range of emotions, our recognition of a common humanity amidst a myriad of expressions, this is sociology, and this is study abroad."

-  Dr. George Lundskow, Department Chair of Sociology

By studying abroad, sociology students will gain a global outlook. Students will be able to integrate the cultural diversity they experience abroad into their profession by developing  international and comparative perspectives on social problems, race, and social relations. From working at a refugee camp community center in Jordan to a malnourished infants clinic in Chile, there’s a program for you!

Study abroad opens the world to you. Imagine studying the Scandinavian approach to welfare in Norway, exploring multicultural London, or working with the youth of Jamaica. These experiences and more are available to you through the many study abroad programs offered through the Padnos International Center!

Sociology Programs

Internships

Academic Advice

Scholarships

Department Contact

Resources for Advisors

HTM

Australia

Program Suggestions

The programs highlighted on this page are a good fit for students studying Sociology.

Faculty-Led Programs

Location

Program 

Available Courses

Netherlands

Geography & Planning

Students will register for a total of 3 credits:

GPY 381, SOC 380, ENS 380, PA 380: Cultural Geographies and Sustainable Landscape Planning in the Netherlands (3 credits)

This course is an elective within the geography and sustainable planning major and sustainable regional and urban planning minor and is a “380” cross-listing with Public Administration, Sociology and Environmental Studies. It also is an International Relations IR elective and with permission an NRM elective.

Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement. 
Fulfills (1) General Education Issues course requirement. Reflection required

Semester and Academic Year Programs

Country

Program, Host Institution, or University Name

Program Type

Courses

Australia

Macquarie University

Exchange

Available Courses

Australia

University of the Sunshine Coast 

Exchange

Available Courses

France

Université Catholique de l'Ouest

Exchange

Available Courses

Ghana

University of Cape Coast

Exchange

Available Courses

Japan

International Christian University

Exchange

Available Courses

Japan

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Exchange

Available Courses

Turkey

Middle East Technical University

Exchange

Available Courses

United Kingdom

Kingston University

Exchange

Available Courses

United Kingdom

Edge Hill University

Exchange

Available Courses

Argentina

SIT: Social Movements and Human Rights

Provider

Available Courses

Czech Republic

AIFS: Charles University 

Provider

Available Courses

Kenya

KEI: Nairobi

Provider

Available Courses

Scotland

CIS: Stirling

Provider

Available Courses

Thailand

TEAN: Bangkok

Provider

Available Courses

Summer Programs

Location

Program

Program Type

Courses

Japan

International Christian University

Exchange

Available Courses

United Kingdom

Kingston University

Exchange

Available Courses

Kenya

KEI: Nairobi

Provider

Available Courses

Internships

Gain real-world experience globally and build your international network by participating in an internship abroad. 

Internships Abroad

Internships

Explore Other Program Options

There are other program options available. Schedule a study abroad advising appointment to learn more or browse our other program options:

Browse More Programs

Other Opportunities

Academic Advice

  • Department input requested
  • Overseas courses should have significant sociological content, but don’t have to be listed under sociology.
  • Consider fulfilling your General Education Issues requirement abroad. Find out how!
  • Students may NOT take SOC 495 Capstone abroad. 
  • Courses will be approved on a case by case basis through the course equivalency process.
  • Once you have selected a program, be sure to meet with your adviser at least three months prior to departing for your program.
  • Be sure to explore both GVSU and provider options by browsing the Program Suggestions below. Students are not limited to GVSU study abroad programs.
  • There are several opportunities to intern and or volunteer while abroad.
  • Students are also able to fulfill General Education requirements abroad, including their General Education Issues requirement.
  • To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please visit our Course Approval page. 

    Once you have selected a program, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your plans.


Scholarship Opportunities

Explore more scholarship opportunities through our scholarship page 

Scholarships

Department Contact

George Lundskow

[email protected]

2172d Au Sable Hall



Page last modified February 23, 2024