Are you interested in travelling around the world while learning? Study Abroad programs at Sacred Heart University (SHU) give students a unique opportunity to be immersed in culture from different parts of the world, while staying on track with their academics.
Students that study abroad can stay on track of their education while also experiencing different cultures and ways of life that they may not experience anywhere else.
“Study abroad is a highly transformative experience with many academic, professional and personal benefits,” said Renee Pang, Director of the Office of Global Education. “Students broaden their networks and perspectives while making progress in their overall academic plan.”
According to the SHU website, students have more than 60 programs to choose from in over 30 countries, and credits from courses taken abroad can transfer to their academic transcript.
“Students can choose from a variety of programs, which include countries like SHU Dingle in Ireland, John Cabot University in Italy, Hellenic American University in Greece, or faculty-led programs in France,” said Amy Jennings, Study Abroad Coordinator. Pang also said that these programs include a variety of learning experiences.
“Many of our programs include classes with experiential learning components like internships, clinical experiences and historical/cultural site visits,” said Pang.
During the winter, spring, and summer terms of 2025, nearly 450 students studied abroad.
“Currently, there are 42 students studying abroad in Dingle,” said Jennings. “About half are visiting students from other universities, which can include Villanova University, University of Scranton, University of Southern New Hampshire, and others depending on the time frame.”
Senior Andrea Haggerty, a nursing major, studied abroad in Dingle, Ireland during the spring semester of her sophomore year. Haggerty said the coursework was very comparable to her coursework taken at the SHU campus in Fairfield.
“The classes were relatively similar to SHU. I found the professors to be very engaging, interactive and personable,” said Haggerty.
Haggerty also said she had the opportunity to go on different excursions, and really feel immersed in Irish culture.
“There are a lot of experiences like a sea safari, multiple hikes, and over 50 pubs. A lot of pubs have live music and even an Irish dancer at night. In Dingle, everywhere is walkable,” said Haggerty.
In addition to the academic opportunities, students are able to explore the country they are studying in. Senior and Global Ambassador Olivia McManus went to Dingle for the spring semester during her sophomore year.
“Students can travel around Ireland and the rest of Europe on the weekends. The SHU in Dingle Program will take students to Galway, Ireland and to London for a weekend,” said McManus.
Scholarships a student earns at SHU can also carry over to cover tuition abroad. Certain scholarships are available through the college of study a student is in.
“The Welch Waiver is available for students in the Welch College of Business & Technology, which is about $1,950 that would apply and can be used for short-term programs or full semester programs taught by SHU faculty members. Honors program students also get a $500 scholarship to study abroad,” said Jennings.
It is never too early to think about studying abroad. Students that are interested in studying abroad need to submit an online application.
More information about Study Abroad programs including program details, deadlines, and events can be found by visiting sacredheart.edu or by following @shuglobal on Instagram.
