Study Abroad

Why study abroad?

Davenport University realizes preparation for success in today’s global workforce means acquiring the combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes referred to as global competencies. Students must become knowledgeable about other countries, develop cross-cultural communication skills and acquire the sensitivity that enables them to appreciate and work with diverse cultures. One of the best ways to become more globally competent is to experience day-to-day life in another country with the preparation and guidance that enables insights and understanding. Davenport University provides these kinds of opportunities through its study abroad program enabling students to study anywhere from three weeks to one year abroad.

Short-term programs

The short-term programs are group experiences led by Davenport faculty and involve earning up to six credits for both academic and extracurricular activities while abroad. Students can study finance in London, experience 5,000 years of tradition in China, tour multi-national corporations in Germany, and learn about global economics in Kenya, East Africa. Short-term programs are continually developed for students and the variety of locations will increase.

Semester or year abroad

Students at Davenport can also spend a semester or year abroad at various universities in the Netherlands, Spain, China, France and Italy. Davenport’s official agreement with INHOLLAND University in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, enables students to earn Davenport credit while studying there for one semester or for a full year. Full-year students would be eligible for a degree from both universities. Through a special relationship with John Cabot University in Rome, Italy, students from West Michigan become eligible for a scholarship to study for a semester or year there. Due to Davenport’s affiliate membership with the American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS), and its most recently acquired affiliation with GlobaLinks, Davenport students can choose from over 30 locations around the world including some in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia.

Finance your trip

Many types of financial aid may be used to offset the costs of study abroad, such as loans, scholarships and grants. Davenport provides study abroad grants for eligible students participating in its short-term programs, and students currently receiving financial aid may continue using it for approved programs such as those mentioned above.

Davenport’s study abroad program is expanding and new opportunities are being explored and developed. In addition to the traditional study abroad experiences described above, work and service-learning opportunities abroad are also being made available.