Study Abroad and the Communication Major

Frequently Asked Questions

Overseas study is an exciting option for Loyola students, and it can be a thoroughly enriching experience. The Communication Department encourages students to study abroad, because international experience is becoming increasingly valuable in our information society. However, overseas study is not for everyone. For example, the Communication major at Loyola College offers highly-specialized courses for which equivalents are difficult, if not impossible, to find overseas.

Who in the Communication Department can advise me about overseas study options?

Contact the Assistant Chair of the Communication Dept., Dr. Neil Alperstein, at (410) 617-2548. But, before visiting him, be sure you have read all of the information on this page.

Should I consider a full-year of study abroad?

The Communication Department encourages students to study abroad, as international experience is becoming increasingly valuable in our information society.

Plan your study abroad carefully to mesh properly with your Loyola program of study. Communication majors are especially busy in their third and fourth years with courses in the major, contact with their major professors, on-campus media experiences, networking with professionals, internships, and job searches. You can combine these essential activities with study abroad if you plan ahead.

The Loyola College Office of International Programs can help you to choose a Loyola overseas program; courses taken in these programs apply directly to your college degree. You also should consider the Communication Department's Cagli Project summer session in Italy, which combines media training with an intense intercultural experience.

Here are issues to consider when choosing a study abroad program:

1. Does the study abroad program have courses offered by Loyola or credits transferable to Loyola? If not, you might not complete your Bachelor's degree in four years.
2. Do the courses/credits satisfy any of your degree requirements? If so, you have more flexibility to take elective courses when you return to campus.
3. When can you make up Loyola courses you need for your degree that you might miss while studying abroad? Check the Communication Department's Course Projections to learn about upcoming course offerings.
4. When is my application for study abroad due? Consult the Loyola College Office of International Programs for information.

What are my options for the amount of time I study abroad?

Study abroad programs range from immersion sessions lasting weeks, such as Communication Department's summer session in Cagli, Italy -- to semester-long options in countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Thailand, China, Japan, Ireland, Belgium, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Germany, France, England, and Rome, Italy -- to year-long programs in many of the countries mentioned above.

We highly recommend the Communication Department's summer session in Cagli, Italy, because it does not interrupt your regular academic year. This project-based study session earns 6 course credits, while placing you in one of the loveliest parts of Italy.

How should I develop a study abroad plan?

It's never too early to start planning. Even if you're not sure that you will go abroad, you should plan your courses as if you were definitely going. Get an early start in your major's courses, by taking the necessary course prerequisites as soon as possible. Talk with students who have participated in the study abroad program that interests you and ask them for tips. Most importantly, talk with your advisor about your course scheduling strategy.

How do I get credit for an overseas course?

Follow this procedure to learn in advance which overseas course credits can be counted toward your Communication major at Loyola College:

1. Review your advising sheet to see what courses you have to take in your area of specialization. If you don't have an advising sheet, you must get one. See the Communication Department's Administrative Assistant.
2. Identify the overseas program that interests you, then obtain its course catalogue. For more information, consult the Loyola College Office of International Programs.
3. Photocopy the catalogue description of the courses you think correspond best to courses you have to take in your area of specialization (see Advising Sheet).
4. Next to each photocopied course description, write the corresponding course number and title from the Loyola Catalogue.
5. If there seems to be no corresponding Loyola Communication course, then write "flexible requirement" next to the photocopied description.
6. Submit the photocopied catalogue descriptions (with their corresponding Loyola titles and numbers) to the Dr. Neil Alperstein, in HU 288. If he is out of the office, give your material to the Communication Dept;/s Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Linda Herr, in HU 270.
7. Give Dr. Alperstein a minimum of 2 weeks to review your material. If you don't hear from Dr. Alperstein after 2 weeks, phone him at (410) 617-2548.
8. This approval process simply tells you which courses, among those you've selected, can earn credit toward your major. It is your responsibility to follow up by filling out the appropriate advising forms before and after your study abroad. For more information, consult the Loyola College Center for Academic Services and Support.