Study Abroad

Opportunities Abroad

The Department of Human Development and Family Science offers two exciting and unique study abroad experiences designed to help students become global citizens while gaining meaningful cultural experiences beyond the classroom. Through the Brazil Study Abroad and Dementia Study Abroad programs, students develop cultural awareness, broaden their professional perspectives, and gain valuable experiences that prepare them for careers in the human services and other fields of their choice. See details below.

2027 Brazil Study Abroad Program:

The Exploration of Families, Communities, and Schools in Vibrant Brazil

Come join as we explore Salvador, the oldest city in Brazil. Seeped in Portuguese-styled colonial architecture and straddling a tropical coastline, Salvador Brazil represents this colonial power’s first capital having been founded in 1549 and remaining under Portuguese control until 1763. Its heavily, rich African culture comes from its enslaved past. As the first capital of Brazil, Salvador witnessed the blending of European, African and Amerindian cultures. It is in this unique setting that we will explore the themes of Brazil's history and how the colonization process, slavery and resistance, Catholicism, and African religions have impacted the most diverse city in Brazil. Family life, educational systems and religion are crucial for understanding Brazil and all it has to offer. In order to do this we have set up unique opportunities for us engage families, schools and this community through unique experiential activities. These include dance and music classes (percussion), attending Afro-Brazilian mass, visiting Condomble temples, interacting and visiting local elementary and secondary schools, attending a professional soccer match, while staying with host families. All of these experiences will enrich your educational experience and prepare you for your future careers as you develop lifelong friendships and a broader view of the world.

Dates:

May 28 to June 21

Deadline:

January 29

How to Apply

Dementia Study Abroad

The International Dementia Care study abroad program is an extension of the Department of Human Development and Family Science and the Engagement Center for Creative Aging (ECCA). In this program, students have opportunities to engage in programs designed to support persons living with dementia on campus at Virginia Tech, before traveling overseas to experience programs abroad. This program is based at the Steger Center for two weeks where we engage community programs in beautiful southern Switzerland, before going on excursions and exploring communities with progressive practices in Europe. Excursion site visits have included the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Middelburg), Belgium (Bruges), the United Kingdom (Cambridge), Scotland (Stirling) and Denmark (Copenhagen). These opportunities are designed to broaden students' understanding of best practices from a global perspective and become change makers back home in the states.