International Studies Program

The Center for International Education offers opportunities for off-campus study through the NMH international studies programs, established in the belief that an understanding of the interdependent relationships between cultures, a sensitivity to others in the world, and a heightened global awareness are essential characteristics of an educated person. Each study and travel experience is designed to challenge and involve fully the intellectual, emotional, and cultural resources of the participants.

The experience of traveling in a country while engaging in study that involves critical thinking, problem solving, reading, writing, and observation is the key to developing insights into the culture, language, and values of that country. Active participation in the daily life of a community, in combination with study of its culture and language, provides enriching new perspectives on oneself, one’s own culture, the host country, and the world at large. By erasing stereotypes and developing sensitivities to other lifestyles, the programs also contribute to the creation of international understanding and friendship.

The international studies programs, which are selective, are open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, depending on the program. Students must complete a formal application by the beginning of spring term for the following year. Participating students receive three academic credits that may be in international studies or specific disciplines depending on the focus and leadership of the particular program. Should their language achievement during the experience enable them to advance their language placement, they will be awarded one language credit in addition to any other appropriate credit.

A special note about postgraduate students: International programs generally do not have space for postgraduates. However, a postgraduate may apply if an opening becomes available. An application must be approved by the student's college counselor as well as by the Head of the English Department. Because postgraduates are required to take and pass PG English, an applicant must qualify for a course waiver from the department head. An applicant must also be able to demonstrate that the proposed courseload meets his or her academic goals for the year and must complete all other PG diploma requirements during the year.

Announcements about specific programs offered in a given year will be made by the Center for International Education before March break.

There is an additional cost for these programs. Many of the programs have an additional fee plus airfaire. The cost for Brazil or India includes the airfaire. Specific program fees are listed on the application forms. One or more of these programs may not be offered in any given year due to enrollment or staffing (or both). Contact the Center for International Education for current information.

Related Info

Related Courses
NMH has a strong commitment to developing an international perspective in all its students, believing that intercultural sensitivity and global awareness will enable students to fulfill their responsibilities as effective world citizens. Following are some of the courses in the NMH curriculum that reflect an international perspective. Students are encouraged to consider them in planning their academic programs.

English
ENG 211 World Literature

History and Social Science
HUM II Humanities II South Africa
HUM II Brazil Sojourn
HIS 315 Foreign Policy
HIS 413 War
HIS 418 Asia Rising: China, Japan, Korea
SOC 412 Economics
SOC 512 AP Economics

Religious Studies
REL/HIS 2 The Islamic Middle East
REL 413 Eastern Religions

World Languages
Arabic
Chinese
French
Classical Studies/Latin
Spanish

Science
ENV 411 Environmental Studies
ENV 415 Environmental Studies: An International Perspective
ENV 511 AP Environmental Science

HUM 211BR Humanities II: Brazil Sojourn

Credit:

Three credits (one each of history, religious studies, and math)

Prerequisite:

Application and screening process with approval of the instructors.

Fees:

Fee required for travel component.

The Brazil Sojourn is a special section of Humanities II that provides students the opportunity to experience some of the course's central themes—the Columbian exchange, colonialism, the dynamics of race and class, the industrialization, the role of religious groups (particularly in social protest), the complex blending of cultures, etc.—firsthand and on-site in Brazil. Students study the regular Humanities II curriculum on campus for the first part of the semester and then travel, with their teachers, to Brazil for two weeks at the appropriate curricular point in the semester. In Brazil, students stay in the cities of Salvador da Bahia and Rio de Janeiro and visit former slave plantations, religious groups, favelas, museums, national environmental projects, local high schools and universities, and they will participate in several community service projects.

HUM 211IN Humanities II: India

Credit:

Three Credits

Prerequisite:

None

Fees:

The program fee is $4,3000.

Term / Semester:

Spring Semester

Grade Level:

Sophomores

HUM II India is a special section of Humanities II that provides students the opportunity to experience some of the course’s central themes—indigenous religions, colonialism, the dynamics of race and class, modernization, the role of religious groups (particularly in social protest), the complex blending of cultures, etc.—firsthand and on-site in India. Students study the regular Humanities II curriculum on campus for the first part of the semester and then travel, with their teachers, to India for two weeks, at the appropriate curricular point in the semester. In India, students explore Delhi, the rural community of Anupshahar, the Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), and the historically and religiously significant city of Amritsar. The major focus will be on the complex interplay between modern globalization and the ancient traditions of India. Students will spend time with scholars and practioners of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam to ponder India's commitments to and struggles with pluralism and democracy. Through study and service, students will be immersed in the equally challenging issues of wealth and poverty confronting Indians today.

INT 072 International Studies Program: Italy Senior Seminar: A Literary, Historical, Artistic and Cultural Exploration

Credit:

Two credits (one in ENG 474, one in HIS 474).

Prerequisite:

Application and screening process with approval of the instructors.

Fees:

Fee required for travel component.

Grade Level:

Seniors

Post Graduate

This seminar consists of Senior Literature and Composition and HIS 464 - Modern Italian Studies (Italian History, Art and Culture). Students will take an additional course in mathematics to meet the three credit requirement.

The course will be an immersion in the lasting power and contemporary rhythms of the "Eternal City", Rome. Preparations will begin on campus with class discussion, readings and research focused on great literature and history from various periods of Italian history. In April, we will travel to Italy to spend three weeks studying Italian art, architecture and "la dolce vita." Our explorations in Rome will include many fo the fascinating ancient sites, including the excavations under St. Peter's Basilica and a day trip to Pompeii. Visits to world-class museums, memorable Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque churches, and historic sites will be interspersed with leisurely strolls through open-air markets, study sessions in leafy parks, and dinners in picturesque neighborhoods. We will savor the sights, sounds, aromas, and tastes of the city. Come prepared to appreciate the palpable presence of the past as well as Rome's current role as a modern world capital.

The program will also travel to Florence to experience the vibrant, bustling birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. A trip to nearby Siena will highlight the Tuscan countryside that inspired writers such as Boccaccio and Dante. Following our three weeks in Italy, we return to campus to continue our classroom explorations and to complete a fascinating research project.

INT 073 International Studies Program: New Zealand

Credit:

Three Credits (ENG 473, HIS 473, ENV 415).

Prerequisite:

Open to juniors and seniors only.

This seminar consists of ENG 473 - Senior English-New Zealand, HIS 473 - History of New Zealand, and ENV 415 - Environmental Studies-An International Perspective.

The New Zealand term abroad program offers students an interdisciplinary approach to studying the history, culture, and literature of New Zealand as well as its contemporary environmental and political issues. Students spend the first half of the semester on campus and approximately six weeks in New Zealand. The program includes intensive study of New Zealand’s history and the Maori culture and an introduction to environmental studies. Trends and patterns that students discover in their study of each discipline will be woven together to build a comprehensive understanding of New Zealand and its diverse population, and also will be used to compare them to political and social situations in America.

INT 076 International Studies Program: Turkey Senior Seminar: Where East Meets West

Credit:

Two and a half credits (one in ENG 446, one in REL/HIS2, and half in ENG 423)

Prerequisite:

Open to seniors only, with application and screening by the instructors.

Fees:

Program fee required.

This seminar consists of ENG 446, Senior English: Turkish Literature, REL/HIS 2, The Islamic Middle East, and ENG 423, Turkish Expository Writing. Students will also take one other half credit course of their own choice.

This seminar will explore one of the most ancient lands, Turkey, the crossroads of civilization, where East meets West. Since antiquity the land that is now Turkey has hosted merchants and marauders from Homer’s Greeks to Genghis Khan, the crusaders of Europe to the silk and spice traders of China and India. In our three-week sojourn, we’ll explore the wonders of ancient and modern Turkey, from Troy to Ephesus. Included will be a study of the history, literature, politics, art, architecture, and religion of Turkey. Emphasis will be on the role of Turkey in the modern period, including its relationship with Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Other major topics include the historic role of Turkey as an ancient crossroads, the role of Islam in contemporary Turkish life, the impact of World War I, the role and influence of Ataturk, Islamic art and architecture, and ethnic Turkey. The literature used in this course will focus on the Middle East, beginning with Homer’s Iliad to Orhan Pamuk’s Snow, and contemporary short stories and poetry. Writing assignments will include both critical analyses and personal narratives; students will be required to keep both a reading journal and a travel journal. ENG 423 includes the study of and practice in essay writing, including narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative, and persuasive essays. Students will receive training and practice in research, proofreading, editing, sentence composition, and organization. Frequent essays will be assigned. A 5-6 page research project will be completed before departure. In-country, a journal and other notes will be required towards a final essay on return.