About the Center for Global Education

In support of the educational mission of PC, the CGE aims to provide opportunities for transformative academic and cultural experiences. The Center helps students develop and acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that will prepare them to:

• comprehend the international dimensions of their major field of study
• develop cross-cultural sensitivity and adaptability
• carry global competence throughout life

The Center exposes members of the PC community to a diversity of cultures, social, and political viewpoints. In this way, the CGE allows members of this community to be able to see themselves as world citizens.

PC, through the CGE, is a member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the Institute of International Education. It also belongs to the Association of International Educators, and the Forum on Education Abroad. The Center adheres to the NAFSA Code on Ethics and Statements of Principles in International Educational Exchange. It also observes the Code of Ethics for Education Abroad developed by the Forum on Education Abroad.

Enhancing academic excellence is one of the core values of a PC education. Experience and understanding of other cultures and traditions are necessary components in this quest. They prepare today’s students for a world more interconnected than any previous generation has seen.

Pedagogical Goals

Study abroad provides alternative learning environments so students can benefit from new academic perspectives and intercultural experiences. In fulfilling this mission, the Center pursues the following goals.

1. Curricular Integration:  During their time abroad, students are expected to complete coursework encompassing their major/minor and the core curriculum. To gain transnational understanding of their field of study, students should be exposed to international dimensions of their discipline(s). This will prepare them for the global workplace of tomorrow.
2. Geographic Diversity of Program Locations:  Knowledge of Western Civilization is central to the core curriculum here at Providence College. However, the study of other world religions, languages, and cultures is also crucial. It is through this exploration that students begin to understand the accelerating forces of globalization and its resulting challenges. Thus, students are encouraged to study in Europe but also in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Oceania.
3. Program Diversity: Students learn in many ways. Study abroad options include traditional facilitated direct enrollment and provider-based center programs. Many study abroad options now also include field-based learning, internships, service learning, and other engaged or experiential learning programs.
4. Career Integration and Development: Study abroad should enhance the career choices of PC graduates. Hence, students are advised to select programs that can be integrated with their career aspirations or other post-graduate opportunities. The specific programs and courses they choose will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and intercultural agility to do this.

In sum, study abroad is aimed at enhancing student learning and development beyond what the home campus can provide. It is not academic tourism, though that will also be part of the experience. Rather, this pedagogical approach frames study abroad as an integral part to the undergraduate academic program at Providence College.