We encourage information sciences students to expand their global experience through various international programs. The benefits of study abroad are numerous—whether you are interested in expanding your academic research experience, growing your professional skills, or developing lifelong friendships—there is an opportunity for you! Read more about highlighted benifits and debunk some common myths. Or watch a past presentation on study abroad to iSchool students.
Our school partners with Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange (IAGE) to provide students with study abroad advising and programming to enhance their Information Sciences degree. Students should discuss with your IS Advisor to review your academic plan and how an international program may fit into your schedule, and then find your program!
Updates:
Find Your Program!
Visit the Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange Student Website to understand the process, timeline, requirements, and look through available programs. Also watch a First Steps Presentation or meet with your Study Abroad Advisor (below) to help you find a good program fit.
Erin Leonard
International Programs (IAGE) Coordinator
for the iSchool
Erin Leonard is the Education Abroad Coordinator for Illinois Abroad & Global Exchange (IAGE), and is dedicated to helping iSchool students, faculty, and staff navigate the study abroad landscape at Illinois. Erin has an M.A. in International Education, and has visited or interned in countries spanning Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, Curiosity and Penny.
Erin holds virtual office hours for iSchool students seeking information on studying abroad Tuesdays from 2:00-4:00pm. To chat with Erin during these times, use the following instructions:
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- Login to your Zoom account with your Illinois NetID and password
- Click chat and search for “Illinois Abroad”
- Initiate a chat with her. At that time, she can convert to video chat if requested.
Erin can also be reached at ell3@illinois.edu, via phone at 217-300-2132, or you can make an individual virtual appointment.
View our iSchool Study Abroad Virtual Office Hours Calender here.
Scholarships!
Studying abroad is obtainable, regardless of your financial situation. You may be eligible to apply for a variety of funding opportunities available from Illinois and external sources. Some highlighted ones are:
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- I4I: A student fee generated scholarship, around 1 in 4 eligible students are awarded one between $1,00-$6,000.
- IIP: A donor generated fund, students are matched with potential scholarships as part of the I4I scholarship application.
- Enabled Abroad: This scholarship aims to encourage Illinois undergraduates with physical or sensory disabilities to study abroad
- Gillman: Pell grant eligible students can be awarded on average $3,000 - $5,000 to study abroad through a nationally competitive scholarship. Preference is given to students studying in non-traditional locations and have a diverse background.
More scholarships information can be found on the scholarships webpage of Illinois Abroad & Global Exchange.
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Campus Partners
Illinois Abroad & Global Exchange (IAGE/Study Abroad)
https://www.studyabroad.illinois.edu/
IAGE Calendar
Follow IAGE on Social Media!
National & International Scholarships Program Office
https://topscholars.illinois.edu/
Our program administers nationally competitive awards for University of Illinois students and alumni. Opportunities include undergraduate and graduate study, research, and teaching—often in foreign countries. We also provide advice and feedback for candidates throughout the application process, helping you to become more competitive for scholarships.
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Virtual Global Experience Opportunities:
Virtual International Professional Development Opportunities (thru LAS)
Upcoming virtual programming opportunities to come! These are apart of the LAS International Program’s Virtual Global Experiences, which consists of internships, research, and projects with international organizations, alumni mentors, or companies abroad. We recommend any student who is interested to schedule an appointment with an advisor in LAS International Programs. These opportunties may be eligible for specific study abroad scholarships, such as the I4I scholarship.
Virtual Research Opportunities:
Summer 2021: Assistant Researcher in Cultural Studies with The Book History Lab in Athens, Greece
(20 hours per week for 10 weeks)
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- About the organization: The Book History Lab was founded in June 2019, with the goals of creating a digital platform mapping the literary communities currently active in Greece and creating a database collecting papers on book policy available in Greek libraries, and publicizing an electronic journal book on history.
- About the research: The researcher will carry out original research on any aspect of the history of the book (e.g. book policy on the national or state level; school textbooks; library networks etc.). The final aim of the project is to produce an academic paper.
- Required background: The student must have an academic background in social science, statistics, or cultural studies with an interest in the history of The Book and book policy.
Contact Amanda Lentz in LAS Study Abroad if interested in this opportunity by March 20, 2021: alentz@illinois.edu
Vitual Internship Opportunities:
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- Campus B: Internships in Brazil Campus B offers internship programs and experiential learning in a structured online working format through interacting with Insper (Institute of Education and Research) students. Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside Brazilian students and experienced professionals in renowned organizations across many disciplines. All interns will be placed within an organization working on projects, with a dedicated supervisor and a program coordinator based in Brazil. Cost of Participation: Program fees: $880-1080 in addition to the $150 administration fee. Enrollment in LAS 199 is required.
- VACorps provides internship placements with a South African company, startup, nonprofit, or NGO. VA Corps may also offer hybrid opportunties to begin your internship remotely and then travel to South Africa to meet your colleagues in person and enjoy local travel adventures with VACorps. Cost of Participation: Program fees: $1,000 in addition to the $150 administration fee. Enrollment in LAS 199 is required.
- Sage Corps offers customized 12-week remote internships with global startups around the world. Students can work on projects in relevant areas of data analytics and software development. There are also opportunities to develop and use a foreign language. Cost of Participation: Program fees: $1,999 in addition to the $150 administration fee. Enrollment in LAS 199 is required.
- Barcelona SAE offers customizable internships with start-up comapnies in Barcelona, Spain. Companies who host a virtual intern on this program are available in Spanish or English. The virtual internships are project-based, and each internship is unique to you. Cost of Participation: Program fees: $799-999 in addition to the $150 administration fee. Enrollment in LAS 199 is required.
- Virtual Mojo offers placements with unique Indian social enterprises and not for profits. Relevant opportunites are in UI design, UX writing, and data visualization. View the flyer. Program fees: $700 in addition to the $150 administration fee. Enrollment in LAS 199 is required.
Global Online Classes (thru LAS)
In collaboration with study abroad partners, several LAS units are offering online courses for students to explore various topics in an international context. What is unique about these courses is that students will develop a global mindset and learn through engaging with international experts and being exposed to new perspectives. Some course examples are:
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- EURO 199 Smart Cities (3 credits): Provides students with an introduction to how European cities are tackling the world's most pressing problems through innovative technology, design and policy.
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CLCV 220: Athens Ancient and Modern (3 credits): This course introduces students to the city of Athens and its monuments. Through virtual visits to major archaeological sites and museums, we will study closely the material remains as well as the historical and socio-political contexts in which they were created.
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HDFS 398: Child Health in South Africa (3 credits): This course offers a unique exploration of child development and health perspectives and challenges in South Africa. Topics will include family, cultural and societal contexts, child guidance, food security, HIV and tuberculosis care in childhood and adolescence, as well as the effect of COVID-19 on child well-being in communities already affected severely by socioeconomic and health disparities
https://las.illinois.edu/academics/international/global/courses
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Global Experiences While in the U.S.
You may still build global experiences while in the U.S.! Building your global competency will be beneficial for you personally and professionally!
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- Global Leaders: orange and blue engagement (GLOBE): GLOBE connects Blue members (current university students) with Orange members (new incoming students) and teams them up in small groups to participate in various activities and events throughout the semester.
- ISSSTrains: ISSSTRAINS encompasses workshops, student and scholar panels, and coaching to build the global skills that lead to more effective and enjoyable intercultural communication.
- Intensive English Institute: You can help promote our world-class program, better connect our students and enrich the local community. We offer opportunities for professional development and to advance research in the field of second language teaching. ConvoPartner Volunteer
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- Coursework (make sure to look at special topics, such as '199s' as well!)
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- Campus Research/Area Studies Centers
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Post-Graduation Opportunities
