Studying abroad as an American Culture Studies student can enhance a cross-disciplinary study of America in providing meaningful opportunities inside and outside of classrooms. Some of our approved study abroad programs involve students taking an American Culture Studies curriculum at a university in another part of the world. Other approved programs focus on places in the world where there are especially thick past and/or present historical relationships with the United States.
In all cases, students have uniques capacities through study abroad programs to learn about different perspectives about the meanings of "America" and the powerful global historical, political, and cultural influences of the United States across a global society.
Approved Programs:
Minors may not count study abroad courses towards the AMCS Program, only Majors may do so
Majors interested in studying abroad submit a short proposal (1–2 pages) to the AMCS Academic Coordinator as well as the usual application and Study Plan required of the WU Overseas Programs. In the proposal, they should:
- identify at least four (4) courses that suit their AMCS degree requirements and interests (provide title, course number, description, and link if possible)
- outline how these intended courses will contribute meaningfully to their course of study (for example, how they would complement remaining AMCS courses and/or informing their Capstone project)
This may mean looking not only at topics covered but a given course's methodology and relative interest in culture, capacity to complement or deepen a student's knowledge of a given field of study, etc. If necessary, students should request syllabi for courses they are considering whose course descriptions are overly general.
AMCS Study Abroad Proposals must be submitted to the AMCS Academic Coordinator by no later than January 15 for Fall Semester and Full Academic Year abroad opportunities and no later than April 15 for Spring Semester abroad programs. Students interested in non-AMCS approved programs and alternative programs for any semester must submit applications two weeks earlier than these standard deadlines. *Students are encouraged to meet with the AMCS Academic Coordinator early on to discuss and outline their goals and interests for their time abroad.
Alternative and Non-approved Programs:
Alternative programs are programs not sponsored by any Washington University department or program. Student participation in alternative programs is not common. Participation requires significant advance planning and consultation with the Study Abroad Office and AMCS. Non-AMCS approved programs are programs not sponsored by AMCS but are sponsored by another Washington University department or program. Participation in these programs is more common than in alternative programs but still requires additional planning, as special approval is required. Please see the Study Abroad Office first if interested in a non-AMCS approved or alternative program.
