Students interested in psychology, biology, or medicine can explore how Japanese culture lends itself to health, balance, and longevity while living in the island nation.
Meanwhile, those intrigued by advertising and social media could get new insights about these fields by exploring them in Mexico.
Those are just two new offerings of the 19 study abroad programs available for University of Miami students this summer, all of which are created and led by faculty members. Students interested in these experiences must apply by Feb. 1 to secure a spot in the programs, which run from May through the end of July.
“We are always really excited to see the breadth and the scope of course experiences that faculty propose for students,” said Devika Milner, assistant dean and executive director of the Office of Study Abroad. “Every year, we receive new summer course proposals that bring more opportunities for University of Miami students to gain critical skills from a global lens.”
At least seven of the programs have never been taught, including two courses offered by writing studies faculty members that focus on using places like Madrid, Spain, and Florence, Italy, to spark creative expression. There is also a new class offered for students interested in innovation and sustainable solutions, which is based in Amsterdam but will include trips throughout the Netherlands. And business students also have four courses geared toward them, including a new one that explores how to build an effective workforce in a global setting, based in Barcelona, Spain.
In addition, all summer faculty-led programs are open to students from any major, and the chance to explore these places with a University expert makes the experience even more meaningful. For example, engineering lecturer Gianluca D’Ippolito—who leads Biomedical Engineering in Florence—grew up in the city where his program is based, and professor Richard Grant spent years doing research in South Africa, where his program is held. So within the first few hours, students can get oriented to their host country with someone who has nuanced knowledge of the region. Many University instructors also speak the language of the nations where they are taking students.
“Summer abroad programs are an ideal way to gain an international experience, especially for students who don’t have the opportunity to go abroad during the academic year,” Milner added. “These are also great for students who want to learn and explore a new location with a UM faculty member who is an expert in that region.”
See a photo gallery of some of the programs offered last summer, and read more about this year’s offerings below. While summer faculty-led courses are listed by the school or college offering them below, all students can take these courses, regardless of their major.
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College of Arts and Sciences
British Politics and Policy: Students spend four weeks in the heart of London learning about the leading players in the media, politics, and economics of Great Britain. They also delve into issues like globalization, security, and human rights through a British lens. Taught by Joseph Uscinski and Michael Touchton.
Designing Sustainable Communities in the Netherlands: Using design thinking principles, students tour many parts of this nation and imagine the potential for smart cities and urban infrastructure that promote future growth and innovation while minimizing impacts to the environment. Taught by Ben Lauren and Scotney Evans.
Spaces of Hope: South Africa in a Changing World: Students learn about the nation of South Africa and its history, politics, demographics, and geography firsthand in Cape Town. Then, they participate in a service-learning project in South Africa’s Kruger National Park further north. Taught by Richard Grant and Dina Moulioukova.
Mind-Body Health, Healing, and Performance: The Japan Experience: Students discover how the intersection of psychology and biology can be harnessed to promote health, healing, and peak performance—all within the rich cultural context of Japan. Taught by Firdaus Dhabhar of the Miller School of Medicine.
A Creative Writing Journey Through Madrid: Students learn poetic technique, narrative voice, and character development while exploring Madrid’s literary, art, performance, and culinary scenes. Taught by Mia Angela Leonin.
Advanced Writing for Arts and Humanities in Florence: Students explore historical and contemporary works of art in the city known as the “birthplace of the Renaissance.” They evaluate published works about Florence before creating their own travel narratives—both in traditional and digital media—about their cultural encounters. Taught by Annabelle Mahoney.
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College of Engineering
Biomedical Engineering in Florence: Students can take a biomaterials course or a biomedical engineering independent study while also getting the opportunity to learn about Italian culture and how it relates to engineering. Area visits include Pagani Motors, Parmigiano cheese production, the University of Pisa and the University of Bologna, along with local museums. Taught by Gianluca D'Ippolito and C.Y. Charles Huang. -
Miami Herbert Business School
Global Human Resources and Special Topics in Global HR: Students dive into real-world HR challenges at global and local companies while exploring how culture shapes people management in Barcelona. Taught by Stephen Cerrone and Zahra Azadi.
Galapagos and Beyond: A Sustainable Luxury Study Abroad Experience: Students explore the marketing of luxury brands, services, and destinations in Ecuador balance cultural richness, exclusivity, and sustainability in an emerging market. Taught by Maria Brito-Rhor.
Strategic Brand Management in Europe: Based in Madrid, this course explores the significance of brands in creating value and help students to develop the necessary tools and skills for appropriate implementation of branding strategies. Taught by Joseph Johnson and Corey Rodriguez.
Operations Management: This four-week program offers students the chance to engage with the culture of Florence while completing a course required for all business students. Site visits include the Parmigiano-Reggiano factory, an automobile industry production site, and a specialty leather designer. The program also includes a two-night excursion to Pompei, Sorrento, and Capri. Taught by Beth Miller.
Fashion and Luxury in Florence: Students gain firsthand experience visiting luxury fashion companies in Italy and then explore how these Italian firms have developed and successfully marketed some of the most prestigious global fashion brands. Taught by Trinidad Callava.
Organizational Behavior: Summer abroad on the French Riviera: Based in Antibes, France, this course takes place near the technology and business park Sophia Antipolis, which is a vibrant hub of innovation and industry. This dynamic business environment provides a unique opportunity for students to observe and engage with contemporary organizational practices and theories in a real-world context. Students will also collaborate on a project with students from SKEMA Business School, a local institution. Taught by Marina McCarthy.
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School of Architecture
The Open City Studio: Tokyo: Based in Tokyo, graduate architecture students travel throughout Japan to study architecture and city building responses to hydraulic geography, water resource management, and maritime transit systems. Taught by Steven Fett, Edgar Sarli, and Adib Cure.
Grand Tour of Europe: Students of every school and major travel with faculty to explore the most significant historical buildings and public spaces in Athens, Paris, Venice, and Rome. Taught by Frank Martinez.
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School of Communication
Explore Mexico: Social Media and Consumer Minds: Students learn how local and global brands engage Mexican consumers online and in person through experiences, guest speakers, agency visits, and observations. Taught by Sarai Nuñez and Monica Duran.
Film and Photography in Europe: Students get the chance to make movies and take photos in magical, medieval Prague, Berlin, Vienna, and Dresden, while also receiving hands-on training from professional European artists and scholars at the Czech National Film School in Prague. Students can enhance their current studies and future careers with international cinema and photography skills. Taught by Ali Habashi and John Soliday.
Global Communication in a Social Media Age: Using the city of Barcelona as their classroom, students visit a variety of communication outlets and enjoy cultural activities to gain an understanding of this mecca for sports, tourism, and economic trade. Taught by Luis Herrera.
The Cannes Lion Experience: During this two-week course, students explore the French Riviera before attending the world-renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. This course provides a unique opportunity to experience French culture, sharpen creative thinking, and connect with the pulse of the advertising, branding, and communications world. Taught by Meryl Blau.
