Education Abroad and Study in America

TAKE FLIGHT IN 2025

SJMC believes in providing unique opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to enrich their learning and career development experiences. Discover the World of Opportunities Awaiting You Abroad and in the U.S.

Spring 2025 - New York City

Explore New York City

Course: MC 3114: Career Exploration, Public Relations
Program Director: Charles Kaufman
Semester: Spring 2025
Dates: January 5 - 11, 2025
Cost: $2,156 (financial aid eligible)
Description:
Engaging with Texas State alumni, students gain insights and connections vital to their careers while enjoying the city’s rich culture and landmarks. Beyond the professional realm, students can explore New York’s cultural diversity, visiting television studios, art museums, theaters, and famous culinary spots. Every experience—from iconic landmarks to bustling streets—enriches their understanding of the world and their potential roles within it.

Explore New York City

Course: MC 3114: Career Exploration, Public Relations
Program Director: Gene Brenek and Dr. Clay Craig (Assistant)
Semester: Summer 2025
Dates: May 11 - 16, 2025
Cost: $2,876 (financial aid eligible)
Description:
Join us for an immersive experience in New York City, where you'll discover how agencies and organizations operate within the dynamic advertising landscape. This program offers you a unique opportunity to broaden your understanding of the industry and explore the diverse cultures of different agencies. Engage in networking and candid conversations with professionals from various backgrounds, helping you envision your success in future careers.

Explore London & Amsterdam

Course: TBD
Program Directors: Harry Bowers and Jennifer Scharlach
HUB Partner: TBD
Semester: Summer 2025
Dates: June 2 – 13, 2025
Cost: TBD
Description:
This program is designed for students majoring in Advertising, Public Relations, Mass Communication, Digital Media Innovation, Electronic Media, Journalism and International Studies. It is also open to students minoring in International Studies and Mass Communication. Other majors and minors will be considered if openings allow. To apply, students must be in good academic standing (not on academic probation).

Explore Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto

Course: TBD
Program Directors: Dr. Gilbert D. Martinez and Jon Zmikly
Semester: Summer 2025
Dates: June 2 – 14, 2025
Cost: TBD
Description:
SJMC Japan is a program designed for students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication to develop and improve their content creation skills in feature writing, multimedia and social media. Non-majors will also be considered for inclusion in the program. Students will explore Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto and create daily blog posts, feature stories, personal travel essays and multimedia content on social media. By documenting their experiences, they will also add published work to their portfolios.

Explore Edinburgh, Scotland

Course: MC 3343: Introduction to Public Relations
Program Director: Judy Oskam
HUB Partner: Queen Margaret University
Semester: Summer 2025
Dates: June 7, 2025 - June 27, 2025
Cost: $3,482.50 (financial aid eligible)
Description:
Explore the historic charm and modern vibrancy of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Study public relations at Queen Margaret University, a renowned institution focusing on sustainability and student support. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history while attending classes Monday through Thursday at the QMU main campus. Edinburgh’s festivals and historic landmarks offer endless opportunities for exploration outside the classroom.

Explore Acadia National Park

Course: MC 4382Y: Mobile Storytelling in the Outdoors and MC 4356F: Feature Writing
Program Directors: Dale Blasingame and Jessica James
Semester: Summer 2025
Dates: June 11 - 17, 2025
Cost: $3516 (Financial Aid Eligible)
Description:
Students will have the opportunity to tell many different stories in one of the most gorgeous places in the country, Acadia National Park in Maine. This park offers several different environments for the students to experience - coastline, forest, etc.

Explore New Mexico

Course: MC 4382Y: Mobile Storytelling in the Outdoors and MC 4382L: Feature Writing and Freelancing
Program Directors: Eraldo "Dino" Chiecchi and Laura Krantz
Semester: Summer 2025
Dates: July 20 - 26, 2025
Cost: $5063 (Financial Aid Eligible)
Description:
Students will embark on a cultural trip starting in El Paso, Texas, and drive north on Interstate 25 through cities such as Santa Fe, Chimayo, Albuquerque, Acoma Pueblo and other New Mexico cities. But beyond just the cultural experience, students will be writing, photographing and blogging throughout their trip on a daily basis, using their various multimedia skills to post to a website. Additionally, their work will be used to create a magazine in the Media Design class. Students will practice what they learn in the classroom on the road in real-time.

Explore Los Angeles

Course: MC 4342: Strategic Professionalism
Program Directors: Dr. Clay Craig, and Jenny Buschhorn (Assistant)
Semester: Summer 2025
Dates: July 27 - August 2, 2025
Cost: $3,318 (financial aid eligible)
Description:
Join us in Los Angeles, CA, where you'll meet with leading professionals in the advertising industry. This experience will help you apply your skills in presenting ideas, business etiquette, and professional self-promotion. Engage with experts from top agencies, entertainment, sports, and gaming sectors, and gain practical insights into effective communication and job search tactics.

Explore Seattle, Washington

Course: MC 4342: Strategic Professionalism or MC 5311: Independent Study
Program Directors: Debra Price and Jennifer Scharlach
Semester: Summer 2025
Dates: July 27 - August 2, 2025
Cost: $3820 (Financial Aid Eligible)
Description:
This week-long career exploration trip will take students inside the headquarters of global corporations and local landmarks in beautiful Seattle, Washington. Exposure to leading public relations and communications pros will keep students current on latest developments in the industry and provide insight on how to land a job in a major market. Networking with industry leaders and alumni solidify contacts and connections for our students seeking professional experience in prominent media markets.

Study In America

Students travel within the U.S. to destinations that align with course objectives, offering immersive learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Education Abroad

Opportunities include faculty-led trips, exchange programs, virtual experiences, and non-affiliated options that offer immersive global learning.

Education Abroad (EA) Program FAQs

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General Information
- What is the Education Abroad (EA) program?
  
  Education Abroad offers opportunities for students to study, intern, or participate in service-learning programs in international locations, either through Texas State partnerships or third-party providers.
- What types of EA programs are available?
  
  Options include Faculty-Led programs, Affiliated programs, Non-Affiliated programs, Exchange programs, and virtual international experiences.
Academic Requirements
- What are the three program formats available for Education Abroad?
  Traditional
  - Students typically study in a foreign country, taking classes taught by Texas State faculty over a summer term (typically four to five weeks) on a university campus. Students and faculty live in student housing.
  Hybrid
  - Students typically participate in one week of intensive on-campus instruction and then study abroad for approximately two weeks. Instruction abroad is not in a traditional classroom setting but is completed through media and cultural visits each day under the direction of Texas State faculty. Students and faculty reside in hotels while abroad.
  Hub
  - The Summer Hub programs offer partnerships between TXST and different universities that will provide TXST students and faculty with the opportunity to engage in classes for a three-week period. Students will stay in the university's dormitories and engage with local students and faculty in their academic disciplines. This is a great program if you are looking to reduce the financial barrier of studying abroad. Students earn credit for one course.
Eligibility and Application Process
- Who is eligible to study abroad?
  
  All Texas State students in good academic standing are eligible to apply, though some programs may have specific GPA or prerequisite requirements.
- How do I apply?
  
  Take a look at Planning Steps to determine your application process based on the type of program.
- When should I apply?
  
  Application deadlines vary by program and semester. Check the specific program’s timeline on the Education Abroad website.
Costs and Funding
- How much do Education Abroad programs cost?
  
  Costs vary by program, destination, and length of stay. Each program has a detailed cost breakdown.
- Can I use my Texas State financial aid?
  
  Yes, students can use financial aid for Education Abroad programs if they meet eligibility criteria.
- Are scholarships available?
  
  Various scholarships may be available for students participating in Education Abroad. Check with your advisor.
Program Types
- What is the difference between Faculty-Led and Affiliated programs?
  
  Faculty-led programs are run by Texas State faculty and involve a group of students traveling together. Affiliated programs offered by third-party providers provide more independent options.
- What are Exchange programs?
  
  Exchange programs allow students to attend classes at a partner university abroad while paying Texas State tuition. In return, students from the partner university study at Texas State.
Program Logistics
- Do I need to know a foreign language to participate?
  
  SJMC Education Abroad and Study in America programs are taught in English
- Will I earn academic credit for my study abroad experience?
  
  Students receive Texas State or transfer credits for most study abroad programs, depending on the type of program and courses taken.
- Can I participate in a virtual study abroad program?
  
  Yes, Texas State offers virtual education abroad programs through the Global Online Learning Experience (GOLE), which provides international experiences from home.

Study In America (SIA) Program FAQs

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General Information
- What is the Study in America (SIA) program?
  
  SIA allows students to study within the U.S. by traveling to destinations that align with course objectives for an immersive learning experience.
- Who can participate?
  
  All Texas State University students in good academic standing are eligible to apply, depending on the specific program requirements.
- How long are the programs?
  
  Programs typically range from a few days to weeks, depending on the course and location.
Eligibility and Application Process
- How do I apply?
  
  There are application links within the individual SIA experience pages.
- Can I use financial aid?
  
  Financial aid is available, provided you meet eligibility requirements.
- When is the application deadline?
  
  Deadlines vary by program. Be sure to check the specific program page for exact deadlines.
Costs and Funding
- What does the cost include?
  
  Costs usually include tuition, travel, accommodation, and program-specific expenses. Always check the program details for a full breakdown.
- Are scholarships available?
  
  Some scholarships may be available for specific programs. You can find more information through the Scholarship Office or directly from program coordinators.