Global Academic Programs
Office of Education Abroad
Students in all majors may apply for an international program that will complement their studies at UAlbany. Education abroad allows students to experience other cultures to develop new academic perspectives, and develop competencies in order to succeed in a globalized world. The State University of New York offers opportunities to study in more than 100 countries on all 7 continents.
The University at Albany organizes more than 130 different educational opportunities around the world for UAlbany, SUNY and visiting students — with programming that supports a broad range of educational, professional, and personal goals. Students may choose an education abroad experience lasting a full year, semester, summer, spring break, or winter session. Program types include direct enrollment, intensive language courses, service learning, research, internships, and faculty-led courses. Credits earned overseas count toward overall graduation requirements and with approval may satisfy requirements in the major, minor, or General Education Program. A complete listing of programs and detailed information about them are available in the Office of Education Abroad, SL G40, and online at www.albany.edu/studyabroad/. Advisors can gladly share information and advice about traveling, academics, and adjusting to different ways of living. Email [email protected] or phone 518-591-8172 for more information.
The State University of New York offers over 600 international programs worldwide for which UAlbany students are eligible to apply. Students participating on any education abroad program offered by a four-year SUNY campus register on their home campus (UAlbany), which permits them to maintain eligibility for financial aid. Students participating in two-year community college, technology college, or non-SUNY programs during the academic year (fall and /or spring semester) must request a leave for approved study from the UAlbany campus for the duration of the program.
Global Distinction
The University at Albany confers a Global Distinction Milestone to undergraduate students in recognition of their successful completion of a structured set of integrated, intentional academic experiences that are distinctly global in scope and purpose. The milestone will appear as an entry on the undergraduate student's final transcript. Global Distinction students are distinguished for the global orientation of their academic pursuits, regardless of their major or minor. Program participants engage in second language study (four semesters of courses or the equivalent in proficiency); globally-oriented curriculum and research; and a coherent, international immersion experience, including one study abroad semester and an 8-10 week summer internship (professional or lab research). This invaluable combination of knowledge, skills and perspectives is highly sought after by today’s employers and graduate schools. Interested students should contact the Director of Global Academic Programs, Dr. Annette Richie, in the Center for International Education and Global Strategy, early in their college careers, for information and advisement. Learn more at www.albany.edu/international/globaldistinction.php.
