Experiential Learning

There are many ways to design your study abroad experience! One important consideration is how you will engage with the host culture. Internships, service-learning, volunteering, research, and student teaching and classroom experiences enhance learning while abroad by increasing students’ cultural learning as well as individuals’ transferable skills for employment and graduate school. There are many programs that offer opportunities for experiential learning. Take a look at all of your options!

Internships Abroad

Both global learning and internships are defined by the AAC&U as High Impact Educational Practices and study abroad can be a unique opportunity to engage in both. Some of MU's partner schools offer internship opportunities. This page outlines MU partner schools or partners who offer internships. More information on their internship program can be found on their program page on this site and their individual websites. We encourage students to explore these relative to their own academic and professional experience and goals. All students participating in internships for credit will be required to work with their college's internship coordinator.

Integrated Semester Internships

Stand Alone Semester Internship Opportunities

Summer Internship Opportunities

Service Learning Abroad

Service learning provides an opportunity for students to engage with the local culture and positively impact the community while learning all at the same time. Taking advantage of this experience while abroad also aligns with Marquette’s mission of faithful service and gives students a meaningful experience to discuss in job interviews, on graduate school applications, and to show commitment for volunteer programs after graduation. We encourage students to explore all the possibilities for engaging with service learning while abroad as you become change agents and women and men for others.

Sibanye Cape Town Program

Marquette's Sibanye Cape Town Program is based in cosmopolitan Cape Town, at the southern tip of the African continent.

While living in Cape Town, you will become acquainted with South Africa's rich history and see firsthand how the country is rebuilding itself after decades of government-enforced-apartheid. Cape Town's diverse socioeconomic communities will become your classroom and its leaders your teachers.

You will have the opportunity to visit significant South African historical and cultural sites, such as Table Mountain, historic District 6 in the city's center and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were incarcerated during apartheid. In addition to a spectacular array of wildlife unique to South Africa, you will experience powerful literary and artistic voices, traditional music, delicious foods and diverse architecture.

The Sibanye Cape Town Program, in conjunction with the University of the Western Cape, builds upon Marquette’s strong tradition of service learning. The program offers you the unique opportunity to increase their understanding of the people, history, culture and traditions of South Africa through integrated academic course work and direct immersion into the culture through community-based service.

Find more information about the Sibanye Cape Town Program here.

Service Learning Programs

Service Learning Course(s) Available

Teaching Experiences

A variety of teaching experiences are available through our partners abroad. Educational systems vary from culture to culture, as does the training of professionals within the field. Engaging in student teaching, classroom observation and teaching English as a second language can help you gain insight into the cultural similarities and differences. We encourage you to explore the opportunities available below as they will assist you in developing skills and gaining insights for post-graduation endeavors.

Programs with Classroom Observation

Programs with Teaching English as a Second Language

Engineers Without Borders

Engineers Without Borders is a nonprofit organization established to support community-driven, development programs worldwide through partnerships that design and implement engineering projects. Marquette’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders allows students the opportunity to apply their talents and skills learned in the classroom towards service for others. They have close ties with a small village in rural Guatemala where they have implemented several projects in hopes of improving residents’ living for years to come. You don't have to be an engineering major to join! Students with a wide variety of skill sets are needed.

More information about Engineers Without Borders.

IMAP: International Marquette Action Program

IMAP, sponsored by Campus Ministry, has a long tradition of providing students the opportunity to put themselves into the world doing service for others in order to learn more deeply about themselves, their values and vocation. The international experience portion of IMAP is typically scheduled for January or May; however, IMAP is a full year program of engagement, service and reflection to understand ourselves and our world. Previous IMAP trips include: Belize, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti and South Africa.

More information about IMAP.

Global Brigades

Founded by Marquette alum Shital Chauhan PT '06, the international nonprofit Global Brigades is the world's largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Marquette’s chapter of Global Brigades is sponsored by the College of Health Sciences and focuses on the areas of medical, dental and public health. Global Brigades develops sustainable health initiatives and provides relief where there is limited access to healthcare. Marquette’s Global Brigades has in the past brigaded to Honduras and Panama, and is now participating in brigades in Nicaragua. The programs allow students the opportunity to enter participating communities and supply treatment, relief and deliver public health workshops.

More information about Global Brigades.