Language and Culture Experiential Guidelines

Language and Culture Requirement

All College of Science majors must demonstrate an understanding of another culture in addition to their own. Students may meet this core degree requirement in several ways including completion of an approved Study Abroad experience. Such an experience will meet the nine-credit Language and Culture requirement.

To secure approval, a study abroad experience must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Must take place outside the United States and meet one of the following program requirements:
   1. Be at least one semester (fall, spring) in duration.
   2. Be a summer program of at least seven and a half weeks in duration.
   3. Be an approved College of Education Block Study Abroad program.
2. Consist of taking courses and/or working on a research project.
3. Have significant immersion in the local culture and language independent of any US-based program in which the student may be participating.

 

Documentation Process

Students will work with their Academic Advisor to:

1. Determine the appropriateness of a study abroad experience in relation to program requirements, degree requirements and desired degree completion date, and
2. Complete the experiential learning preapproval process.

 

Preapproval Process

Students must complete and submit the following document to request pre-approval of their study abroad experience:

1. Completed and signed Experiential Learning Contract.* Note: Students submitting a contract after completion of a study abroad experience do not need the signature of a Study Abroad Office contact.
2. Submission of a statement supporting the use of a study abroad experience to meet the Foreign Language and Culture requirement. The statement should address the criteria listed above.

 

Final Approval Process

Students are required to submit a reflection paper (minimum four double-space pages) using the Study Abroad Reflection Paper Guidelines. Students are highly encouraged to complete a review of the guidelines before and during the study abroad experience to be sure documentation and information is readily available for construction of the reflection paper.

All documentation will be collected by the Undergraduate Education Office and should be sent to Science Undergraduate Advising Office, Mathematical Sciences building, Room 231,150 N University St, MA 231, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2067.

*In the event that a study abroad program is not sponsored by the Study Abroad Office, students will send the certification form directly to their program contact.