The World as Your Classroom

Studying abroad is more than a change of scenery, it’s an opportunity to impact how you see the world and your place within it. While travel alone can be enriching, international education offers unique academic, professional, and personal value that continues long after the plane lands. 

You might think international education isn’t possible for you, but read on! For students of all backgrounds and at any stage in life, education abroad is both exciting and beneficial. It provides the chance to grow, connect, and learn in ways that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom. And there are study abroad options designed to fit diverse schedules, goals, and life circumstances at UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. 

Put Your Learning on a Global Scale 

Studying abroad introduces students to an entirely new academic environment that is often more globally oriented, interdisciplinary, and collaborative than they might have experienced before. You may sit alongside peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, giving everyday discussions an international perspective. 

This cross-cultural setting pushes students to adapt, communicate creatively, and approach learning with an open mind. Many instructors also frame material through a global lens which encourages students to apply ideas and concepts in real-world contexts. 

If this sounds interesting to you, SCPS students have a variety of program types to choose from, including: 

• J-Term courses that combine short-term travel with intensive learning
• Summer programs in specialized subjects
• Faculty-led and embedded courses where international travel is paired with UVA coursework 

These programs often feature topics you can’t find at home, including exploring European integration, studying sustainable business strategies in Asia, and engaging with local history and culture on-site. 

“Be part of the world. Your view broadens the more places you go. The world is much bigger than the area you live in, even the country you live in. The things you experience when you study abroad, no matter where you go, are very different from where you are from. It’s the open culture I think everyone should experience.” 

Tori Hobgood, UVA BIS ‘13

Expand Your Career Network and Skillset 

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In today’s job market, global experience is a competitive edge. Studying abroad expands your professional network beyond your home country by connecting you with classmates, professors, and industry professionals around the world. Career centers at international institutions often host guest speakers from global companies, coordinate internships, or organize networking events, offering insight into how industries operate across borders. 

Beyond connections, the experience proves you have skills employers value: initiative, adaptability, independence, and cultural competency. 

Through an elective class in UVA’s Master of Public Safety program, online graduate students had the opportunity to travel to Poland and walk in the March of the Living, forging meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and international experts. Experiences like this expand global networks and offer stories and insights that can be carried into interviews, leadership roles, and future careers. 

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Grow in Confidence, Independence, and Perspective 

While the academic and professional gains are powerful, many study abroad participants point to the personal transformation as the most lasting outcome. Living and learning abroad pushes students to become more self-reliant and confident while navigating unfamiliar situations. Whether that’s mastering a new transit system, budgeting in a different currency, or problem-solving across language barriers, the skills learned can last a lifetime. 

Students often return with stronger cultural awareness, empathy, and maturity -- qualities that enhance both career and personal relationships. Tori Hobgood (UVA BIS ‘13) shared that the connections she built with fellow students and faculty during her program have endured well beyond their time abroad. One classmate, she noted, has even gone on to lead all marketing efforts at her company, showing how these bonds can evolve into lasting, career-shaping opportunities. 

“Travel has made me better. A better person with new perspectives and deeper connections that will last forever.” 

Tori Hobgood (UVA BIS ‘13) 

How to Get Started with Study Abroad as a UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies Student 

At our school, studying abroad is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you want a short-term faculty-led program or a hybrid international experience, there’s a program to match your goals. 

Here’s how to start your journey: 

1. Complete the Education Abroad Workshop – This is the first step to initiate your study abroad experience. It is non-committal and a great way to learn about available options, eligibility criteria and policies, financial aid, and more.  
2. Connect with your SCPS Academic Advisor - Your advisor can provide guidance and answer questions on timing, resources, and academic requirements.
3. Meet with an Education Abroad Advisor – They’ll help you find programs that align with your degree plan and career goals.
4. Research Scholarships and Funding – There are multiple scholarship and financial aid opportunities for students pursuing international study.
5. Apply and Prepare – Once accepted, you’ll receive guidance on travel logistics, cultural preparation, and academic expectations. Be sure to stay in touch with your SCPS advisor throughout the process for continued support! 

Wherever you go and however long you stay, you’ll return with more than memories. You’ll return with skills, stories, and a broader understanding of the world, and yourself. 

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“As someone who studied abroad for a semester in Germany, I know firsthand how transformative the experience can be. Before I went, people told me it would be one of the most enriching chapters of my life, and they were right. I learned to connect with people from different cultures, stepped out of my comfort zone daily, and returned with a new perspective on my studies, career, and self.” 

Erin Morlock, UVA Undergrad ‘26, Communications Assistant for School of Continuing and Professional Studies

Studying abroad has the power to expand your horizons in ways you can’t yet imagine. The world is bigger than any one classroom - discover just how far your education can take you!