Drew International Seminar (DIS) Program

Click here for 2008/2009 DIS Program Descriptions

Drew International Seminars Application Information

Have you thought about what it would be like to study in another part of the world? Do you wish you could participate in study abroad but just can't fit it into your schedule? Not quite sure if a semester-long study abroad is right for you? Well, Drew has a program for you!

Drew International Seminars (DIS) are academically rigorous programs designed to provide for intensive, on-site study of another culture. The seminars combine coursework on campus with a month-long period of off-campus study. Designed with the first-year applicant in mind, they provide an excellent introduction to international education. The unique design also allows students who normally could not study abroad the opportunity to do so. They enable you to develop and refine your skills in cultural awareness, intercultural adjustment, critical observation and research. You are asked to develop and present a research project and keep a journal in which you record your cultural observations. You also receive some training in the language and customs of the culture you are visiting.

Program Calendar
Each seminar consists of a semester-long pre-departure course and related activities, a three to four week on-site seminar, followed by re-entry activities once you return to campus. The off-campus component is offered in January or during the summer months so as not to interfere with the curricular requirements of the normal academic year. The DIS program is a year-long comittment, but many agree, provides a lifetime of memories.

Eligibility
All first-year students are encouraged to apply to the DIS and are given priority in the selection process. Upperclass students may also apply; their placement depends on the availabilty of seminar openings.

To be eligible to participate, you must be in good academic standing and not on disciplinary probabtion. While the seminars are not meant to be major specific, they may require specific pre-requisites. For example, language seminars typically require previous language study. Please consult the DIS Program Descriptions for individual seminar requirements.

Application Calendar and Process
Preference is given to first year applicants. Students will receive an announcement of the programs via email, along with an invitiation to a DIS information meeting.

Students may apply for as many as three seminars. You must rank the seminars in order of your preference and may only be selected for one seminar.

Cost
One objective of the DIS program is to encourage participation by keeping the cost of the off-campus component as low as possible. To achieve this objective, the University covers the cost of your travel, room and board. You are responsible for the tuition cost for the four credit off-campus/re-entry component. The cost of tuition for the 2007/2008 program has set at $2,044.

Other costs for which you are responsible include travel documents, internationally valid health insurance, immunizations and personal spending money. These fees will vary from seminar to seminar. In addition, the amount of spending money will vary from country to country. There is also a $25 summer course fee for the May DIS programs. Please ask the individual seminar leaders for more detailed information about these expenses.

Scholarships
In an effort to further encourage international study, the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs offers scholarships of up to $1200 to offset the additional costs associated with off-campus study. The scholarships are based on financial need. Students who wish to apply for a scholarship to participate in the 2007-2008 DIS program may indicate so on their DIS application and must complete the FAFSA no later than April 15.