European and Mediterranean Studies Abroad
NYU’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies encourages all majors and minors to study abroad in Europe. Whether you are focused on the history or politics of Europe and the Mediterranean Region, studying abroad is a crucial component of your degree studies – allowing you to develop skills at navigating and understanding different cultures and analyzing historical and contemporary issues on a global level.
Why study European and Mediterranean Studies abroad?
European and Mediterranean Studies majors are required to complete at least one semester of study away in Europe. Minors are also encouraged to study abroad for at least one semester.
With locations on six continents, NYU offers undergraduates across the US unparalleled international opportunities, particularly for students in European and Mediterranean Studies. Studying abroad at one of NYU’s European-based academic centers provides the opportunity to:
- Add depth to your degree: Studying abroad in one of Europe’s capitals—including Berlin, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, and Prague—can be an incredibly rewarding experience that provides academic, cultural and personal experience beyond the classroom. Study abroad provides the opportunity to learn a variety of subjects in more depth and from different cultural perspectives. Outside of the classroom, your personal education is enhanced through regular interaction with locals in the host-country culture.
- Achieve proficiency in a foreign language: Study abroad provides the strongest language classroom for becoming proficient in a foreign language. The real-world setting of a foreign country allows students to go beyond the grammar and vocabulary studies from their New York classrooms.
- Experience personal growth: Study abroad is a challenging adventure, academically and personally. Students who return from abroad consistently report that they developed a greater sense of independence and confidence in their capabilities.
- Develop valuable career skills: Students who study abroad often develop career skills that make them especially marketable, including:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Independence and self-confidence
- Teamwork and communication
- Motivation and leadership
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Creativity
- An expanded worldview and multicultural perspective
Where Can I Go?
European and Mediterranean majors and minors are encouraged to take at least one semester of study abroad at one of NYU’s sites in Europe, including NYU Berlin, NYU Florence, NYU London, NYU Paris, NYU Prague, or NYU Madrid.
What Courses Are Offered Abroad?
European and Mediterranean majors and minors can choose courses offered by CEMS at NYU Berlin, NYU Florence, NYU Paris, NYU Prague, and NYU Madrid. All these classes count toward your degree.
In addition, many courses offered ay NYU’s sites in Europe can be counted towards your major or minor requirements, provided that they have a predominately European focus. Students should send the course syllabus to their academic advisor (CC to european.studies@nyu.edu) to inquire whether a course can be counted towards one of their degree requirement. Use the Global Study Planner to explore all of NYU's global courses for the upcoming semester.
When Should I Go?
Given that CEMS majors and minors do not have required courses to take during a particular year of study, there is flexibility in deciding when to go abroad.
Be sure to mention your plans to your CEMS academic advisor.
Should I Choose a Semester-Long Program or a Year-Long Program?
This is up to you. Both the semester and year-long programs, at NYU campuses abroad, offer many classes other than European and Mediterranean Studies course (or courses approved by CEMS to count towards your degree). You’ll take a regular course load, perhaps choosing just one or two European and Mediterranean Studies (or approved) classes. Whether taking one or two semesters abroad, you’ll be taught by local faculty and have time to get to know the city and country you’re visiting.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Visit the NYU Global Academic Center webpage here.