Professor Dennis Sandler (left) and Professor Mary Long (first row, third from right) with students on a Scandinavia field study
For more than 30 years, Lubin students have traveled the globe for international field studies—full credit courses for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students visit other countries where they attend classes, interact with professors, tour company facilities, meet with governmental leaders, and participate in roundtable workshops conducted by globally recognized academics—all in an informal educational setting. And, it’s not only about global corporations with offices all around the world. Field studies also expose students to regional small businesses, local retailers, microfinance, ecotourism, and sustainability initiatives. In recent years, Lubin students have traveled to Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, England, Japan, India, and Sweden as part of the international field study program.
A Lubin field study begins with classroom sessions at Pace University, where students learn about the history, culture, and business practices of the destination country. The trips, typically ten to fourteen days, are scheduled during spring break, winter break, or during summer months, so that students do not miss their other classes. Lubin faculty members with international expertise travel with the students, stay with them in hotels, and accompany them on educational and cultural activities. Many faculty have developed international connections through their research and professional endeavors; they work hard to provide unique experiences for field study students.
Semester abroad, a months-long immersion in another culture, is also a key part of Lubin’s international focus. The university coordinates with partner schools abroad to provide semester-long study options at colleges and universities in other countries. Students earn credits abroad, just as they do during a semester at Pace, and they gain valuable international experience. Lubin students have recently spent semesters studying in France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, and Spain. Other recent destinations have been Australia, England, Portugal, Scotland, South Korea, Thailand, and Semester-At-Sea.
Since 2007, Lubin students have benefited from a scholarship fund designated for international field studies and semester abroad opportunities. Through grants received from the Figueroa Family Fund, the Philip and Marianne Bleser Fund, and the Gene and Nancy Celentano Fund, qualified students now receive awards of $2,500, $3,000, or $3,500 to help offset costs. The application includes a six-prompt essay in which students describe how study in another country will further their education and personal development. These generous scholarship programs make international study affordable for many Lubin students who otherwise would not be able to travel abroad. To date, over $1.5 million in travel scholarships has been awarded to Lubin students.
“My classes consist of students from the United States, France, Morocco, Lebanon, and so many more countries. I find it fascinating to learn about the differences between our home nations and compare lifestyles.”
For Sarah Drayer ’24, studying abroad not only means exploring new cultures and destinations, but also making connections with fellow students from all around the world to build out a successful business network. As she works toward her BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications, Sarah enjoys being surrounded by people from all around the world. “My classes consist of students from the United States, France, Morocco, Lebanon, and so many more countries. I find it fascinating to learn about the differences between our home nations and compare lifestyles.”
Left: Sarah in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during her semester abroad
