Domestic study away programs Q&A

Domestic Study Away Programs – Questions & Answers

Who could be interested in these programs?

Students with interests in art, music, drama, film, video, theater, or media may be interested in the Duke in NY Fall Arts and Media and Summer in the City programs or in the Duke in LA program. Students with an interest in economics and business might consider the Duke in NY Financial Markets Program. The Duke Marine Lab appeals to students pursuing prehealth studies, as well as majors in biology, earth and ocean science, environmental science and policy, chemistry, BAA, or public policy, plus those with interests in marine science and conservation and who may want to conduct independent research. Students interested in studying at historically black universities may consider Howard University and Spelman College. Note that Spelman is a college for women.

Must a student be a major in the department that is sponsoring the programs?

No … just an interest in the area is sufficient.

Are there extra costs and will financial aid cover this?

Students should check the individual programs for costs, as these vary. For instance, for the Duke in NY programs, students pay regular Duke tuition and an extra $500 program fee. In the Duke in LA program, students pay tuition and an extra $750 program fee. At the Duke Marine Lab, fall and spring tuition is $2000 less than regular Duke tuition. At Howard and Spelman, students pay Duke tuition, but costs for room and board go to the host institution. The usual financial aid packages should apply, but students should check with their financial aid counselor to be sure.

Are courses taught by Duke faculty?

Yes for the Marine Lab and for Duke in NY Financial Markets and Institutions. The Duke in NY Fall Arts and Media Program and the Duke in LA Program offer a mix of courses taught by Duke faculty and instructors at NYU or the University of Southern California. Courses at Howard and Spelman are taught by faculty at those institutions.

Are there prerequisites or required courses for these programs?

The Duke in NY Financial Markets and Institutions requires prior completion of Econ 51D and Econ 55D. For Duke in LA, students are strongly encouraged to take FVD 101 (Intro to Film). At the Duke Marine Lab, some knowledge of chemistry and biology may be necessary. In general, courses offered in any program could have prerequisites so students should check and then consult with the program director if they are unsure of their background. It goes without saying that some background in an area would be useful so students know the study away experience will be useful and so they can appreciate the study away experience to the fullest. In some instances, a certain GPA may be necessary.

Can students participate as sophomores?

Sometimes. Any sophomore, junior or senior can participate in the Duke in LA, Duke in NY Fall Arts Program, Howard exchange program, or study at the Duke Marine Laboratory. The Duke in NY Financial Markets and Institutions targets well-qualified sophomores and juniors. The exchange program at Spelman is only for women and juniors.

Do students need to have declared a major to apply to and participate in these programs?

No, although it is highly recommended that they do. Trying to design and declare a major while away from Duke may be difficult. And knowing a major and educational goals would help a student choose courses while away.

Can students live in a dorm or with other students in the program?

Usually yes. However, for the Duke in LA program, students make their own arrangements for roommate and accommodations with the advice of the faculty director.

Can students do internships and independent studies?

Sometimes. In the Duke in NY and Duke in LA programs, internships are important facets of the study away experience. At the Duke Marine Lab, students will find an independent study very practical and there are many options for students to volunteer or intern with local health care or environmental agencies. In the exchange programs with Howard and Spelman, internships and independent studies are not usually available.

Are there opportunities for mentoring, job experience, and education outside of the classroom?

Absolutely. This is one of the most significant features of the Duke in LA, Duke in NY and Marine Lab programs. With Duke in LA, students are personally mentored by the faculty director and Duke alumni currently in the entertainment industry. Students develop strong contacts with the USC faculty and other students, engage in numerous field trips, and participate in their internships in film, music, television, and journalistic enterprises. In the Duke in NY Arts programs, students will visit museums, galleries, attend plays and operas and other performances, meet artists and interact with individuals in film, TV and other areas. In the Duke in NY Financial Markets program, students will shadow, visit trading floors, visit institutions, and mentor with Duke alums. At the Duke Marine Laboratory, students interact closely with faculty, do local field trips, and can travel to environmental sites around the world. The Duke Marine Lab also has opportunities for shadowing or volunteering in local clinics and hospitals for students who are interested in a career in medicine, veterinary science, or other health profession. At Howard and Spelman, all the activities and opportunities normally available to students are open to exchange students.

Are there application forms and deadlines?

Yes. Students should check the relevant web sites for details.

Are there matters that students should attend to before participating in a study away experience?

Students should consult with their academic advisors in order to consider all academic options, how and when they will fulfill major and curriculum requirements, and the timing of study away, as this can sometimes influence graduation date.