Global Education: Worth the Investment
Raising the value of the Muhlenberg experience
Quality and Safety
The college currently supports approximately 200 approved study abroad programs in more than 60 countries worldwide for Muhlenberg student participation. All approved programs are continuously monitored to assure that standards and best practices for academic quality and safety are met, and that programs align with Muhlenberg's strategic mission and values. The Office of Global Education (OGE) staff and collaborating faculty regularly visit study abroad sites to evaluate and familiarize themselves with program developments, thereby making the staff and faculty better advisors. The site visits enable the OGE to assess the housing and travel experiences our students are likely to encounter.
How are Global Education Fees Determined?
When students study on an approved program, they retain all their Muhlenberg and non-Muhlenberg scholarships and financial aid. In cases where there is a difference between our fee and the fee of the host institution, that difference helps us to make Muhlenberg financial aid available.
We also have administrative overhead costs in providing study abroad opportunities. These costs include the site visits described above to monitor quality, safety, and alignment with Muhlenberg's strategic mission and values; program selection advising and collaboration with Muhlenberg's academic departments and programs; pre-departure advising and orientation for passports, visas, health and travel insurance, and other transit and travel preparations; course transfer credit approval and study abroad transcript processing for the Muhlenberg degree; advocacy of student health, wellness, and disability accommodations during the abroad program; communication with students while abroad for finalized course selection and completion, health and safety, side trips, housing and registration, and safety and security notifications; reentry interviews, activities, and events for the betterment of our programs and for the wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff upon return home.
Study abroad is an academic program no different from other curricular programs offered by the college. Some academic programs (the sciences or theatre arts) cost more to offer than other programs (literature or economics). Regardless of the program they pursue, students are charged the same tuition and fees. Some affiliated education abroad programs are more costly than others. However, all education abroad students are charged the same Muhlenberg tuition fees.
The total cost of any student’s education is not covered by the tuition and other fees collected. The college's endowment and contributions by college friends and alumni are important to fill the gap. However, the college budget is based on the expectation that all students, including those with financial aid, will make Muhlenberg tuition payments for eight semesters. This assumption also leads to the student paying the Muhlenberg college room and board rate regardless of the rate of the host institution. Additional fees may be incurred if a student selects a more expensive housing option than a standard shared room.
Program cost is, however, a factor that must also be taken into account in the selection of approved programs. Program costs are carefully monitored to accommodate a maximum number of participating students without jeopardizing the college’s financial strength.
There is no study abroad fee structure policy that characterizes all colleges and universities. The policy adopted by Muhlenberg is, however, often encountered, especially by private liberal arts institutions.
"In the increasingly competitive global marketplace, language and cultural skills can help a Muhlenberg graduate stand out to prospective employers."
- Donna Kish-Goodling, Professor Emerita of Economics
Why Global Education
- Higher starting salaries and greater job prospects for students who have studied abroad.
- Prospective employers and graduate schools value study abroad experiences.
- Greater multicultural and global awareness promotes conflict resolution.
- Our national security depends on the foreign language skills and intercultural understanding of members of our government agencies.
- Learn to approach situations involving people from other cultures with greater levels of comfort, satisfaction, confidence and sensitivity.
- Understand the value of cultural diversity.
- Learn to adapt to varying intercultural communication and learning styles.
- Develop global perspectives by gaining insights into international trends, issues and responsibilities.
- Learn about your home location through exposure to international media and contrasting viewpoints.
- Learn a different perspective about your major or minor.
- Learn how to travel and how to take informed risks in unfamiliar situations.
