Some of the most transformative experiences you will have at the University of Dayton come from engaging with a global community.  At the Global and Intercultural Affairs Center (GIA Center), we collaborate with campus partners, members from the local community, and partners abroad to offer a variety of options for academic, professional and personal growth.  Your time at UD will offer you many opportunities to explore different cultures, build relationships, and expand perspectives.

How will you enhance the global and intercultural aspects of your UD education? Whether it’s a program focused on human rights in Chile, engineering in Puerto Rico, business in Rome, or a global learning living community, we are here to help you.  Our intercultural and global learning options take place on-campus, virtually, across the U.S., and abroad. We are committed to accessibility, and offer global and intercultural learning opportunities in multiple modalities, including virtual exchange and on-campus programming, as well as both U.S.-based and international learning experiences.

A variety of global education programs are available through the University of Dayton, including:

Summer and Winter Break Courses

Travel with UD faculty and students during winter or summer break. Because you can earn credits towards your degree, by participating in these programs you may be able to graduate early, add a minor or second major or have time to participate in a semester-long internship. 

Semester/Academic-Year Education Abroad

These programs take place during the fall or spring semester, and you enroll at a university abroad for the entire semester or the full academic year.

Students may also participate in an innovative program called SAIL (Semester Abroad and Intercultural Leadership).  SAIL is a year-long education abroad and leadership development program that entails a fall semester abroad at one of three study abroad sites in Ghana, Ireland or Spain, followed by participation in a one-credit semester-long intercultural leadership and re-entry program that includes special housing during the subsequent spring semester. The SAIL program is designed to allow students to study abroad for the same cost as a semester on campus. Students pay the same amount for their fall semester abroad as they would a semester at UD (tuition and housing). Most financial aid packages still apply. In addition, UD covers the international airfare for participants.

Integrated Learning Programs

Take a fall or spring semester course at UD. Travel abroad during break with your professor and classmates to apply what you've been learning. 

Cross-Cultural Experiences

Through these programs, engage in cross-cultural learning and reflection during your winter, spring, or summer break. Examples of these programs include:

ETHOS Engineering BreakOut in Central America, where you’ll use your engineering skills to improve lives and make our environment more sustainable.

Center for Social Concern BreakOuts and Immersions in locations like Ecuador, Mexico, Belize, Puerto Rico or India, where you’ll work alongside students to put social justice into practice.

Other Opportunities

University of Dayton students can engage in global and intercultural learning opportunities through virtual exchange, Collaborative Online International Education (COIL), and on-campus opportunities such as the Dialogue Zone and the Global Learning and Living Communities. 

Release Agreement and Travel Registration

All students participating in a university-sponsored international program must complete the Release and Agreement Form which releases the University from liability for claims including, but not limited to, injury, delay and damage while abroad. As part of this agreement, the student agrees to abide by the University's standards of behavior while in the host country or countries. Students are also required to complete the Student Health Information and Emergency Treatment Authorization Form which requests medical information and the Behavioral Contract which outlines the institution's expectations for behavior while abroad. Depending on the program, students may need to complete the Authorization Form in order to transfer academic credit earned as part of a study abroad program to the University of Dayton.

International SOS

The University of Dayton has contracted with International SOS (SOS) to provide worldwide medical, travel and security assistance and evacuation services for all faculty, staff and students participating in university-related international travel. Services include up-to-date reports on safety and security, health issues, medical referrals and vaccination requirements for individual countries. SOS offers UD travelers and their dependents travel, medical and security advice and services, and protects against a variety of difficulties that could arise while abroad. 

For additional information on iSOS, as well as health insurance abroad, see University International Travel Process.