Research and Community Engagement
Our study abroad programs offer academically rigorous opportunities for independent research and community engagement, allowing you to delve deeply into areas of interest, collaborate with global researchers, and connect with the local community. Participating in a program with an embedded service-learning or research component provides real-world experience to develop important skills for your future academic and professional endeavors.
Students who select programs that include a research or community engagement element are much more competitive for study abroad scholarships and are better prepared for post-graduation fellowships and graduate opportunities.
Research courses abroad – independent research study, field research, or guided research projects may fulfill the University’s Engaged Learning requirement. Students must earn research credit by enrolling in a course abroad and then submit via our course approval system to confirm credit equivalencies.
Ricci Scholars
The Ricci Scholars Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to bridge independent research and study abroad. Ricci Scholars receive dedicated faculty mentorship as well as generous financial support for travel, research, and exploration. Organized around the theme of the meeting of East and West, this innovative program is truly interdisciplinary and suitable for students from nearly all majors. Exploring global questions through a comparative lens, Ricci Scholars engage deeply with their topics while building cross-cultural understanding and developing critical research skills that prepare them for future academic and professional pursuits.
During their junior year, students study at the Rome Center in the fall semester and then at an approved university in East Asia in the spring semester. Depending on their interests, students may choose from Seoul, Hong Kong, or Hirakata (Japan). Ricci Scholars receive further research training and academic support through one 3-credit seminar per semester (UNIV 301/302), both of which fulfill Engaged Learning (EL) and Writing Intensive (WI) requirements.
As seniors, students present their work to the University community and receive the formal graduation honor of “Ricci Scholar.”
Explore Research and Study Abroad Destinations
Fall Semester Abroad
Become a part of a quintessential Loyola experience at the Rome Center during your fall semester.
Spring Semester Abroad
Choose one of these three destinations to spend your spring semester:
Marquette Sibanye Cape Town
Marquette University’s program in Cape Town, South Africa offers a curriculum that includes community engagement. As part of the curriculum, students work with grassroots, community-based organizations two days a week. Additionally, students also take five courses while abroad, with two required courses featuring embedded community engagement components:
- Race, Class, Gender and Local Communities
Ideal for fulfilling the Engaged Learning Requirement. - Crossing Boundaries: Bridging the Racial Divide - South Africa
A good fit for Tier 2 Theological and Religious Knowledge and Inquiry.
School for International Training (SIT)
One of our affiliate program partners, the School for International Training (SIT), provides a variety of programs with research and community engagement opportunities.
Topics include:
- Climate, Environment
- Development, Economy, Inequality
- Global Health
- Media, Arts, Social Change
- Migration, Identity, Resilience
- Peace, Human Rights, Social Movements
School for Field Studies (SFS)
Looking for a hands-on, field-based research study abroad experience? School for Field Studies (SFS) programs immerse Loyola students in real-world environmental and social challenges through field-based research in some of the world’s most unique ecosystems. You'll work alongside local communities, engage in research, and develop practical skills in sustainability, conservation, and environmental justice.
Students will take 16 credit hours during one semester term. Three 4-credit disciplinary courses centered around a common environmental issue and a 4-credit capstone Directed Research course. Summer students will take one 4-credit course. This highly experiential course and is designed to foster inquiry and active learning combining lectures, field exercises, assignments
Learn More About Domestic & International Fellowships
Our study abroad programs offer academically rigorous opportunities for independent research and community engagement, allowing you to delve deeply into areas of interest, collaborate with global researchers, and connect with the local community. Participating in a program with an embedded service-learning or research component provides real-world experience to develop important skills for your future academic and professional endeavors.
Students who select programs that include a research or community engagement element are much more competitive for study abroad scholarships and are better prepared for post-graduation fellowships and graduate opportunities.
Research courses abroad – independent research study, field research, or guided research projects may fulfill the University’s Engaged Learning requirement. Students must earn research credit by enrolling in a course abroad and then submit via our course approval system to confirm credit equivalencies.
Ricci Scholars
The Ricci Scholars Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to bridge independent research and study abroad. Ricci Scholars receive dedicated faculty mentorship as well as generous financial support for travel, research, and exploration. Organized around the theme of the meeting of East and West, this innovative program is truly interdisciplinary and suitable for students from nearly all majors. Exploring global questions through a comparative lens, Ricci Scholars engage deeply with their topics while building cross-cultural understanding and developing critical research skills that prepare them for future academic and professional pursuits.
During their junior year, students study at the Rome Center in the fall semester and then at an approved university in East Asia in the spring semester. Depending on their interests, students may choose from Seoul, Hong Kong, or Hirakata (Japan). Ricci Scholars receive further research training and academic support through one 3-credit seminar per semester (UNIV 301/302), both of which fulfill Engaged Learning (EL) and Writing Intensive (WI) requirements.
As seniors, students present their work to the University community and receive the formal graduation honor of “Ricci Scholar.”
Explore Research and Study Abroad Destinations
Fall Semester Abroad
Become a part of a quintessential Loyola experience at the Rome Center during your fall semester.
Spring Semester Abroad
Choose one of these three destinations to spend your spring semester: