Pathways and Study Abroad

Imagine fulfilling your Critical Thinking in the Humanities credits by studying Old Norse literature while traveling the Icelandic countryside in which it was written. Or completing Reasoning in the Social Sciences credits in Switzerland and Rwanda by studying citizen leadership in the context of creating sustainable social change.

Study abroad programs provide an excellent opportunity to complete Pathways general education credits while also exploring another culture. With the variety of options available, nearly all students can fit a study abroad experience into their plans of study with a little advanced planning. Check out the questions below to learn more!

Want to learn more about study abroad opportunities?

If you’d like to learn more about the wide range of options for studying abroad, your first stop should be the Global Education Office (GEO). Here you will find everything you need to know about studying abroad, including information on why to do it, how to find the right program, financial matters, and next steps.

You can also reach out to the GEO to schedule an appointment to talk with a study abroad advisor. They can be reached by email at vtabroad@vt.edu or by phone 540-231-5888.

Which study abroad courses are already approved for Pathways?

To find study abroad opportunities that are already approved for Pathways credit, follow the instructions below.

Go to the programs page of the GEO website.
Select the VT PROGRAMS tab at the top.
Click on programs that interest you, and then check out the Academics tab within the programs to see if they carry Pathways credit.

Are there any Pathways minors that include study abroad experiences?

Yes! Several Pathways minors include opportunities to fulfill part of the minor abroad:

Adaptive Brain and Behavior Pathways minor. Students may choose to complete the capstone requirement for the minor through a relevant 3-credit study abroad course with approval from the ABB advisor.

Global Business Practices to Improve the Human Condition Pathways minor. Students may choose to complete the capstone requirement for the minor through a relevant 3-credit study abroad course with approval from International Programs.

Global Food Security and Health Pathways minor. Students may choose to take ALS 3954: A Focus on Food Security, Wildlife, and Conservation in South Africa to fulfill a 1-credit experiential learning requirement.

Organizational Leadership Pathways minor. Students may choose to take the study abroad section of the introductory course for this minor, MGT 2354: Teams, Leadership, and Business, in which they conduct service learning in the Dominican Republic.

Can I apply for Pathways credit for a VT study abroad course that is not approved for Pathways?

Yes, you can apply for Pathways credit for a non-Pathways VT study abroad course after you have completed the course. You will need to submit a copy of the syllabus and a justification explaining how you met a majority of the Pathways learning outcomes for the concept you are requesting credit for.

See the Pathways credit request form and instructions on how to complete the form.

Can I apply for Pathways credit for a non-VT study abroad course?

Yes, you can apply for Pathways credit for a non-VT study abroad course either before or after you have completed the course. If you are applying for pre-approval, you will need to submit general information about the course and program (e.g., the name and website of the program and/or host institution and a description of the course). If you are applying after the course has been completed, you will need to submit a copy of the syllabus and a justification explaining how you met a majority of the Pathways learning outcomes for the concept you are requesting credit for.

See the Pathways credit request form and instructions on how to complete the form.

You’ve convinced me. I want to study abroad! How do I get started?

Reach out to the GEO to schedule an appointment to talk with a study abroad advisor. They can be reached by email at vtabroad@vt.edu or by phone 540-231-5888.