Global engagement is a key priority for Bridgewater State University. The Minnock Institute for Global Engagement is committed to creating and fostering a learning environment where students and faculty from other countries interact with our own students and faculty to help make BSU a truly global campus.
At the Minnock Institute, the offices of Global Studies, International Student and Scholar Services, Study Abroad, and English Language Learning coordinate new and important initiatives and provide the campus community with opportunities for academic programs, travel, research and community service. The Minnock Institute serves as a hub of internationalization on campus, a regional resource for global engagement, and the facilitator of more than 50 regional and international partnerships.
English Language Learning
English Language Learning at BSU provides and coordinates English language education and support for speakers of other languages at BSU. We also work with community and regional partners to provide English language support programming. Some of our current services and programs include: non-credit English for Academic Purposes courses, language-focused professional development workshops, and the Bridgewater Community Conversation Partners program. English Language Learning works with Second Language Services in the Academic Achievement Center to get students the help they need with language-related academic issues. We also collaborate with Global Studies and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to develop English-language enrichment programming for short-term exchange programs and special initiatives, such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
Global Studies
Global Studies creates a learning environment on campus that increases global awareness and enhances cross-cultural communication and understanding. Global Studies is focused on internationalizing the curriculum, fostering a wide range of scholarly, cultural, and extra-curricular experiences for our students, expanding faculty exchanges with partnered institutions, and encouraging joint research and community service opportunities between our faculty and their counterparts abroad.
Global Studies helps to develop and promote interdisciplinary minors and international studies programs, course offerings across academic departments and global culture requirements in the core curriculum. It also coordinates the activities of institutes, centers and special initiatives, to facilitate other co-curricular global learning opportunities both on and off campus.
Global Studies academic minors:
• African Studies
• Asian Studies
• Canadian Studies
• Global Religious Studies
• Irish Studies
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies
• Middle East Studies
International Student and Scholar Services
International Student and Scholar Services provides high-quality services and programs to each of the international students and scholars at Bridgewater State University. BSU hosts approximately 150 international students and scholars each year through international partnerships and exchanges, direct enrollments, and short-term study programs. We offer cultural programs and opportunities for engagement with the campus, the community and the region. Our mission is to enhance the educational experiences of our students and scholars and facilitate positive growth opportunities while continuing to evolve as a global community. International Student and Scholar Services also manages the International Scholar House for visiting academics from all over the world.
Study Abroad
BSU has a long commitment to global engagement and study abroad opportunities. In 1977, the first faculty-led travel program to France was offered by the Department of Art. Today, Study Abroad offers a full range of programs in almost every academic discipline – students are now studying across five continents in more than 50 countries.
Study Abroad is a key high-impact practice for student success. It is a great way to experience a new culture and gain proficiency in another language. There is no better way to learn about yourself, expand your worldview, acquire marketable skills, and develop the habits of mind and action that will prepare you to tackle the global issues facing our time. Students can choose semesters abroad, travel courses, study away programs, international student teaching in collaboration with the College of Education and Allied Studies, international internships and global service-learning programs. Study Abroad also provides advising, sponsors educational activities, and coordinates pre-departure and re-entry programming for our students.
Exchange
• Canada: Killam Fellowship (multiple Canadian universities)
• China: Beijing Jiaotong University
• China: Capital Normal University
• China: Shanghai Normal University
• England: Manchester Metropolitan University
• Hong Kong: Education University of Hong Kong
• Ireland: University of Limerick
• Japan: Kansai University
• Japan: Wakayama University
• Jordan: Yarmouk University
• South Korea: Kyungpook National University
• South Korea: Yonsei University
• Taiwan: National Chengchi University
• United States: National Student Exchange (200+ universities in North America)
Direct Enroll
• Ireland: University of Limerick
• Italy: John Cabot University
• Portugal: Study in Portugal Network
More than 1,500 BSU students have studied abroad since 2012.