Study Abroad Programs
Nothing sharpens your understanding of the world quite like studying abroad.

And given the increasingly global nature of business, education, science, art, and politics, international experiences provide you with the cultural competence that will serve you well in academic and in your the career.
University of Detroit Mercy provides several contexts for study, including exchange programs, semester-long programs, and short-term, faculty-led study programs. Interested students should consult with the departments sponsoring the programs for more information.
UDM Semester Study Programs
UDM Short Term Programs - International Experiences Abroad
- International Business Experience in Barcelona, Spain
- International Business Experience in Rio de Janeiro
- International Cyber Security & Intelligence Seminars in London, England
- International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in Salvador, Bahia & Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, China
- International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in Havana, Cuba
- International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in Volterra, Italy
- International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in France
AJCU Shared Programs
Being a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) has universal benefits! UDM students may now apply to study for a semester in countries such as Belgium, China, Germany, the Philippines, South Africa, and Vietnam. For the complete shared program list, visit http://www.jesuiteducationabroad.org/programs/by-country/
UDM Semester Study Programs
Volterra, Italy
Beginning in 1984, the School of Architecture has offered a full term of study in Florence and Volterra, Italy during summer term III. Four weeks are spent in travel, four weeks in Florence, and six weeks in Volterra. In Volterra, Architecture students are joined by College of Liberal Arts students studying language, history, education, and alabaster sculpture.
Monterrey, Mexico
The College of Engineering and Science offers students the opportunity to spend two or three semesters in Mexico through the Mexican American Partnership (MAP) program. UDM has partnered with Monterrey Tech in Monterrey, Mexico to provide a unique opportunity for students to take courses for up to eight months at Monterrey Tech and co-op for four months at a Mexican facility. Students learn how to operate in a multicultural environment and gain valuable multi-national work experience.
The College of Business Administration recognizes the valuable cross cultural experience of the Mexican AmericanPartnership establishing the program for Business students at the world class university Monterrey tech in the city of Monterrey, Mexico. Monterrey was named by Fortune Magazine as on the the top five cities for business in the world. Monterrey Tech was the first business program in Mexico to be accredited by AACSB International and its international studies program is recognized world-wide. This program enables business students to spend one semester studying in Mexico and also to co-op there.
Warsaw, Poland
Since 1980, the School of Architecture has conducted an exchange program with the Warsaw University of Technology for one term each year. Ten students and one professor from each institution exchange positions for a full academic term. American students are taught by faculty of the Politechnika in English.
UDM Short Term Programs
International Experiences Abroad
The following UDM programs are led by UDM faculty and offer shorter-term experiences. Coursework is required on campus prior to departure. All credits are issued through UDM. UDM students, alumni, and adults over the age of 18 may apply to participate in these programs. Courses offered may vary depending on the program’s focus.
International Business Experience in Barcelona, Spain
8-day educational experience in international business. Enrollment in BUS 4940 or MBA 5940 is required. The International Business Class will be offering a course of study in Barcelona, Spain for the winter semester. To reserve your space or ask questions, please contact Dr. Ulferts 313-993-1219 or ulfertgw@udmercy.edu.
International Business Experience in Rio de Janeiro
8-day educational experience in international business. Enrollment in BUS 4940 or MBA 5940 is required. The International Business Class will be offering a course of study in Rio de Janeiro for the winter semester. Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro. The state is considered an important financial and logistics hub with five ports and three airports. To reserve your space or ask questions, please contact Dr. Ulferts ASAP! 313-993-1219 or ulfertgw@udmercy.edu.
International Cyber Security & Intelligence Seminars in London, England
The College of Liberal Arts & Education offers students the opportunity to participate in international cyber security and intelligence seminars in the United Kingdom (actual sites rotate yearly). Students will be exposed to international experts in cyber security and intelligence through presentations, activities, and field trips across the United Kingdom. Undergraduate and graduate students wishing to participate in the courses must meet all prerequisites established by the College and be approved by their program director. Please contact Jeffrey A. Ingalsbe at (313) 993-3337 or ingalsja@udmercy.edu.
International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in Salvador, Bahia & Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
During this 12-day African Heritage Program in Salvador, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil we explore history, culture, religion and the arts in Northeast, Brazil - the cradle of Afro Brazilian culture. While there, we apply key cultural, educational and/or social constructs, including Kluckholn & Strodbeck's Orientation Theory and Hofstede's Dimensions of Culture. Site lectures in Brazil are delivered at the Federal University of Brazil's CEAFRO Center -- located in the historic district of Pelhourino -- where we learn about the impact of race on all aspects of society and explore social movements and strategies positively affecting issues related to race and poverty, food security, and that are helping to end bigotry in Brazil. Students who enroll in this program are required to attend all coursework on UDM's campus prior to departure. Contact Lara Wasner at 313-993-1191 or wasnerle@udmercy.edu to inquire about approved courses this program year.
International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, China
During this 12 – 15 day educational tour, explore the impact of China's megacities on culture, education, and society. Visit historical landmarks (the Great Wall & Forbidden City in Beijing, the Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi’an, the financial district in Shanghai), and learn about the impact of rapid modernization on China's institutions, infrastructure, family life, communities, and institutions. Students who enroll in this program are required to travel to China, where we apply key cultural, educational and/or social theories. UDM faculty in Education, Sociology & Social Work deliver lectures both on UDM's campus and in China; predeparture sessions on UDM's main campus are mandatory, as is travel to China. Site lectures are also delivered by UDM faculty while in China -- Contact Lara Wasner at 313-993-1191 or wasnerle@udmercy.edu to inquire about approved courses this program year.
International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in Havana, Cuba
Learn about Cuba’s fascinating history, visit religious and cultural institutions, participate in music and dance workshops during this 10-day program. Visit the Cuba Literacy Center to learn about the global impact of Cuba's literacy program; visit the MLK Center to dialogue with students and community leaders about social change strategies, issues related to race and poverty, food security, and efforts to combat homophobia. Students who enroll in this program are required to travel to Cuba, where we apply Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions and other key educational and/or social constructs. Much of the coursework takes place at UDM prior to departure; predeparture coursework is mandatory, as is travel to Cuba. While in Cuba, site lectures are delivered by UDM faculty in conjunction with guest lecturers. Contact Lara Wasner at 313-993-1191 or wasnerle@udmercy.edu to inquire about approved courses this program year.
International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in Volterra, Italy
Summer term – terms vary. The city of Volterra is an unspoiled medieval city in the Tuscan countryside that has rich resources for the study of history, art history, archaeology and the fine arts. Unlike the great tourist cities of Italy, Volterra is not overrun in the summer, and students have the opportunity to meet Italians and to be introduced to Italian life and culture. Beginning Italian is taught with an emphasis on conversation.
All courses include visits to the museums and archeological sites in Volterra as well as in neighboring cities. A course is offered in the art history of the Etruscan, classical, medieval and Renaissance periods in Volterra, Tuscany and Italy. There are field trips to nearby Florence, Siena and San Gimignano. In addition, students have the opportunity for independent travel on weekends. The program opens with a trip to Venice, Padua and Vicenza. Since pre-Roman times, Volterra has been a center for sculpture. Students may take the sculpture studio; no previous fine arts experience is necessary.
Courses include FA 2100: Art and Architecture in Italy, the study of art and architecture from ancient to modern times. Visits to museums, archeological sites and surrounding historic cities - Florence, Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano - are included. FA 3910: Alabaster Sculpture Studio introduces students to basic issues in the creation of sculpture. ITL 1150: Beginning Italian provides an introduction to the Italian language for everyday conversation. Students will be introduced to Italians who will participate in classes and with whom they may practice their language skills.
For further information, contact Dr. Sarah Stever, History Department, (313) 993-1099 or through e-mail at steversn@udmercy.edu.
International Experience in Liberal Arts & Education in France
Explore French history and culture firsthand, while practicing your French language skills! Let Paris becomes your interactive classroom for 10 days, let museum studies abound. Learn about France's resistance to Fascism during the Second World War. Much of the coursework takes place at UDM prior to departure; all pre-departure courses are mandatory, as is travel to France. Site lectures in France are delivered by UDM faculty in conjunction with guest lecturers at museums such as the Louvre, Musee D'Orsey and Musee Cluny, and preservation sites observing key battles of the 20th century. Contact Lara Wasner at wasnerle@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1191 or Gregory Sumner at sumnergd@udmercy.edu for more information about the program and coursework.


