An early college program for high school students, several globe trotter locations and a variety of on campus and online courses

University College at Fairfield University offers motivated high school students who are interested in earning college credits an opportunity to enroll in a wide variety of summer courses. They may also opt to spend several days living and learning on the Fairfield campus. For college graduates who are looking to compete in the global market, UC has a new Certificate in International Communication and Leadership that provides incomparable experience with a 15-week internship. And for those whose time is restricted, there is a wealth of courses from which to choose, including a short intensive language program, that meet on campus and online.

High school students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can make summer 2010 a springboard to college by earning easily transferable college credits in a range of subjects taught by Fairfield University professors. All courses without prerequisites are available to students. Additionally, an optional supervised stay in college dorms during the week of July 21-23 is available to students enrolled in July courses who are interested in a college immersion experience. According to Dr. Aaron Perkus, Associate Dean of University College, "There has already been a flood of interest from parents and students alike. This is a great opportunity for students to get a taste of college and earn early credits." The summer course guide can be viewed online at www.fairfield.edu/ucsummer. Submissions should be in by June 15. For more information, contact Program Advisor Perkus at aperkus@fairfield.edu or call at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2918.

For college graduates, Fairfield University offers a new Certificate in International Communication and Leadership with 15-week internship opportunities in Florence, Italy, Brisbane, Australia and Managua, Nicaragua.

The 12-credit certificate involves an internship, two online courses, and a third course that can either be taken either online or in country.

Internships are tailored to support career goals and interests. One might work in healthcare in Nicaragua, assist a museum curator in Florence or find oneself in a koala sanctuary in Australia. As part of the internship, one will be asked to keep a journal, conduct an oral presentation, and produce a faculty-approved research project.

Deadline for submission for the fall 2010 internship is May 15 and there will be a spring 2011 internship available. For more information, contact the International Education office, (203) 254-4332 or e-mail studyabroadoffice@fairfield.edu .

The stakes are higher than ever for jobs and nearly every industry is impacted by the ease of commerce and communication through electronic technologies. Susan Fitzgerald, associate dean of international education points out, "Even the smallest company receiving our students' resumes may very well be global." For this reason and many more, the Jesuit point of view that seeks to awaken a deeper awareness in students' perception of diversity for a greater cause - social justice has untold value to potential employers as well as to potential employees.

There are also summer courses for visiting college students that offer a wide variety of classroom courses in one and four-week formats from May 26 through August 10 and there are more than 50 online courses available that have easily transferable college credits.

Posted On: 03-23-2010 10:03 AM

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