International Programs

Transcript

Let’s hear from RJ, junior political science major, about his experience with Pepperdine’s International Programs. I want you to imagine spending a year or semester studying in a Pepperdine-owned location in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, London, Argentina, or Washington DC or perhaps a faculty-led summer program in Uganda, Jordan, Scotland, or Fiji. At Pepperdine, the opportunities to explore, learn, and engage a global perspective are endless. 

Thanks Alex! Hey everybody. When I first came to Pepperdine, I had no idea what amazing opportunities and experiences were possible with studying abroad. No one in my family has ever studied abroad and very few have ever left the country. Pepperdine offers life-changing experiences at a total of 6 campuses across the world. In the academic year programs, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in Pepperdine owned facilities and learn from Pepperdine professors.I took part in the DC+ program where I spent my fall semester in Washington DC and my spring semester in London.In DC, I had the opportunity to take classes and intern anywhere in the city. I loved being able to explore the east coast, including  other college events at Howard, Georgetown, and George Washington University. In London, Pepperdine students live less than 2 miles away from Buckingham Palace! This was my first time ever leaving the country. I was able to take the tube to museums and have classes outside of the classroom setting. And now I can say I’ve traveled to 8 new countries.I also participated in the medical mission summer program in Fiji. Although it was my shortest program, it was the most transformative. I did things I never thought I would do– rock climbing, snorkeling, and bushwacking with machetes. The gem of this program was the act of service. Each day, we worked with the wonderful staff by helping out in the medical clinic, local schools and villages, and around the mission grounds.I loved my experience so much that I serve as the Washington DC+ Ambassador and help new students prepare for their experience for the next academic year. Who knows? Y’all might catch me in another country next summer. Back to you Alex!

Thanks, RJ! I can see why Pepperdine is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the U.S. for study abroad participation – about 80% – AND why students cite their time abroad as one of the highlights of their time at Pepperdine.