A self-critical and historically grounded examination of the United States and its diverse people must be viewed from both a local and global context. Those of us who dedicate our education to the study our own culture can benefit especially from living and working in another place. Learning about our country from the outside offers whole new perspectives on the study of American culture. A study abroad experience provides American Studies students with a point of view they would be unable to gain without venturing outside the confines of our nation’s borders.
Many foreign universities have American Studies departments that offer students the ability to fulfill their major or general education requirements, while enjoying all the excitement of living abroad. You could take a course on American Musicals, and then catch a weekend show in London’s West End. Or study U.S. Presidential elections during a Finnish Presidential election year!
