Department of Study Abroad
The Department of Study Abroad focuses on providing students with international education opportunities to enhance their global perspectives and academic growth. It offers comprehensive support for studying in various countries, including program selection, application processes, and cultural adaptation. The department collaborates with international institutions to create enriching experiences that align with students’ academic and career goals. Emphasizing cross-cultural understanding and global competence, the department aims to prepare students for a globalized world by fostering academic excellence and personal development through immersive international experiences.
Courses
Department Head's Message
K.D. Thilina Pethum Mihiranga
Head | Department of Study Abroad
Welcome to the Department of Study Abroad!
As the Head of the Department, I am thrilled to introduce you to the vibrant world of international education and exchange that we are dedicated to promoting. Our department plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experiences of our students by providing them with transformative opportunities to study and work abroad.
In today’s interconnected world, understanding and engaging with different cultures and global perspectives are more important than ever. Our mission is to facilitate these experiences, helping students broaden their horizons, gain valuable international insights, and develop skills that are essential for success in a globalized society.
We offer a diverse range of programs designed to fit various academic disciplines and interests, from semester-long exchanges and immersive study tours to internships and research opportunities overseas. Each program is meticulously crafted to ensure that students not only enhance their academic knowledge but also grow personally and professionally through their international experiences.
Our dedicated team is here to guide students through every step of their study abroad journey. We provide comprehensive support, including personalized advising, application assistance, pre-departure orientations, and ongoing support while students are abroad. We are committed to ensuring that each student’s experience is enriching, rewarding, and aligned with their academic and career goals.
Studying abroad is more than just an academic endeavor; it is a chance to explore new cultures, build lifelong friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of the world. These experiences can profoundly impact your personal development and future career, equipping you with the global perspective and skills that employers increasingly value.
As you consider embarking on this exciting journey, I encourage you to reach out to our office for guidance and support. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or partner institution, we are here to assist you in navigating the opportunities and challenges of international study.
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Study Abroad. We look forward to helping you achieve your global education goals and supporting you throughout your international experiences.
Staff Members
Contacts:
Harriet Erickson
Vice President, Student Affairs
Wesley Clark was named Senior Advisor to the President in May 2018. An expert in corporate law, he teaches a wide range of courses including Contracts, Sales, Closely Held Business Organizations, Publicly Traded Corporations, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Law and International Securities Regulation.
Contacts:
Wesley Clarke
Senior Advisor to the President
Betty Bowman joined the faculty in 2002, and received tenure there in 2007. Before joining the faculty, she was a visiting assistant professor at Syracuse University College of Law. Prior to that, she was a legal consultant with JPMorgan Chase; a contract attorney for Cravath, Swaine & Moore; and an assistant prosecutor for the Ministry of the Attorney General in Toronto, Canada.
Contacts:
Betty Bowman
Acting Vice President for Finance
With over four decades of law teaching experience, Johnny Jones is a nationally-recognized constitutionalist who has received numerous awards for his teaching, including the first-ever Pioneer Award for his commitment and dedication to students from the FIU Student Bar Association in 2004. Since then, students have voted him “Professor of the Year” multiple times.
Contacts:
Johnny Jones
Dean, Diversity and Compliance
Dennis Ruiz was a member of the faculty at Texas Tech University School of Law, where she held the Alvin R. Allison Distinguished Professorship and received every teaching award the law school and the University conferred. She was the Distinguished Fulbright Professor of American Constitutional Law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Greece in 1992.
Contacts:
Dennis Ruiz
Acting Vice President of Administration
Vernon Lowe first joined the University in 2006 as Assistant Dean for Academic Support Programs. He served as Assistant Dean until 2013, when he became a full time lecturer at the College. He teaches classes relating to legal theory and reasoning, race and law, gender and law, and in the area of commercial transactions.
Contacts:
Vernon Lowe
Assistant Vice President for Communications
Contacts:
Harriet Erickson
Vice President, Student Affairs
Wesley Clark was named Senior Advisor to the President in May 2018. An expert in corporate law, he teaches a wide range of courses including Contracts, Sales, Closely Held Business Organizations, Publicly Traded Corporations, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Law and International Securities Regulation.
Contacts:
Wesley Clarke
Senior Advisor to the President
Betty Bowman joined the faculty in 2002, and received tenure there in 2007. Before joining the faculty, she was a visiting assistant professor at Syracuse University College of Law. Prior to that, she was a legal consultant with JPMorgan Chase; a contract attorney for Cravath, Swaine & Moore; and an assistant prosecutor for the Ministry of the Attorney General in Toronto, Canada.
Contacts:
Betty Bowman
Acting Vice President for Finance
With over four decades of law teaching experience, Johnny Jones is a nationally-recognized constitutionalist who has received numerous awards for his teaching, including the first-ever Pioneer Award for his commitment and dedication to students from the FIU Student Bar Association in 2004. Since then, students have voted him “Professor of the Year” multiple times.
Contacts:
Johnny Jones
Dean, Diversity and Compliance
Dennis Ruiz was a member of the faculty at Texas Tech University School of Law, where she held the Alvin R. Allison Distinguished Professorship and received every teaching award the law school and the University conferred. She was the Distinguished Fulbright Professor of American Constitutional Law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Greece in 1992.
Contacts:
Dennis Ruiz
Acting Vice President of Administration
Vernon Lowe first joined the University in 2006 as Assistant Dean for Academic Support Programs. He served as Assistant Dean until 2013, when he became a full time lecturer at the College. He teaches classes relating to legal theory and reasoning, race and law, gender and law, and in the area of commercial transactions.
Contacts:
Vernon Lowe
Assistant Vice President for Communications
How to Apply
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.
How To Apply
Your Application
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
Our Response
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
Your Journey
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.