The Center for Global Education will be opening applications for our 2026 spring embedded programs on Monday, September 1! An embedded program is a credit-bearing course that students take as part of their semester course offerings. Embedded courses occur on campus over the full semester or a part of it, and then have an international field component during the semester or after the semester ends. The embedded course offerings for spring 2026 are:
- Belgium & The Netherlands: Topics in Fermentation-Biochemistry
- The United Kingdom: Children’s Literature
- Zambia: Global Health Community Engaged Learning
In this post, we’d like to highlight the Children’s Literature embedded program in the United Kingdom with some help from two of our Study Abroad Alum, Josie and Kaitlyn.
Tell us a bit about why you decided to study abroad on this program
Josie, a senior Elementary Education major, shares, “I chose to study abroad because I have always loved traveling and this was a great opportunity to take as the U.K. Children’s Literature course fit into my schedule. I have also always wanted to visit London.”
Kaitlyn chose to study abroad because she wanted to gain new experiences in a different part of the world. Also a senior Elementary Education major, Kaitlyn shares, “I knew that learning about children’s literature in another country would help me gain more knowledge as a future educator. Children’s books have always really interested me. When I found out that we would get to meet authors and illustrators, I knew this was the program for me. I also loved how it was a two-week study abroad experience instead of a whole semester. It is a good length for people who do not want to be gone for a semester but want a study abroad experience.”
What are some of the benefits of spending time abroad?
“Studying abroad contributed to my personal development by helping me become more independent when traveling and aware of my surroundings and the culture in the different areas we traveled. I also gained many social skills from talking with locals in both scheduled school activities and when commuting around the city. Studying abroad contributed to my academic development by helping me see how children’s books in the U.K. compare and contrast to children’s books in the U.S. It also contributed to my professional development as we met with authors, illustrators, a publisher, the college we worked with, and staff at museums and other formal locations,” says Kaitlyn.
Josie adds, “Studying abroad in the U.K. gave me a better understanding of their children’s literature, being more fantasy-based and involving the beautiful countryside. I also have a better understanding of traveling and exploring other cultures around the world.”
Share some advice for future study abroad students
Josie: “Take advantage of the study abroad opportunities, especially the embedded study abroad programs if a semester does not work for you. Have a budget for food, souvenirs, and tourist attractions.”
Kaitlyn: “Go into the experience with an open mind. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so take advantage of all the opportunities given to you.”
How to apply
While Josie and Kaitlyn both study Elementary Education, this program is open to ALL majors and minors! Students do not need to be an Education major to apply. Applications can be submitted on the Global Portal and are due by noon on Tuesday, October 21. The application fee is not meant to deter students from applying; students may schedule an appointment with CGE on the Hive to set up a payment plan.