The opportunity for students to participate in a summer study abroad program is ending soon, but some programs are still open.

The NIU-sponsored study abroad programs still available can send students all across the globe, from Spain to Malaysia, while they earn college credit.

“If you want to be a part of a summer study abroad program, the time to act is now,” said Emily Gorlewski, program assistant in the Study Abroad Office. Gorlewski said that there are only a couple of weeks left to sign up for the following programs:

Spanish Language and Culture in Toledo, Spain

The objective of this program is to provide students with an experience of living in Spain from June 22 to July 25, while also increasing their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.

The program includes field trips to cultural and historical sites. Participants can earn up to six semester hours of credit in upper-level undergraduate and graduate Spanish courses. The program director is Professor Linda Saborio.

History and Culture of Malaysia

Participants in this program will stay primarily in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this summer from July 13 to Aug. 1, while they learn and experience the history of Malaysia.

Some of the program highlights include visits to ethnically diverse communities, one of the world’s largest mosques, the national museum and the Petronas Twin Towers (the tallest buildings in the world).

Participants will receive three semester hours of credit in History 449, History of Malaysia and Singapore. The program director is Eric Jones.

Design, Architecture, and Art in Italy and Spain

The program will start May 25 and last until June 13. It initially starts in Milan, Italy, and later takes students to Barcelona, Spain.

Other places students can expect to visit include Florence, Venice, and Switzerland. The program’s goal is to help students understand the complex factors that influenced Spanish and Italian architecture.

Undergraduate students will receive three semester hours of credit in Art Design 418A, Special Problems in Visual Communication. Graduates will also receive credit in Art Design 512, Studies in Design.

Students can receive an additional three semester hours of credit if they engage in an independent study and research project. The program director is Professor Jon Ashmann.

According to Pamela Rosenberg, business administrative associate of the division of international programs, pricing will vary depending on the program, but all students are encouraged to participate regardless of their financial status.

“Students of all backgrounds have participated in the summer study abroad programs,” Rosenberg said. “Some students that have participated are on 100 percent financial aid.”

Rosenberg said she will provide a budget for any program a student is interested in.

Gorlewski believes that the studying abroad experience can provide essential skills that are important in working in an increasingly globalized job world.