Global Experience Immersion

The Global Experience Immersion offers students the opportunity to complete their immersion requirement through meaningful study abroad experiences. Students may explore different disciplines and topics while gaining firsthand experience with other cultures, communities, and global perspectives.

Like all immersions, students must complete three general education courses (9 credits total). What makes this immersion unique:

  • All three courses must carry General Education status but do not need to be related by topic or discipline.
  • Each course must include a substantial study abroad/travel component approved by the RIT Education Abroad office.
  • It is recommended that students complete the immersion requirements before officially declaring the immersion to avoid complications if plans change or courses are not successfully completed.
  • Students should work with their academic advisor and RIT Education Abroad to plan their courses, confirm that they meet the immersion requirements and to complete the RIT Transfer/Special Immersion form.

This means that students who study abroad and take ANY three courses that have General Education status can earn the Global Experience Immersion and complete their immersion requirement for graduation.

The plan code for Global Experience Immersion is GLOBEXP-IM.

A semester abroad is often the easiest way to complete the Global Experience Immersion. Students typically take 12 to 15 credits (four to five courses) during a semester abroad. Three of those courses must be approved General Education courses and can be from different disciplines or topics. Students can use their remaining one or two courses toward their major, electives, or other degree requirements.

Yes, but summer programs require additional planning. You will need to find a program that is at least 10 weeks long and allows you to take at least three General Education courses. Many summer programs offer only two courses (6 credits), so you may need to combine multiple summer program sessions to complete all three courses abroad.

Yes. You can combine courses from different approved global experiences to complete the three courses required for the immersion. However, this option requires additional planning and may be more expensive because you are participating in multiple programs. Here are a few examples:

  • Example 1: Participate in an RIT faculty-led program in early or mid-May, then remain abroad for the rest of the summer and complete additional courses through an RIT global campus or affiliate summer program.
  • Example 2: Complete one General Education course through an RIT faculty-led program during one semester or summer, then complete two additional General Education courses during a semester abroad at an RIT global campus or through an affiliate partner.

All three courses must carry General Education status and include a substantial study abroad component approved by RIT Education Abroad. Work with your academic advisor and RIT Education Abroad to confirm that your planned courses meet the requirements before you enroll.

It is best to officially declare the immersion after you have completed your study abroad experience and successfully completed the required courses. This can help avoid complications if you change your plans, change courses, or do not successfully complete a course.

Questions about the Global Experience Immerison? Email global@rit.edu.