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Additional Opportunities Abroad

International Programs offers various personal, professional, social, academic, and spiritual development opportunities. Some of these opportunities require an application. Learn more about these offerings below:

Enrichment Programs

Educational Field Trips and International Study Tours (required for all students)

Each fall and spring semester, all students travel to a special destination to engage in academic and experiential learning. Pepperdine professors, staff, and Faculty-in-Residence accompany the students and lead them throughout the trip. Activities may include engaging in service, meeting local leaders, visiting historic sites, and hearing lectures. Past trip locations have included:

  • Spain
  • Kenya
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Tanzania
  • Jordan
  • Patagonia
  • Sicily
  • Morocco

Trips for the coming year are announced at the IP academic year student orientation program in April. All room, board, activity, and travel costs for EFT are included as part of the International Programs fee.

Pepperdine Global Fellows Program

The Pepperdine Global Fellows Program is a distinctive community of Pepperdine students who are inspired to lead lives of global impact and influence. The PGF experience is a formational leadership journey that combines global exploration, academic training, community service, and real-world professional experience, all designed to equip fellows with the knowledge, skills and character to make a difference in the world. Learn more about the PGF and apply here.

The Listening Summit

Once a year, students in our academic year and semester programs have the opportunity to participate in a Listening Summit. The Listening Summit is a weekend excursion that connects Pepperdine students with students at a partner university abroad to discuss local and global issues. Students have the opportunity to engage with students who are natives of their program location, and build friendships that last far beyond the weekend. Past Listening Summit themes have included global warming, the impact of social media on society, and globalization. Students can apply to participate in their program's Listening Summit when they arrive at their program location.

Spiritual Retreats

Spiritual Retreats are offered once per year to students in our academic year and semester programs. The Spiritual Retreat is a weekend excursion that allows Pepperdine students to travel together to a nearby location for fellowship and to spend time engaging in faith-oriented topics. Spiritual Retreats are led by the local program staff and students can apply to participate after arrival at their program.

 

Job Opportunities

IP Resident Advisor Program

International Programs Resident Advisors play a critical role in the day-to-day life of our abroad programs. IPRAs are Pepperdine IP students who are hired to provide leadership in their IP programs, build community among their residents, enforce community standards, and more. Learn more about the RA program and apply here.

IP Media Coordinator Program

IP Media Coordinators are in charge of one of the most important roles abroad - preserving the memories! IP Media Coordinators are hired annually for each Academic Year Program. Applicants must be going abroad for the full academic year (with the exception of Washington, D.C.). They are responsible for capturing photos and videos of the group, and producing short films that are used in IP marketing materials. Students are paid a stipend at the end of the semester, and get hands-on training and practice producing and editing film. Applications open in the spring prior to the student's fall departure. Eligible students will be emailed with more information on how to apply.

IP Library Ambassador (IPLA) Position Description

Student employees are vital to our operations in the Libraries, especially in our International Programs locations. Each IP location (with the exception of Washington D.C.) has an International Programs Library Ambassador (IPLA). The IPLA position offers students the opportunity to learn new skills, develop a better understanding of library work, and make lasting connections within the Pepperdine community.

IPLAs have five hours per week to complete their responsibilities. Their tasks include:

  • Manage the physical IP library collections
  • Assist students and faculty with research and reference questions
  • Provide technical support for ebooks
  • Serve as the peer writing consultant
  • Act as a liaison between the IP campus and the Malibu campus
  • Promote library resources at the IP campus
  • Complete additional projects as assigned

IPLAs are hired by their local IP staff at the start of the academic year abroad. Students of all majors are welcome to express interest in the position, and we especially welcome students who have a love for learning, reading, and writing. Priority is given to students who will be abroad for the entire academic year.

Please direct questions about the IPLA program to Katrina Gallardo at katrina.gallardo@pepperdine.edu. 

Additional Job Opportunities Abroad

Our international campuses offer paid student employee positions and students can utilize work study awards. Examples of student employee positions include:

  • Kitchen Employee
  • Linens Employee
  • Gardener
  • Administrative Assistant

Students can apply for student employee positions after they arrive to their program location. International students should ensure they have completed all necessary hiring paperwork with Student Employment before departing for their program.