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International & Global Affairs

International Student Exchange Student Programs

Marywood University offers short-term global education programs that give international students the chance to experience American culture, improve their English, and gain professional experience in their field of study. Each program blends classroom learning with hands-on opportunities to help students build confidence, language fluency, and cross-cultural skills.

While each program is tailored to a specific academic focus, they all share a core foundation:

  • Intensive English courses that cover speaking, listening, reading, writing, pronunciation, and vocabulary with a focus on real-world communication
  • Small class sizes for individualized instruction and language support
  • Field trips and cultural experiences in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia
  • Peer interaction and group work to develop global communication skills
  • Program completion certificate and student feedback at the end

American Language and Culture Program

This program is designed for international students who want to boost their English skills while getting a taste of American culture. The English curriculum focuses on everyday and academic communication with plenty of chances to practice in real-life situations.

What You’ll Learn

  • Speaking and listening through presentations, group discussions, and real-time conversations
  • Reading and writing focused on summarizing, paragraph writing, and vocabulary building
  • American pronunciation and informal expressions
  • Critical thinking and intercultural communication
  • English for Specific Purposes (ESP), like interview prep, travel English, and presentations

What You’ll Experience

Students will explore U.S. cities and cultural landmarks, including museums, historical sites, and neighborhoods. All excursions are designed to help students apply language skills outside the classroom. It’s a great option for students preparing for academic study or a career in an English-speaking environment.

Healthcare Studies Program

This program is for students studying medicine, nursing, public health, or science-related fields. It combines English language learning with a deep dive into American healthcare settings.

What You’ll Do

  • Observe hospital operations, talk with professionals, and attend healthcare-related lectures and seminars
  • Build healthcare-specific English skills like medical terminology, patient interaction, and documentation
  • Practice in simulation labs designed to replicate hospital settings like emergency rooms and surgery suites

Partner Hospitals

Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton, PA)

A full-service hospital known for its Level II trauma care and advanced services in cardiology, surgery, and oncology. It’s one of the most established health institutions in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre, PA)

A regional leader in cardiac care and home to top-tier facilities like the Heart Hospital and Cancer Center. Students can observe a wide range of specialties, from neonatal intensive care to orthopedics.

Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, PA)

The flagship hospital of the Geisinger system, this 594-bed academic medical center features the only Level I Trauma Center in the region and houses a full children’s hospital. Ideal for students interested in complex care and hospital systems.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono (East Stroudsburg, PA)

A 249-bed community hospital and Level III Trauma Center serving Monroe County. Known for its heart and cancer centers, as well as a Level III NICU, it’s ideal for students interested in community-based care with access to advanced specialties.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City (Dickson City, PA)

Opened in May 2022, this modern facility features a 19-bay emergency department, advanced imaging technologies, and specialized surgical services, including orthopedic and bariatric procedures. Students experience outpatient care and high- efficiency clinical workflows.

Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton, PA)

Recognized for its expertise in perinatal and pediatric care, Moses Taylor is also a leader in ultrasound diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures. Students witness advanced care with a community feel.

Regional Hospital of Scranton (Scranton, PA)

Known for its excellence in orthopedics and cardiac services, this hospital offers all-private rooms and modern surgical technologies. Students observe both routine and advanced medical interventions. This program is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in healthcare and are looking to build both language and leadership skills in a clinical setting.

Education Studies Program

Created for future educators, this program gives students a firsthand look at how American schools operate. It combines ESL instruction with classroom placements, mentorship, and hands-on teaching.

What You’ll Do

  • Teach alongside experienced educators in U.S. classrooms
  • Participate in lesson planning, microteaching, and classroom management
  • Observe diverse student populations and instructional strategies
  • Attend educator workshops focused on student engagement and developmental learning

Partner Schools

Carriage Barn Academy (Scranton, PA)

Carriage Barn Academy is a unique early childhood center that blends Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. Serving children aged 3–6, the academy emphasizes discovery-based learning in a nurturing environment.

Perry’s Academy of Learning at the Fricchione Center (Dunmore, PA)

Located on Marywood University's campus, Perry’s Academy offers early learning programs for children from 8 weeks to Pre-K. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and holds a Star IV Keystone Stars rating, reflecting its commitment to high-quality early childhood education.

Dunmore Elementary Center (Dunmore, PA)

This public elementary school serves grades K–6 and is part of the Dunmore School District. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school focuses on providing a supportive learning environment for its students.

Dunmore Jr./Sr. High School (Dunmore, PA)

Serving grades 7–12, this combined junior and senior high school offers a comprehensive curriculum and various extracurricular activities. It provides student teachers with opportunities to engage with adolescents in diverse educational settings.

YMCA Early Learning Center (Dunmore, PA)

The YMCA's Early Learning Center offers programs for children aged 1–5, focusing on developmental areas such as speech, social-emotional growth, and physical activities. The center uses the Creative Curriculum to guide its preschool program.

NativityMiguel School of Scranton (Scranton, PA)

A private, tuition-free middle school serving grades 5–8. The school is dedicated to empowering students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through strong academics and a focus on character development. This program helps students prepare for global careers in education by offering real classroom experience and tools for working in diverse learning environments.