Semester Abroad

in Slovakia

University of Žilina

Professor Michal Valco of Žilina University presents a copy of Christian Churches in Post-Communist Slovakia

to the United States Ambassador to the Slovak Republic, the honorable Mr. Theodore Sedgwick

SEMESTER ABROAD OPPORTUNITYThrough a special relationship with the University of Žilina in Slovakia near Poland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, Roanoke College students can take four of the required courses plus an internship in one semester in English.

Program costsThis semester abroad is very economical. Your Roanoke College tuition covers tuition at Zilina, and your scholarships and grants apply. What you normally pay at Roanoke College for room, board and fees will more than cover costs of travel, room and board in Slovakia.

Can I minor in Religious Studies?

Yes! With only six courses, you can add this important knowledge basis to your major. This could help you get a job in an increasingly multi-cultural world. It could show a prospective employer that you have extensive understanding of culture to go along with your more technical knowledge from your major. But whether or not the Religious Studies minor helps you get a job, it will deepen your understanding of people and this world. And besides, it is deeply rewarding to study what moves and shapes billions of other people on this planet.

Can I take Religious Studies courses while studying abroad?

Yes! While at the University of Žilina, you can take a number of courses in Religious Studies that will count toward your major or minor in that field.A major in Religious Studies requires 9 units a minor 6 units.

Why Religious Studies at Roanoke College?

As Paul Tillich famously observed, religion is the soul of culture. To know human cultures deeply and particularly is to enter into the religions which animate them.

Knowledge of world religions The primary focus of the Religious Studies major is on non-Christian religions. They are not only of great interest to everyone who wants to be an educated person, but they are fascinating in and of themselves. Knowledge of your own faith It has been the experience of all people of faith that learning about other faiths helps them better understand their own. Knowledge of the world The vast majority of people in the world have faith in some religion, and consider that religion to be integral to who they are. To understand them we must understand their religions. Knowledge of their religions will help you no matter what career path you pursue—business, service, or education.

Who should consider theConcentration in Parish Youth Leadership?

Many RC students are interested in, or already active in, youth ministry and want to pursue it after graduation, either as their main calling or as a part-time ministry. If that is you, read on! The Concentration in Parish Youth Leadership equips students for working with youth in a faith-based setting.

Why study Parish Youth Leadership at Roanoke College?

Targeted By zeroing in on the specific challenges and goals of youth ministry, students are ready to take an active approach in guiding youth in questions of faith. Interdisciplinary With coursework that draws from both humanities and social sciences, the concentration makes a strong pairing with a major in many disciplines, such as Religious Studies, Christian Studies or Psychology.Relationships At Roanoke, students work one-on-one with professors, several of whom are renowned Christian theologians, as well as with youth pastors in the field. Students have the opportunity to experience an internship in parish youth leadership. In addition, students can broaden their experiences through travel courses, international service opportunities, study abroad and independent research.

What's next?This concentration specifically prepares students to serve as youth leaders in a church or community setting. Students may also find this concentration helpful for more general careers in ministry, counseling, social work, education, mission work, community leadership and more. The Concentration requires 7 units including PSYC 101 & 211.

Who should consider a major in Christian Studies?

The Christian Studies major at Roanoke College is a theological course of studies that asks the most interesting questions, can challenge and inform any walk of life, and can launch future graduate studies including theology or ministry. If you know, or want to explore, a vocation as a church leader, ordained or not, read on!By examining the historical development of Christian beliefs on to contemporary times, students forge an understanding of Christianity’s part at the crossroads of religion and society.

Thoughtful Roanoke's program focuses on the most compelling questions raised by Christianity. This theoretical emphasis can often be neglected in seminary education, where the focus generally falls on practical ministry skills.Centered As home to the Benne Center for Religion & Society, Roanoke regularly invites experts to speak on religion and contemporary issues. Students meet leaders in politics, business, the sciences and art to discuss the interplay of Christianity and culture. Spoken Studies in Greek, Hebrew, Latin, German and French on campus allow students to get to the root of original Christian writings, as well as to interpret firsthand major Christian theologians. A major in Christian Studies requires 10 units.

Why minor in Christian Studies?Answer: To transform your career into a calling, your station in life into a vocation of service to God and neighbor. Many RC students think of their future careers in the world as opportunities to serve in keeping with their Christian faith. A minor in Christian studies equips one with an educated understanding of the Christian faith for more discerning and effective service (see Romans 12: 1-3) in today’s world wherever and however one seeks to make a positive difference.Understanding the way Christianity interacts with the contemporary world can be crucial not only for the ministry, but also for careers as diverse as public policy, foreign service, counseling, media and the law. Learn more at http://roanoke.edu/academics/academic_departments/religion_and_philosophy/jobs_and_grad_school.htmA minor in Christian Studies requires 6 units.

For more information contact:Dr. Paul Hinlickyhinlicky@roanoke.edu 540-375-2454West 305