International Studies
Bethel Faculty-Led Programs (January, Summer)
Bethel faculty lead short-term programs for both undergraduate and graduate students each January and summer.
Find a program today!Faculty-led January courses
January 2027 application cycle
- Applications open: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Stop by the Study Abroad Fair on February 17 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. to chat with faculty leaders
- Priority deadline: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
- Applications from non-Bethel students will be considered on a space-available basis after the priority deadline.
- Following the priority deadline, applications will remain open and admissions are rolling.
- First-round decisions released: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
- Students accepted in the first round will have one week to confirm their seat.
- General program fee and payment schedule information
- Application process information
Faculty-led program prerequisites
- Permission of instructors
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2.2 GPA
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Good standing
- Successful completion of GES104: Orientation to Study Abroad during the fall semester prior to studying abroad
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.
Christianity in the Early Roman Empire
GES205UZ | Apply now
In-person exploration of ancient archeological sites in Italy, including Pompeii, Herculaneum, and traditional locations significant for early Christianity in the Roman Empire around modern Rome and Naples for the purposes of informing our interpretations of the New Testament and especially Acts and Paul’s letter to the Romans.
Ecology in the Tropics: Natural History & Future Prospects - Ecuador
Travel from our base in Quito throughout Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands surveying the land, climate, plants, animals, homes, transportation, and industries. We will especially note the impact of human culture, presence, and activities. Sites include the Amazon rainforest, Andean cloud forests, volcanic mountains, highlands, towns, cities, and the Galápagos Islands.
Note: Course may carry cross-credit in biology or environmental studies, BIO318KZ or ENS318KZ, 4 credits, with additional coursework.
Exploring British Education and Culture
EDU236UZ | Apply now
The course is designed for students to immerse themselves in British culture and to explore the educational system, with an emphasis on the diverse populations of Pakistani and Indian students and schools. The course provides students with three learning experiences: 1) observation and participation in British elementary and secondary schools; 2) home-stay with British family; and 3) cultural exploration in London and surrounding areas.
History of Science in Europe
GES330KZ | Apply now
This course examines the development of major scientific discoveries throughout history within the context of an experiential learning opportunity in several European countries. Special attention will be paid to the Italian Renaissance and the Enlightenment within England. Multiple scientific disciplines will be incorporated, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and physics. The role these disciplines played within society (architecture, art, exploration, politics, religion, etc.) will also be evaluated. Daily itineraries will include science/history/art museums, church visits, university/city tours, unique city/area visits, lecture/discussion, travel, and international meals.
Introduction to International Business - Europe
BUS202Z | Apply now
This course is designed to explore the dynamics of international business. Participants will visit sites to examine businesses that operate across borders and may include: advertising agencies, banks, accounting firms, technology firms, manufacturing facilities, and multinational corporations. Students interact with culture through a series of activities.
Making in Place: An International Artists Residency
ART340AZ | Apply now
This trip explores Modern and Contemporary Art within an art historical context. Students engage in instructor-led and self-directed art making exercises throughout the trip. “Making in Place” invites students to see how artists respond to their unique place, and how specific histories, cultural norms, political power, and religion all impact what they make.
Psychology of Fandom
PSY220Z | Apply now
A study abroad experience observing and analyzing fan behavior at European sporting events and at fan club meetings. Examination of the research literature and lived experiences of fans of all kinds (e.g., sports, music, superheroes, etc.). Analysis of the psychological benefits and drawbacks of being a fan. Includes interactions with local academics discussing the topic of fandom.
Science and Technology in New Zealand
GES317KZ | Apply now
This course will explore the historical development of science and technology in New Zealand, including current challenges. Topics include inventions and inventors, health care, unique technologies, native and invasive species, sea life, earthquakes, hot springs, and volcanic activity in the context of historical Maori and British colonial cultures leading to the present day.
Travel Writing in Bali
ENW312AZ | Apply now
Eat, pray, love: The human search for everything
Join us in Bali as we use writing to explore humans’ rich and colorful search for meaning through everything from our most-basic needs, like eating and cooking, to our highest arts and aspirations of practicing faith and seeking love. Bring your open mind, humility, and adventuresome spirit as we explore the vibrant, lush, and diverse island of Bali and learn to write (and photograph) in ways that help us understand our personal experiences and build connections with others. Our activities include hiking a volcano, visiting ancient temples, learning batik and pottery from local artisans, eating the best fruit you've had in your life, and (yes) a little beach time. We’ll focus on reading travel writing from the past and present, and writing about our own travel experience as it is happening.
Faculty-led summer courses
England Graduate Education Study Abroad
EDUC885 | Apply now
Join us for a dynamic study abroad experience in England, featuring visits to primary and secondary schools as well as historic University of Oxford! England has long been an international leader in shaping educational theory, practice, and policy, and its blend of tradition and innovation offers students a unique opportunity to gain both global awareness and practical insights they can apply in their own contexts. Through site visits, interviews, and discussions with local educators, students will compare the educational systems of England and the United States, explore the concept of education as mission in schools, and identify solutions to real educational challenges.