January study abroad programs offer students once-in-a-lifetime experiences

January session—sometimes called “interim” or “J-term”—has long provided Bethel students an opportunity to break from their typical schedules and immerse themselves in a subject. For many, it’s a great time to dedicate to international study.

By Monique Kleinhuizen ’08, GS’16, content specialist

February 23, 2024 | 10:45 a.m.

Biochemistry and chemistry double-major Ben Ostlie ’25 bird-watching on the “Ecology in the Tropics” trip to Ecuador, January 2024

Biochemistry and chemistry double-major Ben Ostlie ’25 bird-watching on the “Ecology in the Tropics” trip to Ecuador, January 2024

As spring semester gets underway, 171 Bethel students are fresh off of international study trips around the globe. They’re a few credits richer, many crossing off general education requirements and taking the opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture or experience that enriches—or completely contrasts with—their majors.

Nearly half of all Bethel undergraduate students study abroad at some point. Many grants, scholarships, and loans apply to semesters off-campus—and several scholarships have been developed especially for students wishing to study abroad. For students with lots of campus commitments or tightly-scheduled majors, January is a great time to pursue an international opportunity—and gain the same amount of credits they would get on campus—without interrupting coursework or extracurriculars.

Why study abroad?

Besides being an enriching—and fun—way to spend a few weeks between fall and spring semesters, studying abroad is also an excellent way for students to invest in their future careers. Employers and graduate schools value international study for the awareness and knowledge it offers students—things that can’t be gained easily within a typical classroom:

  • Language skills
  • cross-cultural sensitivity
  • communication skills
  • analytical skills
  • flexibility
  • resourcefulness
Kate Osgood ’24 and other students on the “Medieval Worlds: Spain, Morocco, and France” trip, January 2024

Kate Osgood ’24 and other students on the “Medieval Worlds: Spain, Morocco, and France” trip, January 2024

"Every morning in Morocco, we were blessed with a traditional breakfast of eggs, olives, cheese, and bread with jams and spiced honey. The sunrise came over the mountains, and I enjoyed the view every morning on the roof of my Riad.”

— Kate Osgood ’24
Big Ben is seen in the distance as students walk through London, England, on the International Business in Europe trip, January 2024

Big Ben is seen in the distance as students walk through London, England, on the International Business in Europe trip, January 2024

"I loved experiencing and learning about culture across six different countries while growing deep relationships with other Bethel University students. This program allowed me to apply what I have learned in the classroom—and has equipped me to be a better business professional in the future."

— Sydney Roberts ’26
Students and faculty at Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand, on the “Science and Technology in New Zealand” trip, January 2024

Students and faculty at Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand, on the “Science and Technology in New Zealand” trip, January 2024

"This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of God’s creation and the importance of understanding other cultures. I will forever cherish the opportunities we had to immerse ourselves with the people of New Zealand and learn about the history of their beautiful country."

— Mara Miller ’24, biology major

How do I incorporate study abroad into my time at Bethel?

Bethel offers robust support services for students, and many campus offices, faculty, and staff are equipped to guide students in selecting and accommodating a study abroad program. Here are a few ways to get started:

  • It’s never too early to start thinking about studying abroad! From the first time you visit campus, ask questions about current students’ international experiences—and plan on off-campus study being part of your Bethel story.
  • Stop by the Office of International and Off-campus Programs to begin exploring Bethel’s signature faculty-led programs and those offered through trusted global partners.
  • Talk with your faculty advisor about your degree requirements and long-range course schedule to find the best semester, January session, or summer to incorporate a trip abroad.
  • If you require accessibility resources or academic support, connect with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services to ask about accommodations available through programs you’re considering.
  • All Bethel students receive financial aid, and much of it can be used to offset the cost of studying abroad! Talk with the Office of Financial Aid to determine how studying abroad may impact your financial aid—or if there are additional scholarships for which you may qualify.
Josh Anderson ’24 riding in a Hägglund—an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle—at the International Antarctic Center in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Josh Anderson ’24 riding in a Hägglund—an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle—at the International Antarctic Center in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Studying abroad during January was an amazing experience, particularly because it was summer in New Zealand! It was incredible to spend a month in God's beautiful creation and getting to know my classmates better. Living, traveling, sharing meals and life with all your classmates and professors truly creates a deep connection that bolsters the educational experience of such a trip!

Studying abroad during January was an amazing experience, particularly because it was summer in New Zealand! It was incredible to spend a month in God's beautiful creation and getting to know my classmates better. Living, traveling, sharing meals and life with all your classmates and professors truly creates a deep connection that bolsters the educational experience of such a trip!

Josh Anderson '24
Mechanical engineering and physics double-major
One of the highlights of our travels was our Maori cultural immersion and stay at the Kohutapu Lodge, where our group came to realize that as Christians, we can learn a lot about the meaning of ‘whanau’ (family) from our non-Christian friends…One of the student journal reflections that was particularly touching stated, ‘I was humbled by their openness, their hospitality, their reverence for both their community and their land. It was beautiful. And yet, my interactions with them also increased my love for my own God.'

One of the highlights of our travels was our Maori cultural immersion and stay at the Kohutapu Lodge, where our group came to realize that as Christians, we can learn a lot about the meaning of ‘whanau’ (family) from our non-Christian friends…One of the student journal reflections that was particularly touching stated, ‘I was humbled by their openness, their hospitality, their reverence for both their community and their land. It was beautiful. And yet, my interactions with them also increased my love for my own God.'

Keith Stein
Professor of Physics, leader of “Science and Technology in New Zealand”
Our group was very tight-knit, and our professors were fantastic leaders throughout our trip. In just three weeks, I learned so much about the importance of maintaining our habitats, and also how to interact with vastly different cultures. I'm so grateful that I decided to go on this trip because God gave me the opportunity to make new friends and see wildlife that I may never see again.

Our group was very tight-knit, and our professors were fantastic leaders throughout our trip. In just three weeks, I learned so much about the importance of maintaining our habitats, and also how to interact with vastly different cultures. I'm so grateful that I decided to go on this trip because God gave me the opportunity to make new friends and see wildlife that I may never see again.

Ben Ostlie '25
Biochemistry and chemistry-double major
The way of the world these days is for more and more people to have less and less contact with those they differ from. Study Abroad is crucial in helping young adults foster cultural empathy for others and develop an inquisitive respect for human differences.

The way of the world these days is for more and more people to have less and less contact with those they differ from. Study Abroad is crucial in helping young adults foster cultural empathy for others and develop an inquisitive respect for human differences.

Charles Goldberg
Associate Professor of History, leader of “Medieval Worlds: Art and History in North Africa and Europe”
The most memorable things I learned resulted from being in new locations, allowing me to see ancient sites, get immersed in local culture, and listen to and meet people I never would have otherwise. Studying abroad during January allowed me to jump from place to place, packing so many unique experiences into one trip, ultimately helping me to set my sights on working as a historian after college.

The most memorable things I learned resulted from being in new locations, allowing me to see ancient sites, get immersed in local culture, and listen to and meet people I never would have otherwise. Studying abroad during January allowed me to jump from place to place, packing so many unique experiences into one trip, ultimately helping me to set my sights on working as a historian after college.

Sydney Tiffany '24
History and political science double-major on the “Medieval Worlds: Art and History in North Africa and Europe” trip
I believe the value of studying abroad lies in the potential it has for transforming lives–from altering career trajectories to developing cultural awareness to deepening self-discovery, there is so much rich experience to be found in stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing someplace completely different. Studying abroad helps you see your neighbors and the world around you more like Jesus does, with compassion and empathy, because you have the chance to build relationships and do life with people you likely otherwise never would have met.

I believe the value of studying abroad lies in the potential it has for transforming lives–from altering career trajectories to developing cultural awareness to deepening self-discovery, there is so much rich experience to be found in stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing someplace completely different. Studying abroad helps you see your neighbors and the world around you more like Jesus does, with compassion and empathy, because you have the chance to build relationships and do life with people you likely otherwise never would have met.

Kayleigh Sommerfeldt
Global Operations Coordinator
Study abroad represents an opportunity to see and experience lives and cultures very different from our own, especially when traveling to places outside of the mainstream. It challenges students to view the world through a lens and culture different from the one they have grown up with, sometimes stretching and challenging them in ways that can be uncomfortable.

Study abroad represents an opportunity to see and experience lives and cultures very different from our own, especially when traveling to places outside of the mainstream. It challenges students to view the world through a lens and culture different from the one they have grown up with, sometimes stretching and challenging them in ways that can be uncomfortable.

Jeff Port
Professor of Biological Sciences, leader of “Ecology in the Tropics”
It would be impossible to fully understand the beauty Islamic architecture and its lasting impact in the modern world without physically experiencing the immense and ornate detail in person. Everything is filled with intention and you can see that woven into the culture.

It would be impossible to fully understand the beauty Islamic architecture and its lasting impact in the modern world without physically experiencing the immense and ornate detail in person. Everything is filled with intention and you can see that woven into the culture.

Kate Osgood '24
Art therapy and psychology double-major on the “Medieval Worlds: Spain, Morocco, and France” trip
Our partnerships with trusted educational partners, as well as programs our faculty leaders offer over the month of January, make up an exceptional list setting Bethel apart from other institutions.

Our partnerships with trusted educational partners, as well as programs our faculty leaders offer over the month of January, make up an exceptional list setting Bethel apart from other institutions.

Virginija Wilcox
Associate Dean of International and Off-Campus Programs
“It was amazing to interact with the culture and learn about traditions that people have been representing for centuries!”—Zoe Vang ’26, business marketing and art major on the “Medieval Worlds: Art and History in North Africa and Europe” trip. Photo taken in Tetouan, Morocco

“It was amazing to interact with the culture and learn about traditions that people have been representing for centuries!”—Zoe Vang ’26, business marketing and art major on the “Medieval Worlds: Art and History in North Africa and Europe” trip. Photo taken in Tetouan, Morocco

Expand your worldview and study abroad

 

Bethel offers over 600 international and off-campus study opportunities—including several that are fully taught and supported by Bethel faculty and many partnerships with other trusted educational travel partners. No matter your major or budget, there’s an option for you to enrich your learning through a cross-cultural or off-campus program.

Explore your options