Belmont University Unveils 2025 Study Abroad Programs at Global Fair

Global education offerings span from Cape Town to Chicago 

Belmont University is expanding its global education initiatives with 11 new study abroad programs, offering students immersive experiences across four continents. The University's Office of Study Abroad (OSA) announced the new programs for the upcoming academic year, reflecting a commitment to diverse, interdisciplinary global learning experiences. 

Belmont is offering a total of 46 short-term faculty-led programs across Maymester and summer, including 11 new programs and 35 recurring programs. Some recurring programs move countries each year, providing new locations and class content even within established offerings. 

New 2025 Study Abroad Programs 

1. Belmont in Ireland and the U.K.: The Isles, Wild and Wonderful
2. Belmont in Guatemala: Global Healthcare with Experiential Learning
3. Belmont in India and South Korea: Disaster Response and Humanitarian Healthcare
4. Belmont in France: Theatre and Revolution
5. Belmont in Chicago: Law, Advocacy and Social Justice
6. Belmont in Mexico: Biology, Humanities and Spanish for Health
7. Belmont in South Korea: Design for People, Culture and Sustainability
8. Belmont in Morocco, Spain & Portugal: Exploring Entertainment, Culture and Wellness
9. Belmont in France: Business, Culture and Management
10. Belmont in Costa Rica: Pura Vida! Exploring the Good Life
11. Belmont in Cape Town: Theatre, Culture and Community

Study Abroad in Cape Town 

One standout program is "Belmont in Cape Town: Theatre, Culture and Community," which combines theater studies with explorations of nature, sustainability and the resilience of communities. 

"We're focusing on areas where the arts foster resilience, bringing together community and exploring themes of hope," said Jessica Mueller, associate professor of theatre and co-leader of the Cape Town program. "We're reading Athol Fugard's 'The Island,' and their projects will tie into Nelson Mandela's time on Robben Island." 

For Rachel Phinney, a sophomore theatre production design major, this new offering aligns with her major and having already participated in a Maymester program in Italy, she’s ready to study abroad again. 

"I'm really excited about the Cape Town program," Phinney said. "It seems like a perfect blend of theater studies and cultural immersion." Reflecting on her previous experience, she added, "I participated in the 'Art of Living Well' Maymester in Italy. It was an incredible experience where I fulfilled my lab science and wellness requirements while immersing myself in Italian culture. The opportunity to study abroad again, especially in a program that aligns so closely with my major, is really appealing." 

Legal Studies in Chicago 

For aspiring legal professionals, the "Belmont in Chicago: Law, Advocacy and Social Justice" program offers a unique domestic study away experience. This program is particularly significant as it is the first study abroad offering designed specifically for legal studies majors, which is currently the largest major in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS). The program's convenient location in Chicago makes it an accessible option for students who may not be able to travel internationally. Dr. Raymond Chao, assistant professor of legal studies and the faculty lead, highlighted Chicago's rich history of advocacy and social change. 

"Chicago has a great history of advocacy and change and protests," Chao said. "We're going to talk to those people that are doing that right now and as well their history." Chao worked as a prosecutor in Chicago, so students are learning from someone with expensive legal experience in the criminal justice system.

Music, Media and Wellness in Morocco and Spain 

The program spanning Morocco and Spain, titled "Exploring Music, Media and Wellness," offers a unique cross-cultural perspective on organizational development and employee well-being. This innovative course is led by a team of three faculty members, each bringing their expertise to create a multidisciplinary learning experience. 

"We're starting in Barcelona, moving to Lisbon, and then from Lisbon we'll go to Seville, and then from Seville we'll go to Casablanca," said Dr. Marnie Vanden Noven. "We'll spend about four days in each place." 

The program combines three distinct academic focuses. Dr. Jen Duck, executive director of Story Studio & assistant professor of journalism, will be teaching a cultural reporting class, Dr. David Schreiber, associate dean, innovation & student flourishing, will lead an organizational development course, and Dr. Vanden Noven will focus on wellness studies. 

"Our goal is to visit a company in each city and learn from that company about their cultural development, their wellness aspects, and how they treat their employees," Vanden Noven said. "We're really excited about it." 

The program aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of cultural practices and organizational structures in different contexts. Students will engage in a variety of experiences, from attending flamenco shows to participating in cooking classes. 

"We won't do a lot of classroom teaching,” Vanden Noven added. “We'll do much more experiential learning. So I hope that they learn about different cultures and value those cultures and value cultural differences." 

Application Process and Deadlines 

Students interested in these programs must meet eligibility requirements and adhere to application deadlines. For Maymester and Summer 2025 programs, the deadline is Feb. 15, 2025.  

For short-term, faculty-led programs like those offered during spring break, Maymester or summer, students need to complete a specific application. Those interested in semester or year-long programs have a separate application process. 

With more than 1,000 Belmont students studying abroad each year, these new offerings aim to further expand opportunities for global understanding and personal transformation. 

Dr. Marissa Chandler, director of study abroad, emphasized the university's commitment to global education, stating, "Belmont is committed to graduating global citizens. Study abroad encourages intercultural growth and confidence and acquiring skills and knowledge that are valued by employers." 

Emma Cate Whitefield, assistant director of study abroad, expressed enthusiasm about the Global Fair, saying, "This is our team's biggest event of the year, and we love watching the students explore Belmont's incredible program opportunities. Over 100 faculty members crafted the engaging, intentional, unique programs on display at the fair, and we cannot wait to see them all come to life!" 

The Global Fair, which showcased these exciting new programs, was a resounding success with more than 650 students in attendance. Applications for the 2025 study abroad programs open on Tuesday, Oct. 15.