Short-Term Study Abroad programs provide one-two week programs to travel, learn, and grow with a group of like-minded travelers.
We’ve got folks ready to help.
Call (731) 352-4000 or
send us an email.
You may find yourself teaching English, staffing an animal rescue center, or even working on an organic coffee farm. Our Global Studies program offers endless opportunities to learn, serve, lead, and love.
Past programs include serving at an Animal Rescue in Costa Rica, teaching English in Colombia, a school cafeteria construction project in Peru, organic farming in Cuba, public park restoration in Panana, and a reforestation project in Nicaragua.
Contact the Director of Global Studies Stacie Freeman for more information.
Volunteer at an animal rescue center aiming to stop the illegal trafficking of wildlife. Teach United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at a local primary school. Explore one of the most bio-diverse areas in Latin America – You’ll visit beaches, hike through jungles, and swim under waterfalls. Discover why the national phrase, “Pura Vida”, or “Pure Life”, is the perfect choice of words to describe our 6-day program in Costa Rica.
Volunteer to teach English at Colegio Americano in Cali. Teach a wide variety of subjects including United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to students in grades pre-k through high school. Explore Cali – a vibrant city, famous for its obsession with salsa and filled with enough delicious food, cultural heritage, and natural wonders to keep you busy on this 7-day program.
Volunteer in Guatemala City on projects that support the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 Good Health and Wellbeing and 4 Quality Education. Travelers on this program will explore Guatemala City, UNESCO World Heritage Site Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, described by Lonely Planet as “the closest thing to Eden on Earth.” Guatemala’s storied history and rich culture will come to life on this 7-day adventure into the “Land of Eternal Spring.”
If you’re searching for additional information quickly, we’ve compiled the most helpful frequently asked questions below.
Yes, all Global Studies participants need a passport book (not a card). Please visit https://www.usa.gov/passport for step-by-step instructions.
Yes! The Global Studies office does not recommend one provider over another and the cost of these policies is not included in the program fee.
All Global Studies participants must secure an international health insurance plan. The cost of the international health insurance policy is not covered by the program fee. The international health plan does not cover any services within the United States, so travelers must maintain their stateside insurance. Proof of stateside insurance must be submitted to the director of Global Studies prior to departure.
The countries we visit tend not to require visas OR include them in the cost of airfare. However, https://www.travisa.com/ is a great website for making a determination. In the event that visas (not included with airfare) are required, the Global Studies office will assist participants in securing them. The cost of visas may or may not be covered by the program fee.
All Bethel University students, faculty, staff, friends, and family are welcome to participate. All our programs are open to rising high school juniors and seniors for college credit. College students from other universities, also known as transient students, can also travel with BU Global Studies.
The process of enrolling begins by contacting Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu
Lightly. Generally speaking, participants are not allowed to check luggage. Plan to pack two bags; one that will fit under the airplane seat in front of you (e.g. a small backpack) and one that will fit in the overhead compartment above you (max of 45 linear inches, that’s length + width = depth). All liquids must be stored in a quart-sized, clear bag. See https://www.tsa.gov/travel for more information.
U.S. State Department Resources
Other Government Resources
General Resources
The safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and friends is a primary focus for all our Global Studies trips. Here are ways the Global Studies Office promotes safety and health abroad.
Yes. In an effort to create a deep and rich global service-learning experience, the pre-departure course is required. You may enroll for credit or as an auditor, please reach out to Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu for help determining which path is right for you.
The cost is broken down into two components: travel and tuition. The average cost of a program is $2000-$2500. Tuition is often covered by the student’s financial aid package and therefore can range from $0 – $1500. Contact Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu to learn more.
Students fund programs in a variety of ways through traditional fundraising, online fundraising, grants, and scholarships. Visit https://www.globalcitizenadventurecorps.org/ apply to learn more about the GCAC Scholarship.
325 Cherry Avenue McKenzie, TN 38201
info@bethelu.edu
(731) 352-4000
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