Short-term Faculty Led Programs

Faculty-led programs are an affordable, easy way to access study abroad and to fulfill core and major requirements. For one, all-inclusive flat-fee students attend pre-departure workshops, travel for approximately two weeks, complete tailored assignments, and receive King’s College credits. Learn more about planning, applying, and preparing for your program.

2025-2026 Programs

Belgium-The Netherlands-Germany

Democracy and Human Rights in Action: Exploring Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany (BeNeGe): 3 credits: PS 151, PS 492, or SA 300; Fulfills Global Connections and Intercultural Competency CORE Requirements; Travel: May 26-June 6, 2026; Cost: $4,200; Faculty contacts: bethadmiraal@kings.edu and reganreitsma@kings.edu

This short-term faculty-led study abroad program, led by Drs. Beth Admiraal (Political Science) and Regan Reitsma (Philosophy), will bring students to Belgium and the Netherlands to examine how democratic institutions, human rights movements, and cultural memory have been shaped by colonialism, war, religion, and European integration in these two Western European nations. In the mornings, we will visit key sites connected to democracy and rights, including the European Parliament in Brussels, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and Arenberg Castle in Leuven. In the afternoons, students will choose from a list of cultural sites, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Escher Museum, and Amsterdam's Jewish Cultural Quarter. As part of our exploration of European cultures, we will take a side trip to Aachen, Germany—a historic city at the crossroads of Western Europe, once the seat of Charlemagne's empire and now a symbol of European unity. During free time, students will be encouraged to explore local markets, walk along picturesque canals and in historic squares, and engage with locals to better understand the cultural shades of modern Europe.

Germany-France-Switzerland

From the Black Forest to the Alps: Globalization and the European Landscape: 3 credits: IB 241, GEOG 192, or SA 300; Fulfills Global Connections (GEOG 192) and Intercultural Competency CORE Requirements; fulfills Globalization requirement for McGowan School of Business students; Travel: June 23-July 7, 2026; Estimated cost: $5,000; Faculty contacts: renataevan@kings.edu and josephevan@kings.edu

This short-term faculty-led study abroad program, led by Renata Evan (McGowan School of Business and Study Abroad) and Dr. Joe Evan (Mathematics and Academic Affairs), will provide a broad overview of globalization and the environment in which international businesses operate. In particular, the course will examine the European Union as an example of regional economic integration and its role and impact on Germany, France, and Switzerland, the European continent, and international trade and relations, including with the United States. The journey will begin in Germany (Stuttgart and Tűbingen), followed by a visit to France (Strasbourg and Colmar), and conclude in Switzerland (Geneva and Zermatt). We will visit metropolitan cities and charming small towns, European and global institutions, and travel on the renowned Euro Rail, including the scenic Alpine Mountain train, all to experience the region and its culture and learn about globalization and global geography, with a particular focus on the European Union's presence and role in this part of the world.

Scandinavia: Denmark-Sweden-Norway

Scandinavian Financial Systems, Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility: 3 credits: MSB287, FIN378, or SA 300; Fulfills Intercultural Competency CORE Requirement; Travel: May 19-31, 2026; Faculty contacts: tarashawver@kings.edu and jessicaevanko@kings.edu

This short-term faculty-led study abroad program, led by Accounting faculty, Drs. Tara Shawver and Jessica Evanko, offers students a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic intersection of international finance, business ethics, and cultural identity in Scandinavia. Travelling through Denmark, Norway, and Sweden—with key stops in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm—students will examine how Nordic countries balance economic innovation with ethical governance and social responsibility. The academic component of the course will focus on the financial systems and business cultures of Scandinavia, including topics such as international business, supply chain, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, international financial standards, and international banking. Site visits will include institutions and landmarks that reflect the region's economic and ethical foundations, such as Tivoli Gardens, Norwegian Accounting Standards Board, KPMG Sweden, and more. In addition to academic activities, students will have time to explore the cultural richness of each city, from Copenhagen's design-forward neighborhoods and Oslo's fjord-side museums to Stockholm's coastal heritage. This immersive experience will deepen students' understanding of how place, policy, and values shape the financial and ethical landscape of modern Scandinavia.

Montenegro-Croatia-Italy

Classrooms on the Coast: Exploring Education in the Adriatic and Beyond: 3 credits: EDUC 230/240, EDUC 505, GEOG 192, or SA 300; Fulfills Global Connections (GEOG 192) and Intercultural Competency CORE Requirements; Travel: June 1–14, 2026; Estimated cost: $4,900; Faculty contacts: darasoljaga@kings.edu and koriemunley@kings.edu

This short-term faculty-led study abroad program, led by Drs. Dara Soljaga and Kori Munley of the Education Department, will explore Southern European culture and systems of schooling through in-country explorations for an undergraduate and possible graduate study of multicultural, linguistic, and instructional methods in ESL instructional theory and practice. The program will commence in Montenegro’s seaside villages, where you will explore Adriatic history and culture, which run centuries deep. Experience global learning firsthand in Tivat and Kotor as you visit an international school, climb the Venetian fortress, and wander Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. In the Montenegrin capital, meet with leaders from international and federal organizations to gain real-world insight into culture, policy, and sustainability. Head to Dubrovnik to walk its famous city walls and connect with educators at the historic Collegium Ragusinum as you explore caves, monasteries, national parks, and the 2,500-year-old communities. Then, journey to Rome for a week of visits to the Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish steps, and Trevi Fountain and connect with local schools and an international university program. A day at Vatican City will be dedicated to exploring the religious, educational, and geographical impact of the Catholic Church on the world—an unforgettable blend of travel, culture, and education.

Sardina, Italy

Exploring the Health and Nutrition of the Sardinian Blue Zone: 3 credits: EXSC 245, EXSC 325, or SA 300; Travel: June 2–17, 2026; Estimated cost: $5,000; Faculty contacts: jankretzschmar@kings.edu and dericgrohowski@kings.edu

This short-term faculty-led study abroad program, led by Exercise Science faculty, Drs. Jan Kretzschmar and Deric Grohowski, is designed as an immersive exploration of the exceptionally beautiful Mediterranean island of Sardinia, Italy. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Sardinia is one of the five world “Blue Zones,” where people often live longer and healthier lives on average due to a unique blend of traditional lifestyles, environmental factors, and strong community practices. Through daily experiences such as visiting local food markets, exploring sustenance farming, hiking in the mountains, and learning cultural food preparation techniques, participants will examine firsthand how environmental, social, occupational, and spiritual dimensions of health directly support physical well-being. Each day integrates lived experiences with evidence-based discussions that encourage reflection on nutrition, physical activity, longevity, and psychological health, with the ultimate goal of weaving together traditional wisdom and modern health science to inspire a healthier, more balanced lifestyle upon returning home.

Peru

Undergraduate

In the Holy Cross Tradition: Healthcare in Lima, Peru: 1 credit: SA 300 Service Immersion (undergraduate); Travel: May 23–June 10, 2026; Estimated cost: $3,900; Faculty contacts: joannkosik@kings.edu and billieburry@kings.edu

This service immersion short-term faculty-led study abroad program, led by medical faculty Joann Kosik and Billie Burry, will allow students the opportunity to participate in a two-week immersive healthcare experience in partnership with the Holy Cross Mission in Canto Grande, Peru. This program is designed for undergraduate students with a focus on studies in medicine/healthcare. The goals of this program are to provide students with an understanding of medical care in a developing country while building basic patient care skills that they can apply to their future studies. Much of the time spent on this program will be at Policlinico, working with the medical staff to provide care and disease education to the patients within that community. Participants will also provide outreach services to local schools and communities. Furthermore, through planned excursions, students will be able to experience the history and culture of Peru.

Graduate

In the Holy Cross Tradition: Clinical Medicine in Lima, Peru: 1 credit: SA 300 Service Immersion (Graduate); Travel: June 27–July 8, 2026; Estimated cost: $3,400; Faculty contacts: williamreynolds@kings.edu and colleenpac@comcast.net

Under the leadership of Physician Assistant Studies educators William Reynolds and Colleen Reynolds, Physician Assistant graduate students will use their clinical skills to extend medical care services to the people of the Canto Grande neighborhood of Lima, Peru. Students will concentrate on identifying and initiating treatment for common chronic diseases, such as anemia and diabetes, as well as assisting the local clinic to treat patients with acute conditions. Through their interactions with patients and the local medical team, as well as cultural excursions in Peru, students will learn to provide care for patients through the lens of cultural and social determinants of health.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

In the Holy Cross Tradition: Level I-B Occupational Therapy Fieldwork: 2 credits: OT 550 - Level I-B Fieldwork; Travel: November 15–26, 2025, and May 2026; Estimated cost: TBD; Faculty contacts: mariepatterson@kings.edu and jenniferdessoye@kings.edu

Occupational Therapy faculty, Drs. Marie Patterson and Jennifer Dessoye, will lead a faculty-led study abroad experience in Peru. Designed specifically for OT students, this program offers 40 hours of Level I fieldwork with a psychosocial and interprofessional focus. This experience fulfills the requirements for OT 550: Level I-B Fieldwork and is designed to enhance clinical reasoning, cultural competence, psychosocial understanding, and interprofessional collaboration. Students will shadow and engage in meaningful learning activities at Yancana Huasy, a Holy Cross home for individuals with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and other developmental challenges. Set in one of South America’s most culturally vibrant and scenic regions, the trip also includes guided cultural excursions to deepen your understanding of Peruvian life, values, and health practices. Highlights include local markets, traditional cuisine, and a visit to Machu Picchu, all to explore the global application of occupational therapy in real-world settings.

Carina Hastings '20

Democracy, Justice, and Rights: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany

King’s Short-Term Faculty-Led Program, Summer 2019

Favorite class/part of course? My favorite part of the class was actually being in Europe and experiencing first-hand the type of culture and political system that we had talked about in class for weeks prior to the trip.

What was the best part about your experience? My favorite part of the whole trip was getting to know the other students in the class, forming friendships and then having the time of our lives together in a totally new country and culture everyday. It was also really cool to get to know the professors outside of the classroom.

How has this experience has influenced you upon your return to America? This experience has enlightened me to the ways in which our culture suffers. I think the fact that most Americans (including myself) are monolingual is quite sad. It has also enlightened me as to how bad America is on the environment because the amount of or should I say, lack of, cars even in big cities in Europe and the use of public transportation.

Why you would recommend studying abroad? I would recommend studying abroad because it can alter your perspective of the world around you and open your mind to appreciate other cultures and adopt some aspects of another’s culture into your own.