Study Abroad

IEP - International Education Programs at Bellevue University - offers affordable and immersive study, volunteer, service-learning and internship programs to Bellevue University students throughout Latin America, Europe, and Africa. IEP academic programs offer experiences for a wide variety of majors and include direct-enrollment programs at large prestigious universities abroad.

Why Study Abroad?

Earn Academic Credit

Students can earn credit that will count towards their degree. When evaluating what country to study abroad in, course options may be a consideration. The credits may transfer back as pass/fail, electives, upper division credits within any given major, or core curriculum/general education hours.

Language Acquisition

Language is a powerful tool that shapes the way that we view the world. The ability to speak more than one language is a highly valuable skill for a student’s professional and personal life. Organizations worldwide give preference to qualified applicants who are are skilled in a foreign language. Equally important, foreign language acquisition enriches a person's understanding of his or her own native language. Many recent graduates also find our language programs are an excellent way to broaden their perspectives and skill sets prior to entering the working world.

Practical Experience

Studying abroad is an incredible way to gain real world experience in a particular academic field or future profession. For example, international business majors can learn more about global markets simply by shopping in downtown London or Bangkok. Marine biology majors can observe marine life in Australia or in the Galapagos Islands that cannot even be found anywhere in the United States! Or Spanish majors and minors can earn Spanish language credits while practicing conversation with their host family or roommates in Hispanic America or Spain. What could you learn by studying abroad?

Unforgettable Experience

Study abroad programs give students the out-of-classroom exposure to cultures, language, environments, people groups, ideas, and traditions that they may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience in their hometown. Ask us to put you in contact with a past participant so you have a better idea of what to expect.

Summer 2012 Programs

Click the country name for more information.

• France: Art and Language

  Spend your summer studying French and fine arts in Paris! On this program, you'll hone your painting or photography skills, improve your French, and live in the heart of this amazing city. Turn Paris into your classroom for 4 weeks this summer! Admire the innovative construction of Notre Dame, sit and read in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and practice your French by ordering a morning baguette on your way to class. Not an Art major or never picked up a paintbrush? No worries, this program is open to new art lovers and enthusiasts.

  Courses: (Choose 2 from the following)

  ART 376: Photography in Paris: Shooting like the Masters
  Levels: Beginning to Advanced. Research, observe, practice styles including that of Eugene Atget, Robert Doisneau, Henri Cartier-Bresson.

  ART 376: Painting in "Plein Air" in Paris
  Levels: Beginning to Advanced. Through studies of the Notre Dame and Parisian streets students will learn to work effectively with color, value structure and atmospheric as well as linear perspective.

  French Language (not required)
  French classes are offered to course participants at two levels: beginners/intermediate and intermediate/advanced. Students who take the more basic level may have an introductory knowledge of French or have some knowledge but need practice. Students at the second level have an understanding of grammar, can read and understand written French but need practice in speaking and understanding oral French, wish to improve their grammar and writing skills.

  Dates:
  Arrival into Paris: June 24, 2012
  Departure from Paris: July 21, 2012

  Program Cost:
  $4,990 (Cost depends on course selections)

  Includes:

  • Course credit
  • Housing in local shared apartment
  • Airport Pick-Up
  • Local excursions throughout the program
  • Course related Museum entrance fees
  • Health and Travel Insurance

  Deadline to Apply: May 1, 2012

• Germany: History and Politics

  Spend 3 weeks this summer in beautiful Heidelberg Germany, taking courses at the University of Heidelberg. The city of Heidelberg is a top European destination known for its picturesque and scenic views over this baroque style hillside town. Course excursions will take students to European Parliament in Strasbourg and Heidelberg Castle.

  Courses: (Courses are offered in the same time period; students must take both courses)

  Course 1: Business in Europe.
  You will participate in excursions to world market leaders such as SAP, Porsche, and BASF; learn important aspects of the structure of the German and European economy; and gain insights into the key success factors for companies entering the European market.

  Course 2: European Society and Culture.
  This course familiarizes students with the European Union and includes a visit to the EU Parliament. Subjects include history, geography, cross-cultural issues, German and European culture, and a even a bit of "Survival German" for getting around town.

  Dates:

  Session 1: Arrival in Heidelberg: June 3, 2012
  Departure from Heidelberg: June 23, 2012
  

  Session 2: Arrival: June 24, 2012
  Departure: July 14, 2012

  Program Cost:
  $4,450 (subject to change)

  Includes:

  • Lodging
  • Meals
  • Ground Transportation
  • Liaison Services
  • Pre-Departure Assistance
  • Program Fee

  Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2012

• Ireland: History and Society

  During your 2-week stay in Ireland visit top sites throughout Dublin, Sligo, Galway and the world-renowned Aran Islands. Ireland has a great story to tell and what better place to do it than on the Emerald Isle! Throughout this traveling program students will see large metropolitan areas, small country towns, meeting local Irish folk and absorb all that this small country has to offer - all while earning 3 credits towards your degree.

  Course:

  The Celts; Leprechauns, Braveheart, and Harry Potter (3 credits)
  This course is designed to encourage a clearer understanding of the influence the Irish have exerted on the world and on themselves through their attempts to define "Irishness." We will examine the characteristics that the Irish have traditionally prized and validated.

  Dates:
  Arrival to Dublin: May 17, 2012
  Departure from Dublin: May 30, 2012

  Program Cost:
  $2, 750

  Includes:

  • Bellevue coarse credit
  • Shared Hotel Rooms
  • Airport Pick-Up
  • Excursions throughout Ireland
  • Health and Travel Insurance

  Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2012

• South Africa: History and Culture

  The summer in South Africa program offers you an amazing college experience in an exotic destination, studying at Stellenbosch University. Ideally situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the University is at the core of Stellenbosch, the country's oldest college town. The program includes hands-on courses, guest lecturers, and opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

  Courses: (Choose 2 from the following)

  Course 1: Introduction to South Africa's Political History (mandatory)
  This course will introduce you to South Africa's unique 20th-century history and the interplay of the country's political, social, and economic issues. In particular, the focus is on South African identities and how they were and continue to be shaped by the country's past.

  Course 2: Biodiversity: Plants for the People in the Western Cape (elective)
  An introduction to South Africa's incredible biological diversity, with special focus on the plants of the Cape Floristic Region (a global biodiversity hot spot). It starts with an evaluation of people as threats to biodiversity, and of the conservation efforts being applied to help people use of the flora sustainably.

  Course 3: Apartheid and After: Representations of South Africa in Art and Media (elective)
  This course focuses on the way in which art and media register and reflect the social and political conflicts and tensions of nation building and racial reconciliation in South Africa. Through analysis of visual culture (which may include art, photography, and popular media such as music videos and soap operas), you will investigate the complexity of identity creation in pre- and post-apartheid South Africa. The course includes visits to artists' studios, galleries, and other culturally significant sites in Cape Town and Stellenbosch.

  Course 4: HIV and Aids: A South African Perspective (elective)
  This course aims to nurture and develop in students—as leaders and future professionals—the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to manage HIV prevention and care in the workplace, both locally and abroad. You will develop a global understanding of HIV and AIDS through the South African experience of the HIV epidemic.

  Course 5: Apartheid and After: Negotiating Identities in Literature and Film (elective)
  This course focuses on the way in which South African literature and film registered and reflected the social and political conflicts and tensions of the apartheid years, and how, since the first democratic elections in 1994, these cultural products have served as a means of questioning and negotiating identity not only nationally, but also at the level of the community and the individual. This weeklong course will engage with poetry, songs, 2 novels, a play, and a small selection of apartheid-era and more recent South African films.

  Course 6: Challenges for Democratic Consolidation (elective)
  This course builds on some of the issues introduced in Course 1. Its focus is contemporary South Africa—a society in transition, characterized by elements of both change and continuity. You'll explore some of the most urgent policy challenges facing the country (like crime, poverty, and social delivery) and further investigate the politics of identity, race, and nation building. In light of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the course will specifically focus on sport as a driver of national identity and also take a look at the role the South African state plays in Africa and internationally.

  Dates:
  Arrival into Stellenbosch: June 11, 2012
  Departure from Stellenbosch: July 13, 2012

  Program Cost:
  $6,790

  Includes:

  • A tour of Stellenbosch and the wine country
  • 6-day, 5-night Garden Route Tour
  • Excursions to Cape Town, Robben Island, Cape Point, and Table Mountain
  • Tuition and fees
  • Housing (fully furnished apartments)
  • Medical and accident insurance
  • Predeparture orientation
  • Airport pickup
  • Internet connection and laundry facilities
  • Stellenbosch University orientation
  • On-site support
  • Stellenbosch University official transcript

  Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2012

• Italy: Various Subjects

  Spend your summer in beautiful Florence and live and study in one of Europe's most breathtaking cities renown for the Renaissance movement. Just two hours by train from Rome and 3 hours from Milan, Florence is located at the heart of the Tuscan region that is home to the Italian gems of Siena, Livorno, Lucca and Pisa; an hour train ride provides access to the Tuscan coastline off of the Mediterranean Sea. The institution that houses our summer program is located in the historic city center which can be entirely explored on foot and is pulsing with museums, the headquarters of famous Italian brands, fine dining and the myriad of other stimulating cultural activities that the city has to offer.

  Courses: (Choose 2 from any subject below. More information on www.fua.it)

  Courses are available in a diverse variety of subjects. Students can earn 3 to 6 credits in Advertising, Art History and Architecture, Business, Criminology, Culinary Arts, Dietetics and Nutrition, Drawing, Economics, Fashion Design and Technology Journalism, Geography, History, Italian language and Linguistics Management, Marketing, Photography, Painting, Sociology, Tourism and Hospitality, and Wine Culture and Expertise.

  Dates:
  Arrival into Florence: May 27, 2012
  Departure from Florence: June 23, 2012

  Program Cost:
  $3,990 (1 class)
  $4,990 (2 classes)

  Includes:

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Program related excursions
  • Pre-departure and onsite orientation
  • Airport pick-up
  • Medical & accident insurance

  Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2012

• Spain: Various Subjects

  Spend a month learning from some of the best faculty in Barcelona. At the Barcelona International College, you'll soak up all that this cultural hub of the Mediterranean has to offer both inside and outside the classroom.

  The city of Barcelona – The cafe culture, boutique shops, tapas restaurants, and world-famous nightlife will keep you busy for a summer or a year.

  Quality academics taught in English – This program is perfect for anyone because the Spanish-language classes are offered for speakers of all levels and are tailored to meet your needs; and most electives are taught in English.

  Tons of activities and excursions– We want you to get the most out of your time in Barcelona, so we'll keep you busy. From flamenco shows to cooking classes, there's always something going on.

  Courses:

  Courses include Spanish language, culture, and business. For the syllabus, contact the study abroad adviser below.

  • Elementary Intensive Spanish
  • Intermediate Intensive Spanish
  • Advanced Intensive Spanish
  • Barcelona: The City and its Historical Foundations
  • Famous 20th Century Artists: Surrealism and Early Modernism
  • International Business
  • International Marketing
  • Sports and Society in Catalonia and Spain
  • Spanish Civilization and Culture

  Dates:

  Session 1:
  Arrival to Barcelona: June 1, 2012
  Departure from Barcelona: June 30, 2012

  Session 2:
  Arrival: June 29, 2012
  Departure: July 29, 2012

  Program Cost:
  $4,690

  Includes:

  • - Registration and level check test
  • - Teaching program
  • - Workshops and other activities
  • - Student Card
  • - Wi-Fi access throughout the campus
  • - Attendance Certificate

  Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2012

Internship and Volunteer Programs

Customized internship and volunteer abroad opportunities offered by IEP allow students and recent graduates to focus their academic studies, gain relevant work experience, and immerse themselves in the workplace and society of a foreign country. Service-learning and volunteer abroad opportunities in developing countries around the globe provide students with intercultural experiences and opportunities for meaningful travel. For more information on destinations and types of experiences offered, contact the IEP office.

Contact an IEP Study Abroad Advisor

Leah Meyer – Study Abroad Advisor
studyabroad@bellevue.edu

Study Abroad Office
1.402.557.5084
studyabroad@bellevue.edu