Studying abroad is a great way to complement your coursework and on-campus experiences. Now more than ever, cross-cultural experience or the ability to communicate in other languages is vital in the workplace and daily life. Talk with us and your academic advisor about how to fit studying abroad into your four-year plan!
Presbyterian College partners with universities around the world to offer immersive semester-long study abroad experiences. Whether you want to study business in Germany, psychology in Norway, or Spanish in Ecuador, there’s a program that fits your academic goals and sense of adventure. Explore a few of our most exciting options below.
The Universidad San Francisco de Quito is the first private liberal arts university in Latin America. It is located in the valley of Cumbayá, about a twenty-minute bus ride from Quito, and named after Ecuador’s capital city: San Francisco de Quito. USFQ places great emphasis on its international programs, annually receiving about 900 international students on its four campuses, and sending 100 local students abroad.
At a Glance
Classes in both English and Spanish
Programs in biology, environmental science, business, communication, law, music, social sciences, and humanities
Medical Spanish semester programs
International student excursions
City of Quito
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador is located in the Guayllabamba river basin and is the second most populous city in Ecuador. The city rests on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active volcano in the Andes mountains. Quito has the largest, least-altered, and best-preserved historic center in the Americas. There are about 130 monumental buildings (which host a variety of pictorial art and sculpture, mostly religion-inspired, in a multi-faceted range of schools and styles) and 5,000 properties registered in the municipal inventory of heritage properties. Some of the most iconic sites include the Carondelet Palace, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, El Panecillo, La Mariscal, as well as numerous other churches and parks. Outside of the city lies La Mitad del Mundo, the Middle of the World, where you can stand on the equator line.
Program in Brief
USFQ offers hundreds of courses each semester, including a number taught in English. International students can take Spanish classes offered by the Instituto de Lenguas Extranjeras, as well as within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Students with advanced Spanish can participate in service learning through the course “Aprendizaje-Servicio.” Most faculty are bilingual and over half hold PhDs. USFQ offers programs in the fields of architecture and interior design, biological sciences, environmental sciences, business, communication and contemporary arts, health sciences, hospitality, culinary arts, tourism, law, music, social science, and humanities. Students are encouraged to have taken at least 2 years (four semesters) of college-level Spanish classes prior to applying, but this is not required.
Housing and Meals
Students stay with carefully selected host families that live with 15-45 minute commute to the school. No meal plan is provided. Students are expected to provide their own meals. Restaurants and cafeterias are also available on the university campus for a reasonable price. Host families may also provide food for students.
For over sixty years, UWI has given the Caribbean most of its leaders in government, business, education, law, engineering, and medicine, as well as two Nobel Laureates. Eight serving Prime Ministers are UWI graduates. The Cave Hill campus overlooks the island’s capital and principal commercial center and offers a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea. The university’s vision statement states that, “The university will be globally recognized as a regionally integrated, innovative, internationally, competitive university, deeply rooted in all aspects of Caribbean development and committed to serving the diverse people of the region and beyond.”
At a Glance
All courses taught in English
Programs in education, English, psychology, Spanish, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, math, economics, sociology, and political science
Beaches, music, nightlife, and festivals
City of Barbados
The island of Barbados is best known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, sparkling waters, and refreshing sunshine. The island is filled with art, activities, nightlife, music, history, and some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere. What makes Barbados even more special, and the reason so many visitors keep returning to the island year after year, is the people. Barbadians, called Bajans, are warm and friendly souls, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile. Barbadians make you feel welcome and special on this lovely Caribbean island.
Program in Brief
While students at UWI are serious about their studies, they know that life extends beyond the classroom and there are a variety of out-of-classroom experiences awaiting your participation. Students have the opportunity to connect through many campus clubs and organizations, as well as the annual Campus Carnival – an explosion of color, music, and fun. The university offers programs in education, fine arts, history, linguistics, literature, philosophy, psychology, social studies, Spanish, theology, law, medicine, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, math, microbiology, physics, finance, economics, political science, social work, sociology, as well as many others.
Housing and Meals
On-campus housing is provided for international students. Off-campus accommodation is also available if preferred. Your housing preferences can be selected during the application process. Presently, there is the Campus Cafeteria which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the e-lounge which offers sandwiches, coffee, and juices. There are many restaurants close to campus, including KFC, TNT Barbecue Hut, and Scotty’s. Students can purchase meals based on their preferences.
Cologne Business School (CBS) is a private business school established in 1993 in the city of Cologne. The CBS campus consists of three main buildings and is located in Neustadt Süd area of Cologne. CBS offers a fact-based management degree, and its international accreditation agency has acknowledged the areas of economic proximity and practical relevance of the CBS with excellent appraisal.
At a Glance
Classes taught in English
Business school with programs offered in International Business, Business Psychology, and International Management
Less than 5 hours (by train) to Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Munich, and Berlin
City of Cologne
Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany. Located on the Rhine River, Cologne is the city of churches. 12 large Roman churches are located within the medieval city walls. Exhibitions range from local ancient Roman archaeological sites to contemporary graphics and sculpture. Cologne has a top-quality array of cultural attractions: over 40 museums, more than 110 galleries, and numerous workshops all contain top-class artistic treasures. Cologne is home to the Cologne Carnival, one of the largest street festivals in Europe. The carnival season officially starts on November 11 at 11:11 AM with the proclamation of the new Carnival Season and continues until Ash Wednesday.
Program in Brief
The school offers many business programs, ranging from international business, business psychology, international culture and management, international management, to general management. The courses are offered in both English and German. You can also take German classes depending on your proficiency in the German language.
Housing and Meals
CBS has various accommodation options close to campus. All rooms are equipped with a bed, a duvet and a pillow, a wardrobe, a table, a chair, and a small safe. Each floor has two bathrooms and a separate toilet. Laundry facilities are provided in the dorms. The monthly rent includes all additional costs such as electricity, hot water, heating, and internet. The cost for a double room is 265 euros per person per month, and the costs for single rooms are 490 euros per person per month. There is no meal plan. Students are expected to provide their own food. There are restaurants and cafés on campus where students may purchase meals.
Since the 17th century, the historic Academia Ottoniana and the present-day University of Bamberg has seen itself explicitly as a “House of Wisdom.” It was founded in 1647 by Prince Bishop Melchior Otto Voit van Salzburg as a center of contemporary humanistic education. It is their belief that quality university education is defined by qualification programs and opportunities that motivate and inspire students to individually pursue their interests. The application of theoretical knowledge to practical experience is ensured by curriculum featuring practice-based seminars, training courses, and degree-related internships.
At a Glance
Classes taught in English
Programs in humanities, social sciences, economics and business administration, human sciences, and computer science
Cultural excursions to Berlin, Weimar, Heidelberg, Salzburg, and Prague
City of Bamburg
Bamberg looks back on a history that spans more than 1000 years. Mostly spared from the devastation of World War II, the city exhibits some of the most outstanding examples of buildings in Germany and was declared part of the world’s cultural and national heritage by UNESCO in 1993. Bamberg today has a population of some 70,000 citizens. The city itself offers a large range of excellent music events, interesting theater productions, as well as the world-famous Bamberg-Symphony Orchestra. The surrounding countryside, the Fränkische Schweiz, is ideally suited for excursions by car and hiking trips. In winter, there is sufficient snow for cross-country skiing.
Program in Brief
The University of Bamberg offers a modern, specialized range of courses in classical humanities, as well as in the filed of the social and economic sciences. Classes are generally taught in German, but English classes are available. A three-week German intensive program is available for international students prior to the start of courses. The university has four academic faculties: humanities, social sciences, economics and business administration, human sciences, and information systems and applied computer science.
Housing and Meals
Housing is provided by the university, but should be applied for as early as possible. The dormitories offer single, double, and triple-occupancy apartments. Apartments are fully furnished. Wireless internet is also available, as well as a connection to digital cable TV. There is also access to a small refrigerator and kitchen facilities. No meal plan is provided.
The University of Essex is home to the curious, brave, and bold. They are a university where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. The University of Essex is committed to two things: excellence in teaching and excellence in research. Students are members of a unique, transformational living and learning community which empowers them with the skills to make a difference in the world around them. At the University of Essex, you have access to state-of-the-art learning facilities, accommodation, shops, banks, bars, cafes, sports facilities, a gallery, and a theatre – all in one location! The campus is one of the most international diverse with the perfect environment for your academic study and social life.
At a Glance
Courses available in nearly all fields of study offered at Presbyterian College
University named Times University of the Year in 2018
Located only 50 minutes from London and less than 2.5 hours from Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Barcelona, Rome, and Dublin
City of Colchester
Colchester has great travel connections for both the UK and abroad. It is located less than an hour away from Stansted Airport, which offers low-cost flights to many European destinations, and other London airports are easily accessible by public transport. Additionally, there are many notable local attractions, as well. Colchester Zoo is home to over 270 species of animal and offers a great day out close to the town center. The Colchester Castle Museum and Park offers a great introduction to the town’s history and provides a green oasis in the center of town, and Mersea Island is just an hour from campus, offering some of the best seafood around (including the famous Mersea oysters).
Program in Brief
At Essex, students don’t just listen, but learn to ask the difficult questions and then find the answers – learning how to lead, not just follow. Being part of Essex is about choice, relevance, and developing yourself as a person. In Essex’s three faculties, Humanities, Science and Health, and Social Science, students can take courses in history, human rights, law, creative writing, drama, film studies, global studies, biochemistry, biology, genetics, computer science, data analytics, math, psychology, sports coaching, economics, linguistics, criminology, sociology, business administration, and marketing, as well as numerous others.
Housing and Meals
While students can choose to live off-campus, most choose to live in university housing. Students can pick between several accommodation choices, such as studios, single ensuite rooms, retro towers, and townhouses. Students can choose to opt in or out of a meal plan.
Lillehammer University College (LUC) is dedicated to engaging in higher education and research. It has approximately 5,000 students and 280 faculty and staff members. LUC is situated on the outskirts of Lillehammer, Norway, at the northern end of Norway’s largest lake, Lake Mjosa.
At a Glance
Classes taught in English
Programs in business administration, history, international studies, psychology, art history, education, and law
On-campus restaurant and bar
City of Lillehammer
Lillehammer, the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, is a picturesque place to observe nature. Lillehammer offers a variety of winter activities such as cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, dog tours, and ice fishing. Lillehammer also has a theater that shows over 2,500 Norwegian, European, and other non-American films each year. LUC is situated about 5 kilometers north of Lillehammer.
Program in Brief
LUC aims to contribute to national research and to compete internationally within a global market. The university offers many courses in English, and its SOPP organization provides helpful resources for both Norwegian and international students. Some extracurricular activities at LUC include music, choir, dance, drama, photography, and sports clubs. If there is not a club within your particular field of interest, you may start one. LUC offers courses in the fields of business administration, child welfare, history, film and television science, international studies, social education, psychology, tourism, sports, art history, culture management, education, and law.
Housing and Meals
SOPP, the student service group, provides student housing for the college. The Lillehammer college has a total of 7 dormitories. Most of these dormitories are not on campus, but all are served by city buses. Prices vary based on size, resources, and amenities included in the housing. Internet access is included in the rent. Many of the dorms have their own kitchens. Dinner cards (each valid for 10 meals) are sold for SOPP’s cafeteria. Dinner is served Monday-Friday, and the menu varies day to day. The Hilde coffee bar is open for all meals on weekends. Meals before or after cafeteria hours are the responsibility of the student.
Listed as the UK’s Entrepreneurial University of the Year in 2009 and one of the UK’s top twenty research-intensive universities, Queen’s University’s goal is to inspire its students through top-quality teaching and educational opportunities.
City of Belfast
Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, has been occupied since the Bronze Age in BC times. It is famous for its beautiful architecture, parks, and gardens. Cultural events in Belfast have significantly grown in popularity over the past decade, and more than half of the city’s adult population participates in at least one sport. Taxis, buses, and railway systems are all common forms of public transportation in Belfast.
Program in Brief
Queen’s University has twenty schools: The School of Biological Sciences, the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, the School of Education, the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the School of English, the School of Geography, Archaeology and Paleoecology, the School of History and Anthropology, the School of Languages, Literatures and Performing Arts, the School of Law, Queen’s University Management School, the School of Mathematics and Physics, the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, the School of Music and Sonic Arts, the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy, the School of Psychology, and the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work.
Housing and Meals
Queen’s University offers a variety of housing arrangements, including single-sex, no-alcohol, and quiet living (study-focused) environments. International students are guaranteed a room on campus, and Queen’s University tries its best to meet international students’ accommodation requests and even has a “help-line” email address dedicated to helping international students choose among the many different options. All University housing options are within walking distance of the campus, and the Elms Village Student Center has a bar, bistro, convenience store, and launderette. Students usually make their own meals in shared kitchen facilities; however, students may also load money onto their student cards in order to pay for meals. The card may be used at any of five different locations: Daily Grind, Relish, Treehouse, Café Krem, and Students’ Union Shop. Information about these individual eating facilities can be found on the school’s website.
Åbo Akademi University serves the needs of the Swedish minority population as an important symbol and guarantee for the minority culture. The university is internationally well-known because of its high standards of education and research. It is situated in a very special corner of Europe, at the crossroads between East and West. Åbo Akademi is also the most internationalized multi-disciplinary university in Finland, according to national comparisons. The university offers interesting courses, individual tutoring, and a personal university environment.
At a Glance
Classes taught in English
Programs in art, biology, business, law, political science, psychology, and theology
Student Friendship Program
City of Åbo
Åbo, or Turku in Finnish, is located in the southwest of Finland on the Aura River. It is the oldest, most populated, and most important city in Finland. It was the capital of Finland from the city’s founding in the 1200s to the early 1800s. Full of theaters, cinemas, art calories, famous churches, and even a philharmonic orchestra, Åbo is a fantastic place to experience traditional life in Finland. Åbo has a public bus system and three long-distance railway stations.
Program in Brief
With three campuses and over 7,000 students, Åbo Akademi enrolls an average of 600 international students from 60 different countries per year. All international students will have a Finnish tutor to help with adjustment to life in Finland. Additionally, the optional Friendship Program offers international students a chance to be paired with a local family in order to improve language skills and cultural understanding. Åbo Akademi offers courses in English in the following areas: Arts, Languages, Biosciences, Business and Economics, Chemical Engineering, Information Technologies, Law, Natural Sciences, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences, and Theology.
Housing and Meals
Housing is guaranteed for all international exchange students. Most international students live in shared apartments, though each person gets his or her own room. Single apartments are also available in limited quantities. Each apartment also has a bathroom. No meal plan is provided. There is a student café on campus, and all apartments have kitchen access for making meals.
Francisco de Vitoria University, established in 1992, is a private, non-profit institution accredited by the Ministry of Education and the Regional Madrid Government. With around 3,000 students, including 18% international students from over 50 countries, the university emphasizes Christian values and aims to provide a well-rounded education. The university fosters academic excellence, personalized learning, and social awareness, and promotes a multicultural environment. All students are required to complete an internship, a Service Learning project, and study English. They also receive high levels of personal attention through small class sizes and dedicated Academic Advisors.
City of Madrid
With a population of over 3 million people, Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the third-most populated city in the European Union. Madrid, Spain’s capital, is rich with history and contains many ancient as well as modern architectural wonders. There is never a shortage of things to do in Spain – tourists can visit art galleries, museums, and historical churches, see Spanish opera or bullfighting, and go to bars and clubs.
Program in Brief
Courses at Francisco de Vitoria University are offered mainly in Spanish, though a few are in English as well. In order to study at Francisco de Vitoria University, the student’s level of Spanish must be at least B1. Semester 1 courses start around the end of September and end around the beginning of February; Semester 2 courses start around the middle of February and end around the middle of June.
Housing and Meals
There is a special on-campus residence for females only. Students may also choose to stay with a host family or share an apartment in Madrid with other students. The International Relations Office will help international students find housing. Living expenses are approximately 900-1000 Euros per month including housing.
Established in 1997, Pablo de Olavide University is one of the newest public universities in Spain. It is located in the historical area of Fuentequintillo. Although it has over 9,000 students, it is one of the smallest universities in Spain. The beautiful campus is about 345 acres total.
At a Glance
Classes taught in English
Programs in business, biology, chemistry, anatomy, religion, art, history, and Spanish
Voted the #1 place to travel in 2018 by Lonely Planet
City of Sevilla
Pablo de Olavide University is situated just a kilometer away from Sevilla, a beautiful city in southern Spain. Sevilla has a history of over 2000 years and has many parks, monuments, gardens, palaces, and museums. Sevilla is also famous for its festivals, food, dances, and nightlife. Some of the biggest festivals are the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Sevilla (Seville Fair). Students may travel through the city by foot, bus, or train, and receive discounted student train tickets.
Program in Brief
America, Europe, North Africa, North America, and Asia. The university offers a wide range of courses. The departments include environmental sciences, social work, economic sciences, humanities, and law. Courses are offered in the fields of business, experimental sciences, humanities, law, social sciences, molecular biology, biochemical engineering, economics, philosophy, physiology, art history, neuroscience, zoology, and physical chemistry. International programs at UPO are highly encouraged, and over 300 international students visit each semester.
Housing and Meals
There is a residence hall on campus; however, most students choose to live in the city with host families. Host families provide either a single or shared room with another exchange students, as well as three meals a day and laundry services. Students also have the option of living alone in off-campus apartments. Meals are not provided if not with a host family, though grocery stores are plentiful.
Hannam University was established in 1956 by American missionaries of the Southern Presbyterian Church of the United States (currently PCUSA). As a Christian university, Hannam has never faltered in maintaining its Christian roots as it has a uniquely Christian atmosphere that places emphasis on truth, freedom, and service. The primary goals of Hannam University is to educate competent leaders who will serve their nation and their church based on Christian principles.
At a Glance
Classes taught in English
Programs in global business and global communication and culture
Christian university established by PCUSA
City of Daejeon
Daejeon is located in the basin between the Charyeong Mountains and Sobaek Mountains and several rivers. Daejeon is the the fifth largest city in South Korea after Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Incheon with a population of approximately 1.5 million. Located in the center of Korea, Daejeon serves as a hub of transportation with its expressways, railways, and bus routes connecting the country from the north to the south, From Daejeon, you can reach any part of South Korea within two hours.
Program in Brief
With its continuing emphasis on globalization, Hannam University offers a variety of courses taught in English both at Linton Global College and by English-speaking professors in various disciplines. They are designed to provide an excellent opportunity for both international and Korean students to study their chosen academic fields in an international setting. The university offers courses in the fields of global business, which has concentrations in marketing and management, and global communication and culture. Course work will be supplemented with case studies, simulations, projects, virtual library system, writing ads, business experiences, internships, and certifications.
Housing and Meals
There are 4 on-campus dormitories to choose from that can house 2-4 persons per room. The residence halls are named House of Truth, Freedom Hall, Hope Hall, and Nuri Hall. Additionally, there is Hannam International House which is located within 5 minutes of campus. Off-campus housing and homestays are also available. Homestays are located near campus and breakfast and dinner are included. There are no kitchens provided for students, but each dorm has access to a cafeteria.
Kwanswi Gakuin University is one of the most prestigious institutions in Japan and was founded in Kobe in 1889 by the American missionary Reverend Walter Russell Lambuth. With the aim to educate young minds based on Christian principles, Kwansei Gakuin has since grown into a leading private comprehensive and integrated educational institution consisting of a university, junior college, junior and senior high school, elementary school, kindergarten, and international schools. “Mastery for Service,” Kwansei Gakuin’s school motto, reflects the ideal for all its members to master their abundant God-given gifts to serve their neighbors, society, and the world.
At a Glance
Classes taught in English
Courses offered in International Studies, Economics, Human Welfare , and Business and Accounting
City deemed a “educational living district” as a result of its convenient location and rich natural environment
City of Nishinomiya
Nishinomiya city is located in the southeast of Hyogo prefecture, from Osaka Gulf Coast on the south end to the north side of Mt. Rokko on the north end. It has a population of 480,000 and is therefore a small suburban city by Japanese standards. It is located midway between Osaka and Kobe and has been developed as an “educational living district” by taking advantage of the convenient location and rich natural environment. Nishinomiya is home to the professional baseball team, Hanshin Tigers, and to high school baseball players’ holy site, Hanshin Koshien Stadium. Nishinomiya is also famous for its sake microbrewery district and many sake factories.
Program in Brief
Kwansei Gakuin University is home to 11 undergraduate schools and 14 graduate and professional schools. There are more than 24,000 students, 900 of which are international students. There is an intensive Japanese Language Course track available to international students, or students can choose from courses in Canadian Studies, International Studies, Economics, Human Welfare Studies, and Business and Accounting Courses.
Housing and Meals
Students can choose to live in international housing or in a homestay. Doing a homestay is a very effective way to learn about Japanese culture and language. The homestay provides a private room, meals, and internet access. The other option is to live in one of KGU-run dormitories. Exchange students are provided a private room with either a shared or private kitchen/ Meal plans are not available.
Founded in 1887 by philosopher Dr. Enryo Inoue, Toyo University began as the private Shiritsu Tetsugakukan. The university emphasizes “having your own philosophy,” “thinking profoundly,” and “addressing social issues” in its educational approach. It aims to develop independently-minded, critical thinkers. Toyo University is a leading private comprehensive institution in Japan, with 13 faculties, 46 departments, and 13 graduate schools across its Tokyo-area campuses. It hosts around 30,000 Japanese students and international students from approximately 30 countries.Founded in 1887 by philosopher Dr. Enryo Inoue, Toyo University began as the private Shiritsu Tetsugakukan. The university emphasizes “having your own philosophy,” “thinking profoundly,” and “addressing social issues” in its educational approach. It aims to develop independently-minded, critical thinkers. Toyo University is a leading private comprehensive institution in Japan, with 13 faculties, 46 departments, and 13 graduate schools across its Tokyo-area campuses. It hosts around 30,000 Japanese students and international students from approximately 30 countries.
At a Glance
Classes taught in English
Programs in English, economics, business, and international studies
Located in the heart of Tokyo where high-rise buildings and nature exist side by side
City of Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a city where high-rise buildings and nature exist side by side, and old and new cultures are blended together. The highly developed transportation system makes it easy to access anywhere in the city. The city, full of restaurants and shopping, has a rich and varied food culture. Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities and offers a uniquely eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary attractions. The city is known to be a world upon itself and is an absolutely must-see for any travel lover. Soak in the traditional Japanese culture, learn about modern life in the city, become a real-life cartoon character, and people watch until your head spins.
Program in Brief
Toyo University offers several bachelor programs and other undergraduate level programs and courses. The university offers the following degrees: Letters, Economics, Business Administration, Law, Sociology, Regional Development Studies, Global and Regional Studies, and International Tourism Management. Each degree offers a variety of courses in English. International students may also choose to take Japanese language courses throughout the semester.
Housing and Meals
International students live in the Toyo University International House (I-House). The seven-story dorm is home to 55 units with modern facilities, great accessibility, and very affordable rent. Each apartment is furnished and equipped with a kitchen, AC unit, television, and laundry. There is no meal plan available, but students can choose to eat at the on-campus cafeteria for a low price.
