BSU Faculty-led Study Abroad

Study abroad programs give Ball State students an opportunity to explore outside the classroom and around the world. Many of our study abroad programs are led by BSU faculty members — they develop high-impact courses to be taught internationally, perhaps for a summer session, a full semester, or even a quick trip during winter or spring break. This year more than 250 BSU students will participate in a BSU faculty-led study abroad program! Gifts to the Study Abroad Fund will help support projects like Elementary Education in London, K-culture and Storytelling in Seoul, Globalization in Costa Rica, Arab Culture and Identity and Morocco, Ecology in Galapagos Islands, and Architecture in Japan, just to name a few

When you give, We Fly!

Study Abroad Supports Many Initiatives in 2025 Such as:

K-culture and Storytelling in Seoul:

Our group of 8 BSU students will travel to Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan, (and more!) for nearly 5 weeks in May and June 2025 to study the diverse culture of Korea and the way stories are told through various forms of media. One of the things we're most excited to do is observe and learn Korean culture through museums, religious events, markets, festivals, sports teams, architecture, and digital media. While we're there, we’ll have the chance to work with Korean college students to learn and experience their unique culture. This course is led by Professor Michael Lee from the Department of Media.

Globalization and the Social World in Costa Rica:

Our group of 5 BSU students will travel to locations in Costa Rica for two weeks in May 2025 to study Sociology in a global context. One of the things we're most excited to do is observe the effects of globalization first hand in Costa Rica, such as the impact of global consumption on the sociocultural, economic, and environmental systems of the region. While we're there, we will tour sites of sustainable agriculture and tourism, gaining experience and insights for recommendations in research projects. This course is led by Professor Kimberly Hennessee from the Department of Sociology.

Arab Identity and Culture in Morocco:

Our group of 8 BSU students will live in Rabat, Morocco, for one month in June 2025 to study Arab identity and culture. One of the things we’re most excited to do is experience daily life in a vibrant, multilingual city while exploring Morocco’s rich history, politics, and diverse cultural traditions. While we’re there, we’ll take part in excursions to places like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, and Fez, learn from local guest lecturers, and dive into topics like colonialism, identity, and the Arabic language. This course is led by Professor Abdel Bidaoui from the Department of Modern Languages and Classics.

Ecology and Conservation Biology in Galapagos Islands:

Our group of 14 BSU students will spend 12 days in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands exploring ecology and conservation biology. One of the things we’re most excited to do is experience the incredible biodiversity of the region—home to tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and the iconic Galápagos archipelago. While we’re there, we’ll engage in hands-on fieldwork, journal our observations, and learn about biological and cultural diversity through lectures, demonstrations, and immersive experiences. This course is led by Professors Tim Carter and Mark Pyron from the Department of Biology.

CAP Japan Go!:

Our group of 21 BSU students will spend 18 days in Japan exploring architecture, urban history, and cultural design in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. One of the things we’re most excited to do is attend EXPO2025 in Osaka, a once-in-a-generation global event focused on designing the future of society. While we’re there, we’ll take day trips to cities like Nara, engage with Japanese art and design, and examine how culture, history, and the built environment shape everyday life. This course is led by Professor Miguel San Miguel from the Department of Architecture.

EDEL-O in London:

Our group of 5 BSU students will travel across the pond to London, England, for 5 weeks in June 2025 to study the educational systems of the United Kingdom. One of the things we're most excited to do is observe and learn comparative educational insights through 8 days of practicum in a British Primary School. While we're there, we’ll have the chance to experience British customs and culture through visiting immersive historical sights and museums. This course is led by Professor Emerita Lynette Varner from Teachers College.

*Any additional funds raised will be used for future Study Abroad program expenses or initiatives.