Department website: https://www.vanguard.edu/academics/global-education-outreach/study-abroad

Vanguard University is committed to cultivating Spirit-empowered leaders with significant cross-cultural experience. Toward that end, the university provides local and global outreach opportunities as well as off campus study programs for academic credit, both international and domestic. 

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

VISA (VANGUARD INTERCULTURAL STUDIES ABROAD): COSTA RICA

Vanguard Intercultural Studies Abroad (VISA) is a comprehensive program available to Religion majors (and qualifying Religion minors) with junior and senior status. The three-month program in San Jose, Costa Rica, includes 15 units of coursework, including language study, plus a three-unit on-field practicum.  For program details contact the Office of Global Education and Outreach.

VANGUARD STUDY INTENSIVES

Programs may change each year.  Contact the Office of Global Education and Outreach for more information as to what programs are available for this academic year.

CENTER FOR HOLY LANDS STUDIES TOUR

A multi-week journey through the Holy Lands in partnership with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.  Programs rotate each year and can include studying in Israel, Turkey and Egypt or a combination of these locations. Students earn 3 units of academic credit for each program.

AFFILIATED SEMESTER PROGRAMS

Vanguard University maintains partnerships with a number of external study abroad programs as well as the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities’ Global Ed programs (formerly Best Semester).  For more information about these opportunities see the Office of Global Education and Outreach.

• Living and Learning International
  Living and Learning International provides academically excellent international programs where students will live in community, engage the challenges of the world, and learn to respond with a Biblical Christian Worldview. Programs include domestic and international options as well as virtual internships that range in duration. For more detailed information about any of these programs visit the Living and Learning website at https://www.landli.org/
• Veritas Christian Study Abroad
  ISA Veritas Christian Study Abroad provides college-level study abroad programs at host universities while helping students develop as mission-minded Christian leaders as they learn to live and serve in another culture.  On an ISA Veritas program, students receive on-site spiritual support from a Mission Mentor who will help make the time abroad a spiritually challenging and growing experience. The Mission Mentor will also engage you in Christian community through a local church and other ministry opportunities. Semester and summer programs are available in a dozen countries around the globe. For more detailed information about any of these programs visit the Veritas website at https://www.veritasabroad.com/
• LCC International University
  With students from over 50 different countries, students will learn in an international community and travel Central Europe, Russia and the Baltic States - all while earning academic credit at a Christian liberal arts university. Based in Lithuania, semester and summer programs are available for a wide variety of academic disciplines.  For more detailed information about any of these programs visit the LCC website at https://lcc.lt/study-abroad-lithuania
• Semester in Spain
  Semester in Spain (SIS) is a program that operates out of Seville, Spain. The goal of SIS is to equip students as intercultural scholars along the journey of their chosen fields of study, and cultivate an experience where students can develop a deeper understanding of their truest self, as inspired by Christ. SIS facilitates a depth of study in the Spanish language and culture through opportunities in grammar, literature, history, art, modern civilization and service learning, creating a unique development platform for personal and professional skills, fostering growth not only in linguistic and cultural experiences, but in aptitudes for life. For more detailed information about any of these programs visit the SIS website at https://www.semesterinspain.org/ 

COUNCIL FOR CHRISTIAN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES STUDY PROGRAMS

The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), an association of more than 100 member institutions in North America and more than 70 affiliates in 23 countries, offers a number of semester and Summer programs to students of its member institutions. Students of Vanguard University are eligible to participate in any of the study programs offered by the CCCU.  Students generally take at least 16 units during their semester abroad and should consult with their academic advisors to see how the off-campus study coursework fits with their academic program. Listed below are the courses available in each of the CCCU programs. For more detailed information about any of these programs visit the CCCU website at http://www.cccuglobaled.org/. 

ADDITIONAL STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to the off-campus programs offered by Vanguard University and its affiliates, students can study abroad in programs offered by select external organizations.  Students are required to complete a Study Abroad Application process through the Office of Global Education and Outreach and consult with their student success coordinator to explore how any program they are considering fits with their academic program. 

STUDY ABROAD COURSES

Academic credit for college-sponsored study trips conforms to WSCUC guidelines. One-unit hour is granted for each week of study, with an additional unit hour possible if academically warranted. Students should consult with their student success coordinator, department chair, and study abroad personnel for counsel on either Vanguard or off-campus study abroad programs.  Students wishing to study abroad through an institution other than Vanguard should contact the Office of Global Education and Outreach for appropriate paperwork and approval.