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The Department of Foreign Languages and the Department of Visual Arts & Design are collaborating on an Education Abroad program that spends two weeks in Paris, France. Experience French culture, history, museums, châteaux's, food, architecture, fashion, design, and more! Students travel with experienced faculty and will have the opportunity to take excursions and explore! This program is open to all UNA students, but priority will be given to foreign language and art students. 

Courses Offered: AR-335 Art and Photography, AR499 The influence of Art and Culture, FR499 Culture & Civilization of Paris, IE 499 Intercultural Experience

Led By: Stepahnie Coker and Robert Rausch

History and Sociology: While traveling to Milan, Florence, and Rome, students will analyze the rituals and practice of consumerism in Italian culture, with particular attention to the luxury economy and religious tourism in the Catholic Church. In visits to both couture houses, Made in Italy premium brands, leathermaking studios, and religious sites, they will consider the relationship between and tensions in: consuming and making, the spiritual and material, devotion and demand, tradition and technology. Students will read and analyze the sociological literature of consumerism and theories of the leisure class, applying their analysis to several site visit participant observations. They will also read Italian religious and cultural history, utilizing philosophical and religious critiques as they examine the changing relationship between the material and immaterial.

Courses Offered: SO 395: Selected Topics; HI 394: Study Abroad

Led By: Ansley Quiro and Virginia D'Antonio

Engineering: China (Guizhou University) | Based at Guizhou University (Guiyang, Guizhou), this two-week, credit-bearing program blends engineering, culture, and innovation. Field visits include Huangguoshu Waterfall, the FAST “Sky Eye” radio telescope, Beipanjiang Bridge, Xingyi Geopark, and the Geely automobile manufacturing plant.

Activities

• Faculty-led seminars at GZU 
• Company/lab tours in smart/advanced manufacturing 
• Technical chats with practitioners 
• Cultural workshops (tea culture)
• Guided site walks 
• Daily reflections and a short team project.
• Instruction in English; open to all majors.

• Build intercultural competence and professional communication.
• Connect engineering systems (manufacturing, infrastructure, space science) with culture and economy.
• Analyze real-world technologies and design choices through case studies.
• Produce assessed work: field notebook, site analysis memo, 5–7 min team presentation.

Courses Offered: ET 380-SA2

Led By: Xinxhuan Liu and Yayu Peng

Join the Department of Foreign Languages and spend a month in beautiful Salamanca, Spain. Students will immerse themselves in the heart of Spain and significantly enhance their Spanish skills in Salamanca, a city famous for its beautiful architecture and rich heritage. This isn't just a trip—students experience the language and culture firsthand and discover Spain's fascinating history through cultural activities, studies, and homestays. The program includes weekend excursions to iconic palaces and museums in Madrid, Bilbao, and the historic city of Toledo. 

Courses Offered: FL 201 Global Perspectives through Study Abroad, SP 202 Intermediate Spanish, SP 320 Spanish Grammar, FL/SP 490 // FL/SP 590Special Topics in International Studies, SP 492 Latin American Cinema, and lower levels of Spanish upon consultation

Led By: Claudia Vance and Scott Infanger

Depending on the course(s), students may will (a) practice and enhance their German speaking and communication skills (German language classes), (b) deepen their understanding of important cultural factors (Global perspectives class), and/or investigate the rich connections between food, psychology, and culture (Psychology course). We plan to stay in two main cities (Bad Mergentheim and Leipzig) with day trips to Berlin and Wittenberg. Our trip includes excursions to historical sites, parks, gardens, and churches. We are looking for students interested in active engagement with the course materials and interested German culture and history. Students will participate in daily journals, exploration of cities and food, local tours led by students/faculty, communication with German locals.

Courses Offered: PY490: The Psychology of Food; GR 320: German Grammar; GR 499: German History; FL201: Global Perspectives

Led By: Rebecca Linam and Gabriela Carrasco

Join the Department of Biology on a field-based exploration of the biodiversity of Costa Rica. In preparation of the trip, students will complete BI 419 Tropical Ecology during the Spring semester (online asynchronous course). During BI 420 Field Experience, students will meet with local naturalists and conduct projects across three field sites: Palo Verde Research Station (tropical dry forest), Monteverde Biological Reserve (cloud forest), and La Selva Research Station (tropical wet forest). Students will also experience how Costa Rica tackles ecotourism through a visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park and a sustainable chocolate tour. BI 419 Prerequisite or Corequisite: BI 112. Students will participate in research projects, a sustainable chocolate production tour, and guided hikes. 

Courses Offered: BI420 Field Experience

Led By: Please contact Dr. Emily Kasl (ekasl@una.edu) or Dr. Lisa Ann Blankinship (lblankinship@una.edu) for more information.

Students will discover Greece’s rich history, stunning scenery, and enduring culture. They’ll journey from the legendary ruins of Athens to the sacred sanctuary of Delphi, explore the picturesque port town of Nafplio, and uncover the archaeological wonders of Mycenae and Epidaurus. The adventure concludes on the island of Rhodes before returning to Athens, offering a final opportunity to experience the perfect mix of medieval charm and modern life along the Aegean coast.

The following courses will be offered: Undergraduate: MG 359 Graduate: MG 680 (3 credit hours) MG 698 (1 credit hour)

Led By: Ning Wang and Justin Carter

Students will explore the stunning coastline, historic cities, and unique culture of Croatia. From the medieval streets of Dubrovnik to the lively markets of Split and the relaxed pace of the Dalmatian Islands, this journey will give students insight into Croatia’s diverse regions, blending business perspectives with the country’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Students will gain valuable insight into global management practices while also broadening their perspective by experiencing Croatia’s distinctive culture and way of life.The trip will encourage students to think critically about cultural differences, leadership styles, and how history and geography shape economic development.

The following courses will be offered: Undergraduate: MG 359 Graduate: MG 680 (3 credit hours) MG 698 (1 credit hour)

Led By: Diane Kutz & TBD

Students will experience the dynamic culture, fascinating history, and modern innovation of South Korea. In Seoul, they’ll explore ancient cities, bustling markets, and cutting-edge technology, gaining insight into the country’s unique blend of tradition and progress. The journey continues to Busan, where students can enjoy scenic coastal views, vibrant street food markets, and the city’s rich cultural heritage. Together, these experiences will offer students a deeper understanding of South Korea’s past, present, and future. The pre-trip class will include a mini-consulting project in consultation with a Korean business. This may include presenting to the company in person.

The following courses will be offered: Undergraduate: MG 359 Graduate: MG 680 (3 credit hours) MG 698 (1 credit hour)

Led By: Lindsey Sherrill & TBD

Students will explore the rich history, vibrant cities, and diverse culture of England and Wales. From the iconic landmarks of London to the creative energy of Liverpool, the historic charm of Cardiff, and the lively student atmosphere of Leeds, this journey offers a well-rounded look at the UK’s unique regions.

The following courses will be offered: Undergraduate: MG 359 Graduate: MG 680 (3 credit hours) MG 698 (1 credit hour)

Led By: Jeremy Stafford, Alisha Horky, and George Makowski

Courses Offered: AC 359 and Master level AC course 

Led By: Amanda Barksdale and Corey Cagle

Nursing students will participate in an immersive academic and cultural trip to Edinburgh and London, exploring the history of health care and the roots of modern nursing. Highlights include touring a historic Scottish castle with the Queen of Scots’ birthing room, visiting the Queen’s Institute College, and exploring the Florence Nightingale Museum. Through these experiences, students will gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of nursing, the influence of key historical figures and institutions, and the cultural context that shaped modern health care, while also enjoying the rich sights and history of the United Kingdom.

Courses Offered:NU 499

Led by: Melissa DeFoor, Beverly Russell, Anne-Marie Irons

This trip takes students on a journey through the pioneers of psychology, visiting major monuments and historical sites associated with psychiatric and psychological developments in the early 1900s. Sites to be visited include those associated with key figures in the history and development of psychology such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Viktor Frankl, and Alfred Adler. Additional opportunities for cultural immersion will also take place, including a trip to various Viennese locations, a trip to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp, and a visit to the Alps. More information to follow as the itinerary is finalized. Students will also participate in journal reflections and a seminar on Jungian psychology. Vienna and Zurich will be the main two cities on this trip.

Courses Offered: CHD 615, CHD 690, Special topics course

Led By: Chris DaSambiagio-Moore and Kori Babel