Summer Study Abroad

Students who study abroad during the summer may enroll in programs with a wide variety of study abroad providers. Virginia Wesleyan University works with partners to offer study abroad options around the world.

Students who study abroad during the summer are invited to apply for Virginia Wesleyan’s Summer High Impact Practice Program (SHIPP) grants. Recipients are typically awarded to $2,000 to $3,500 to assist with program costs. Additionally, SHIPP awardees receive a reduced VWU tuition rate of $150 per credit for their study abroad credits. SHIPP awardees are required to participate in a study abroad program that is at least six weeks in length and at least six credits. Exceptions are made for programs with VWU’s exchange partners (e.g., Rikkyo University).

Virginia Wesleyan’s Director of Global Engagement, Ms. Mandy Reinig, is happy to speak with students about all study abroad options. You may schedule an appointment with her, using The Lighthouse’s online appointment scheduler.

Summer Study Abroad Partners

Virginia Wesleyan University partners with the following institutions to offer direct-enroll study abroad programs during the Summer Term.

Alexia Vassiliadis '18 (Mathematics) at the Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy, January 28, 2017. Photograph by Amanda Browder.

Florence University of the Arts (FUA), Italy

Florence University of the Arts allows students to experience Italy by living like a local. Students are able to take courses in a wide variety of disciplines including art, business, communication, biology, chemistry, mathematics, sociology, and history. FUA study abroad features experiential learning opportunities, such as community service, field trips to regional sites, and extracurricular activities.

Location: Florence, Italy
Language of Instruction: English and Italian

Visit FUA's website

Danielle Gagnon '20 (Biology) studying at the Goethe Institut, fall 2018. Photograph by Lucien.

Goethe Institut, Germany

At the Goethe Institut, students study German language and culture. Class sizes are small, allowing for individualized instruction. The Goethe Institut organizes a variety of excursions and activities for students to learn first hand about German culture and practice their language skills. Students live in either guesthouses or apartments, depending on availability in the selected city.

Location: Various cities throughout Germany
Language of Instruction: German

Visit Goethe Institut's website

Aerial view of the Harlaxton Campus, c. 2016

Harlaxton College, United Kingdom

At Harlaxton College, students study in the quaint area of Harlaxton, England. The University offers a wide array courses in disciplines such as British studies, history, mathematics, political science, psychology, education, and English. Harlaxton College also offers opportunities to take part in many unique clubs and sports. Students live and study in an English manor along with faculty.

Location: Harlaxton, England, United Kingdom
Language of Instruction: English

Visit Harlaxton College's website

Melissa Fisher ‘19 (English) in front of the Fontana delle Tartarughe in Rome, Italy, March 2018. Anonymous photographer.

John Cabot University, Italy

Located in the Eternal City of Rome, John Cabot University’s Rome Program offers a wide array of courses in business, communication, political science, English, history, art history, psychology, philosophy, and archeology. All courses are taught in English except an Italian language requirement. Students live in dormitories or apartments with other American, international, and Italian students, which creates a vibrant international community.

Location: Rome, Italy
Language of Instruction: English

Visit John Cabot University's website

Thomas Reinhold '20 practicing traditional Japanese drums at Rikkyo University, January 2019. Anonymous photographer.

Rikkyo University, Japan

Rikkyo University offers students the opportunity to take part in an intensive language and culture program during January Term and Summer Session. Students earn four VWU credits and take part in numerous field trips and cultural activities.

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Language of Instruction: English

Visit Rikkyo University's website

Additional Summer Study Abroad Partners

Rachel Fuller '19 (Biology) with elephants in Khun Chai Tong, Thailand, July 2018. Anonymous photographer. Virginia Wesleyan also recommends the following program providers for summer study abroad. These providers offer numerous opportunities around the world in most academic disciplines.