Study Abroad

An exploration of media and creative industries that contribute to an understanding of British culture. Students will visit television networks such as the BBC; London newspapers such as The Guardian; state and political institutions such as Parliament; cultural institutions such as the British Film Institute; museums such as the National Gallery and Victoria & Albert; Simpson’s partner university, Roehampton University; and sports facilities such as the national football stadium at Wembley and the national rugby ground at Twickenham. Students will learn that culture is a combination of product, process and perspective and how the industries they visit help create a British culture that is distinctive from their own.

This course is an introduction to the accomplishments and challenges of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Italy's agricultural, design, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. Participants will also explore creativity in the visual arts at La Biennale di Venezia International Art Exhibition. Another focus is the environmental challenges facing Venice due to tourism and climate change and the innovative solutions that have been proposed. Participants will learn about Italy's role within the broader euro zone and European Union at a time of political divisiveness. Instruction in basic Italian will also be provided.

Did you know Mexico has over 200 indigenous cultures? While many perceive cultures like the Maya civilization as a remnant of the past, there are over a million Maya-language speakers in Mexico and Central America and their cultural traditions remain strong. In this course students will develop Spanish language skills and intercultural competency to better explore cultural products, practices, and perspectives in the Yucatan Peninsula in relation to its rich Maya heritage. Through language practice, travel journals, photo essays, written reflections, cultural exchanges, and excursions to Maya cultural sites, students will draw comparisons between Yucatec Maya culture and their own.

This course will help students advance from first impressions to deep impressions of Japanese culture by using the subject of tourism in Japan as a vehicle for cross-cultural understanding. To gain such understanding, students will share their impressions of typical cultural activities—watching Sumo wrestling, visiting shrines, attending a major fireworks festival, and visiting Mt. Fuji—with native Japanese students in the Global Policy Management and Communication program (similar to a U.S. Hospitality and Tourism Management program) at Yamanashi Prefectural University. After the exchange with YPU students, Simpson students will use the cultural insights they have gained as the basis for their final projects when they return to campus.

In a country about twice the size of Iowa, New Zealand offers an incredible array of landscapes. The relatively small country offers mountains, glaciers, beaches, fjords, plains, and volcanoes all offering beauty and opportunities for exploration. This course will allow students to explore the country through photography, capturing the diverse geography through hands-on learning that will provide students with useful skills to take into their lives at or after Simpson. Through photo assignments, students will learn new perspectives, manual photography skills, and Adobe Photoshop techniques. Students will also gain insight into the Maori culture.

This course will allow students to learn about various concepts of the global community by intensively studying the culture and people of Ghana and South Africa. Students will learn about the sociological principles of race, poverty and social welfare systems within the cultures of two African countries. Students will engage with culture through eating, dancing, and a naming ceremony in the traditional method. Students will be involved in extensive reflection activities (both written and verbal), quizzes, journal writing, presentations and research project of current events.

In this travel course, students will gain firsthand experience with the cultural, religious and economic realities of Thailand and Vietnam. We will visit US-based and local businesses operating in SE Asia, businesses making a social impact, tiny market stalls lining the streets, and temples where worship intersects with daily life.  We will see up close how and why things work in these ancient countries which are trying to find their places in a modern, entrepreneurial and global economy. Through preparatory work the semester before going to Asia, students will learn about the cultural, political, economic, religious and business backgrounds, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit in both countries.

Spend a semester immersed in the culture, history, language and literature of Chile under the direction of a Simpson professor. Work on your language skills while getting to know your Chilean host families and visiting important historical and cultural sites including Chile’s capital, Santiago. Offered spring semester of even-numbered years.

Live, learn and explore London sites on field excursions with other Simpson students, accompanied by a Simpson professor, in one of the world’s great historical, cultural, political and economic centers. Meet local and other international students in your on-campus dorm. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years.

During this independent and intensive learning experience, study German language and culture in a charming city of 73,000 which retains its beautiful historic architecture. Choose to live either with a local host German or in an apartment with other students. Visits to historical and cultural sites nearby are included in this program which is offered any semester. 

Held in a fascinating part of the developing world, this program offers the chance to learn about Thailand, Thai language and culture and other topics related to Southeast Asia in general. Course-related field trips, excursions and other cultural activities are available on this independent semester abroad program. Live in modern apartments just off Chiang Mai University’s campus with both local and international students. Offered any semester.

Study as an independent exchange student for a semester in the tropical paradise of a South Pacific island which offers a rich cultural environment combining both Western and non-Western cultural elements in one location. Students must have a strong command of the French language which will allow them to be successful in coursework entirely taught in French. Students can choose to either live in an on-campus apartment or in a dorm in the capital city of Papeete with local and other international students.

Apply to study for a semester or an academic year at Belfast Metropolitan College, Queens University, St. Mary’s University College, Stranmillis University College or the University of Ulster, all of which are located in Northern Ireland.

Study French in a European setting any fall or spring semester or during a month-long summer term. Students with any level of French skills are welcome to participant in classes geared specifically toward improving language levels. Accommodations can be with local host families or in university-affiliated foyers (residence halls).