Location

Leuven, Bruges, Ypres, Brussels, Aachen, Belgium, Germany

Program Description

This summer study abroad program is comprised of a three-credit course that includes a 10-day experience visiting schools and cultural sites in and around Leuven, Belgium. Anyone who is preparing for a career in K-12 education as well as those seeking to develop intercultural competencies are welcome to participate. Participants will be staying at Irish College in Leuven. During our time in Belgium, we will hear from educational leaders, observe in local schools, and visit the European Parliament. In addition, we will visit cultural sites in Belgium as well as Flanders Field, a key battleground in World War I. This experience will include predeparture meetings focused on getting to know one another and self-reflection of one’s own worldview. In the month prior to leaving, we will have several formal classes (online in the evening hours) where we will discuss some background readings and explore intercultural competencies. Focus during these sessions will be on identifying our cross-cultural communication and awareness. This study of one’s cultural identity and intercultural competencies will help you give and get the most from this experience. We will also prepare for visits to the various educational sites in Belgium. Most of the academic work will occur prior to going abroad so that there you can focus on the experience fully. However, we will have class meetings with guest lecturers at Irish College Leuven. You will have most evenings free to explore the city of Leuven as well as have the opportunity to pursue independent travel to other parts of Europe during and after the 10-day experience.

The course will engage students in a self-study of one's intercultural competencies through completing background readings, engaging in seminars, and visiting host schools. Class meetings will be in a hybrid format with most classes meeting synchronously online and in-person during the time in Belgium. Students will also be observing in host schools, hearing from guest lecturers, and visiting cultural sites such as the European Parliament, Flanders Field, and the city of Bruges.

Location Description

Irish College in Leuven, Belgium with day trips to Bruges, Ypres, Brussels, and Aachen, Germany.

Director

Robbie Higdon | higdonrl@jmu.edu | Middle, Secondary, and Mathematics Education

Accommodations

Students will reside in college dormitory housing in shared double rooms with ensuite baths, daily cleaning service, and internet access. Housing accommodations are centrally located and public transportation is easily accessible.

Students will be given breakfast in their accommodations. Students will be allocated a daily stipend to cover the cost of most lunch and evening meals. A welcome lunch and a farewell dinner are provided.

Additional Items to Consider

Students will need a passport that is valid for at least six months from date of entry into the European Union for this program.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.5

Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.

Students must be fully accepted into the Teacher Education program and successfully complete EDUC 200 (or equivalent) prior to the start of the program.