Year and Semester Programs
Exchange relationships enable Westminster students to trade places with peers at partner universities, with each student continuing to pay tuition to their home institutions while paying housing, meal, course and activity fees to their host institutions.
Aberystwyth University - Aberystwyth, Wales -
Aberystwyth University is located on the western coast of Wales, in the titular town of Aberystwyth, nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay. Aberystwyth is a diverse and welcoming community in a historic seaside market with a cosmopolitan Welsh culture. Students in political science, security studies, and global and transnational studies can study at the world’s first Department of International Politics, founded in 1919 after the end of World War I to promote mutual understanding in a modern world.
Aber study abroad graduates who return to Aberystwyth University for a Masters degree are eligible to apply for the .
Hanyang University - Seoul, South Korea -
Hanyang University is one of the top universities in South Korea with more than 7,000 international students and hundreds of courses instructed in English. Exchange students have many opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities to connect with local students for cultural exchanges, social activities and travel. Hanyang’s ‘HY Buddy’ program matches each exchange student with a local student-mentor to help them better adapt to Korea. Korean language proficiency is NOT required to study at Hanyang University, but all students are enrolled in an introductory-level language course.
International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) - Kofu, Japan -
iCLA is an American-style liberal arts college where the primary language of instruction is English. Just ninety minutes west of Tokyo, iCLA combines a multicultural learning environment with a beautifully traditional Japanese setting in the shadow of Mt Fuji. iCLA offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the very essence of Japanese culture while acquiring a contemporary and globally relevant education. Japanese language proficiency is NOT required, but all students are enrolled in an introductory-level language course.
Irish American Scholars - Northern Ireland -
High-achieving Westminster students have the opportunity to attend one of four universities in Northern Ireland:
- Queens University Belfast: one of the top twenty research-intensive institutions in the United Kingdom. Based in the heart of Belfast, a semester at Queens is a culturally immersive experience with a unique blend of European architecture, historic Irish pubs, and a buzzing art, social, and sporting scene.
- Ulster University: upholds a national and international reputation for excellence with three distinct campuses across Northern Ireland—Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry–Londonderry. Each campus is different in size, specialty, and atmosphere. Students are placed on a campus based on their field of study.
- St. Mary’s University College Belfast: integrated into the larger Queen’s University system, the College specializes in teacher training and liberal arts.
- Stranmillis University College: highly recognized for its teacher training curriculum, it also offers courses in early childhood studies and health & leisure studies. Stranmillis is a college of Queen’s University Belfast.
Apply by February 1 for the following academic year.
Kansai Gaidai University - Hirakata, Japan -
Kansai Gaidai University is a prosperous private institution located midway between Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara in the lovely city of Hirakata. The Asian Studies program offers students a variety of courses in Japan and Asia Studies taught in English by experienced faculty members. Japanese language proficiency is NOT required, but all students are enrolled in an introductory-level language course.
L'Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) - Angers, France -
L’Université Catholique de l’Ouest, one of the oldest universities in France, gives students the opportunity to explore Angers’ unique cultural and historical heritage. The city is known for its medieval architecture, numerous green spaces, and laid-back, artistic vibes. At UCO, students attend courses side-by-side with French and international students. For subjects other than business, an upper-intermediate level of French is required.
The Centre International d’Études Françaises (CIDEF) is part of UCO but functions as an independent exchange partner. Here, students of any level can focus solely on the study of French, experiencing total immersion—from tailor-made classes and cultural programming to a rewarding homestay experience.
University of East Anglia (UEA) - Norwich, England -
UEA is a leading research institution with course topics ranging from the impacts of Brexit to cutting-edge clean energy solutions. The University sits on acres of green parkland just outside the medieval town of Norwich, which was designated as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. With more than 250 clubs and organizations for students to join, it offers a variety of social and cultural experiences.
University of Winchester - Winchester, England -
The University of Winchester is a thriving institution with a deep commitment to both teaching and research. Its courses—from Animal Welfare, to Creative Writing, to Law, to Sports Psychology—combine world-class instruction with small class sizes. The University’s compact campus is just a short walk from downtown Winchester, a vibrant and beautiful city located one hour from London and twelve miles from the coast. The city also hosts Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe.
Direct-enrollment programs are partnered institutions at which students pay all tuition and fees, but usually with a small discount.
La Universidad de Oviedo - Oviedo, Spain -
Oviedo is a charming city near Spain’s northern coast surrounded by beautiful mountains and countryside. Those with an upper-intermediate level of Spanish can enroll in non-language courses at the University of Oviedo; meanwhile, the University’s language center, La Casa de las Lenguas, is open to all levels of Spanish. La Casa de las Lenguas runs a world-class program for improving Spanish proficiency, with a homestay option to further immerse oneself in the local Asturian culture.
London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) – London, England -
LSE boasts an outstanding international reputation in history, philosophy, law, and the social sciences. Visiting students enroll alongside locals in the two-semester General Course, an integrated schedule of lectures, classes, and research built around a particular academic area. LSE is located in the heart of London, immediately west of the city’s commercial, financial, and legal centers.
Semester at Sea – Multiple Countries -
Want to see the world? Visit ten or more countries in a single semester while taking courses aboard a cruise ship and off-shore at docking points. Students earn credits from Semester at Sea’s academic partner, Colorado State University, and come away as global citizens with a uniquely comparative international perspective.
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) – Milan, Italy –
UCSC, or ‘Cattolica,’ is the largest private university in Europe and excels in diverse study opportunities across both the sciences and humanities. It provides students with opportunities to engage in professional development through internship placements and other forms of experiential learning. Students will study in the historic city of Milan, a dynamic leader in fashion and culture as well as the economic capital of Italy.
Students can participate in semester-long off-campus programs here in the United States that are affiliated with and/or recognized by 51ÊÓƵ.
(Coming Soon) Goshen Marine Biology Semester – Florida Keys -
Westminster biology students with an interest in marine biology, ecology, and conservation can attend a full semester of field courses (including an internship) in the Florida Keys, based at the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station. Offered each fall, the program is accredited and administered by Goshen College in Indiana. Interested students should consult with their faculty advisor to ensure prerequisites are met.
Washington Semester - Internships in DC -
Washington Semester Program provides students from any department the opportunity to live, intern, and study in the nation's capital. The program is housed at American University and courses are taught by AU faculty who have extensive networks in politics, international relations, business, and other fields of interest. WSP offers internships at Washington-based agencies that allow students to see firsthand how policies are made and how organizations are run. Scholarship opportunities are available.
Providers are organizations that create and administer study abroad programs. Providers assist with all aspects of the study abroad experience—from the application, to course registration and securing accommodation, to re-entry support and transcript evaluation. Many of these programs also include experiential learning opportunities such as internship placements, independent research, volunteering opportunities, and educational excursions. While each organization and each program is unique, providers generally offer academic, social, and personal guidance throughout. This may include airport pickup, orientation, health insurance, wellness services, field trips, and cultural activities. Westminster’s affiliated (listed below) and otherwise approved program providers greatly expand the study abroad opportunities available while assuring students are well-supported through the entire process.
American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
AIFS Abroad offers a wide range of unique programs in Europe, Australia, South Africa, South Korea, and the Americas that range in length from a couple weeks to a full academic year. Dedicated AIFS Global Education Centers offer courses in English and/or in foreign languages from beginner to advanced levels. Experiential and service-learning opportunities—including full- and part-time internships—are also available. Westminster students receive a discount of $400 for semester or academic-year programs and $200 for summer programs, with opportunities for additional scholarships and grants through AIFS.
Institute for the International Education of Students (IES)
IES Abroad offers study abroad (or study abroad + internship) programs in thirty-plus locations throughout Europe, East Asia, Australasia, South America, South Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, as well as full-time summer and semester internship opportunities in more than ten global cities. Its mindful “Global Pillars” course options explore pressing issues inspired by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IES provides numerous funding opportunities, awarding millions in scholarships and grants every year.
Spanish Studies Abroad (SSA)
SSA offers both intensive Spanish language study and cultural courses (taught either in Spanish or in English) at their programs in Spain (Seville, Alicante, and Barcelona); Córdoba, Argentina; Havana, Cuba; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Program options vary in length from approximately one month to a half-semester, full semester, or full academic year. Westminster students receive 10% discount on SSA tuition fees.
WorldStrides
WorldStrides has over 200 program options spanning Europe, Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. In addition to more traditional university-based study abroad, students can incorporate internships, community engagement, fieldwork, lab research, or Christian mentorship into their experiences. Westminster students receive a $200 discount and gain access to WorldStrides scholarship and grant opportunities upon application.