Study abroad program expands with special programs in Malawi, Ireland, London, and Jerusalem

Through new study abroad options in Malawi, Africa, beginning next semester, and new summer programs with partner universities launching in Europe and the Middle East in the summer of 2022, Liberty University’s LU Send office is continuing to provide students with unique opportunities to see the world and study, while being Champions for Christ abroad.

Liberty has added Malawi to its semester-long Signature Study Abroad options as well as Northern Ireland (dates yet to be determined). Other signature programs include Rome and Ecuador. During their time abroad, students can continue their coursework and stay on schedule with their degree programs.

“LU Send’s signature programs are a dream come true for many of our students,” said David Welch, LU Send executive director.

“This opportunity is wonderful because students will be paying the exact same amount as they would residentially here at Liberty, and they get the experience of being a Liberty student overseas for a whole semester,” added LU Send Director of Strategic Development Audrey Hammond.

The signature programs allow students to utilize their full financial aid package, including federal and institutional aid. To explore a study abroad opportunity, email LUSendStudyAbroad@Liberty.edu or visit the LU Send website.)

Ranging from 3 ½ to seven weeks, Liberty’s new Hybrid Summer Programs starting in the summer of 2022 are being offered in partnership with universities overseas. The programs will provide students with deep engagement into another country’s culture. Students can transfer all credits taken through the partnering university into their Liberty degree completion plan.

“Our hybrid programs give students the best of both worlds — an opportunity to have an immersive study abroad experience with a group of LU faculty and students while learning from the best minds in that country, too. For those trying to gain a competitive edge after graduation, they will be able to put an overseas university on their résumé as well,” Welch said.

Helms School of Government Instructor Melissa Beaudoin and Assistant Professor Timothy O’Brien will be helping to lead the England School of Government trip in partnership with the Richmond University of London from June 12-July 9.

Throughout the trip, students will be afforded the chance to walk through various sites pertaining to pivotal moments in England’s history.

“There will be an English class offered on the British Parliament and members from Parliament will come. And there will actually be an excursion to Parliament,” Beaudoin said. “I’m looking forward to that myself. You get to read about it, but it’s a whole different thing to experience it.”

On June 12-July 23, Liberty’s Studio & Digital Arts Department will also travel to England in partnership with the Richmond University of London.

The trip will give students the opportunity to explore and conduct research in close to 20 of England’s art museums and will be led by Associate Professor of Studio & Digital Arts David Meyer.

“This is extremely important,” he said. “Research shows that 90 percent of students who study abroad will find a position in their career. Learning about something in the textbook is one thing, but going and seeing it in person is going to have a big impact. The cross-cultural connections, networking, and developing that intelligence in cross-cultural aspects will definitely help them someday in the marketplace.”

Distinguished Liberty Research Professor Dr. J. Randall Price will be leading the Israel and Hebrew University Jerusalem Archaeology trip from June 26-July 22.

Students can pair Dr. Price’s course with a Biblical Archaeology course from distinguished Israeli archaeologists Wayne Horowitz and Igor Kreimerman of the Institute of Archaeology at Hebrew University or choose from a number of other summer courses or internships in Jerusalem. Several exclusive scholarships are available to eligible LU students.

“What better place to do archaeology of the Bible than in the land of the Bible,” he said. “I have conducted archaeological excavations for the last 25 years in Israel, so that makes me a nice fit for this program because I will be in Israel for two months before the program begins.”

Price said that students from Liberty will join students at Hebrew University for archaeological research and site exploration.

“In Biblical studies, we tend to come with a Western perspective while dealing with something of the 21st century context,” Price said. “When you go to the actual land of the Bible, while you are still in the 21st century, so much of it is still a part of the old world. It’s still in a context where camels are walking down the street, and you’re meeting people who are predominantly from Arab decent and they have preserved a lot of the traditions and culture.”

“It’s going to be a lot of field trips, and a lot of the time will be focused on the second temple period in biblical history,” he added.

As Liberty expands the amount of study abroad programs offered, the mission remains unchanged.

“We’re all about our study abroad students having a global mindset to use the degree that the Lord has allowed them to receive here at Liberty to make an impact in the world for Christ,” Hammond said.