As March begins, a new wave of faculty-led programs is taking students beyond the classroom and into real-world learning environments around the globe. This month, faculty-led programs are taking place across Europe and the Americas, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with the cultures, industries, and communities connected to their academic studies.
From the landscapes of Iceland to learning about business in Brasil, students are beginning immersive experiences designed to connect academic theory with hands-on exploration. These programs span a wide range of disciplines, demonstrating the diversity and impact of faculty-led global education.
This month’s programs include incredible activities such as:
- Erskine College exploring Sports Management in London and Paris focusing on the business, marketing, and operations behind major teams and global sporting events. In London, professionals work with clubs like Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC, managing sponsorships, operations, and fan engagement in a city known for football, rugby, and cricket. In Paris, sports management revolves around major events such as the French Open and organizations like Paris Saint‑Germain F.C., with a strong focus on event planning, sports marketing, and international competitions like the Tour de France and the Olympic Games.
- Montana State University students will explore different layers of Brazilian culture on their Business program, from the African influence in Brazilian gastronomy, to Afro dance at the Municipal Theater, to the largest graffiti mural in the world.
- Montclair State University traveling abroad to Iceland in an 8-day faculty-led program exploring the country’s connection between earth science, sustainability, and business through visits to the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Friðheimar. Students will also learn about renewable energy and volcanology through site visits such as Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station and Lava Centre, while experiencing natural wonders like Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
- Students from St. Petersburg College will participate in a program focused on veterinary and animal science, while exploring Irish culture and history. The program begins in Dublin and continues in Northern Ireland with hands-on academic activities and student exchanges centered on animal care and veterinary studies at North West Regional College in Derry and Limavady. The experience concludes in Belfast with visits to the Giant’s Causeway and the Titanic Belfast museum.
What makes these faculty-led programs so powerful is the opportunity for students to learn directly in the environments they are studying. Whether analyzing sustainability practices in Iceland, exploring cultural heritage in Spain and Portugal, or examining historical narratives in Central Europe, each program creates meaningful connections between coursework and lived experience.
Throughout the coming weeks, students will take part in site visits, academic discussions, cultural activities, and community engagement opportunities that deepen their understanding of the subjects they study at home. These moments, often the most memorable parts of the academic journey are what make experiential education so impactful.
As these March programs unfold, we look forward to sharing stories, insights, and highlights from students and faculty across the world. Each program represents a unique learning journey, but together they demonstrate the global reach and collaborative spirit that define the Study Abroad Association experience.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow these groups and celebrate the incredible learning taking place around the world.
