Study Abroad

Simpson provides multiple opportunities for students to spend a semester away from school in dynamic study environments. The following nine programs provide sophomores through seniors a great opportunity to receive a hands-on learning experience.

United States

• American Studies Program

  Founded in 1976, the American Studies Program has served hundreds of students from member institutions as a “Washington, D.C., campus.” ASP uses Washington as a stimulating laboratory where collegians gain hands-on experience with an internship in their chosen field. Internships are tailored to fit students’ talents and aspirations and are available in a wide range of fields. They also explore pressing national and international issues in public policy seminars, which are issue-oriented, interdisciplinary and led by ASP faculty and Washington professionals. ASP bridges classroom and marketplace, combining biblical reflection, policy analysis and real-world experience.

  Students are exposed to on-the-job learning that helps them build for their future and gain perspective on the calling of God for their lives. They are challenged in a rigorous course of study to discover for themselves the meaning of Christ’s lordship in putting their beliefs into practice. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

• Los Angeles Film Studies Center

  Located in one of the primary film and television production centers in L.A., the Los Angeles Film Studies Center (LAFSC) integrates a Christian worldview with an introductory exploration of the work and workings of mainstream Hollywood entertainment.

• Au Sable Institute of Environmental Sciences

  Simpson cooperates with the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies in Mancelona, Mich., by offering credit for summer courses. For complete course descriptions and registration procedures, visit the Registrar's Office or log on to the Au Sable Website.

• Contemporary Music Center

  The Contemporary Music Center provides students with the opportunity to live and work in the refining context of community while seeking to understand how God will have them integrate music, faith and business. The CMC offers three tracks: the Artist, Executive and Technical tracks.

  The Artist Track is tailored to students considering careers as vocalists, musicians, songwriters, recording artists, performers and producers. The Executive Track is designed for business, arts management, marketing, communication and related majors interested in possible careers as artist managers, agents, record company executives, music publishers, concert promoters and entertainment industry entrepreneurs.

  The Technical Track prepares students for careers in live sound, concert lighting and studio recording. Students within each of the tracks receive instruction, experience and a uniquely Christ-centered perspective on creativity and the marketplace, while working together to create and market a recording of original music. Each track includes coursework, labs, directed study and a practicum. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

World

• Immersion Service and Adventure Semester

  Based in California’s High Sierra and the cities and mountains of Ecuador the Immersion Service and Adventure Semester’s mission is to enhance and expand the Kingdom of God through building relationships in cross cultural settings within the context of adventure-based education. The curriculum uses backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling, mountaineering, cross-country navigation and service learning opportunities to help students develop and gain proficiency in leadership skills, interpersonal communication, cross cultural awareness, as well as spiritual growth.

• Australia Studies Centre

  Through the Australia Studies Centre study abroad program you will be able to experience Australia through the dynamic evangelical Christian community at Wesley Institute. While attending this school, you will meet fellow Christians from a variety of locations, churches, languages and cultures.  It won't be long before you realize that this institution is full of people who chase after a common goal: to be equipped to undertake ministry opportunities in all walks of life, a goal that we hope you will embrace as well.

• Middle East Studies Program

  At the crossroads of the Middle East lies Egypt – home of three major religions, a land of ancient civilizations, and the most populous Arab country. As part of the Middle East Studies Program (MESP), students will live and study in Cairo, Egypt; travel in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Turkey; and study the history, culture, religions and struggles of this dynamic area. Students can develop a knowledge of basic conversational Arabic by studying under a certified Arabic language instructor (prerequisite not required). They will also develop language skills through interaction with Egyptian students, other teachers, business people, and friends of MESP and can take part in interdisciplinary seminar courses taught by the MESP director and invited experts. The three seminars are Islamic Thought and Practice, Conflict and Change, and Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East.

  Students will live in a dormitory or apartment, as well as a 10-day home stay with an Egyptian family. The program is 16 credits (4 for language and 12 for seminars).

• The Scholars' Semester in Oxford

  Read, learn and live in the "City of Dreaming Spires." The The Scholars' Semester in Oxford allows students to complete intensive scholarship in this historic seat of learning. Students work with academic tutors to hone skills and delve into the areas that most interest them. In Oxford, participants broaden their thinking by living and learning in this major crossroads of the academic world.

• Israel Study Tour

  Though not affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Simpson University’s Israel Study Tour gives students an opportunity to study in the Holy Land. In an arrangement with Jerusalem University College, students who participate in the study tour will learn about physical features of the land of the Bible, with an emphasis on geographical factors affecting settlement and communication in the various regions.

  Preparatory map study and class previews provide the background to each trip in the field. Relevant archaeological, historical and biblical material is correlated with sites, roads and features in each region.

• Latin America Studies Program

  Students of CCCU colleges have the opportunity to live and learn in Latin America through the Latin America Studies Program, based in San Jose, Costa Rica. The program introduces students to a wide range of experiences through the study of the language, literature, culture, politics, history, economics, ecology and religion of the region.

  Living with a Costa Rican family, students experience and become a part of the day-to-day lives of Latin Americans. Students also take part in an internship/practicum and travel to nearby Central American nations. Students participate in one of four concentrations: Latin American Studies (offered both fall and spring terms); Advanced Language and Literature (designed for Spanish majors and offered both fall and spring terms); International Business (offered only in fall terms); and Environmental Science (offered only during spring terms). Students in all concentrations earn 16-18 semester credits.

• Oxford Summer Program

  The Oxford Summer Program (OSP) is a program designed for students wishing to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Christianity and the development of the British Isles and give more focused attention to topics of particular interest through the seminars, which emphasize student learning and research under expert guidance. Seminars (and their attached tutorials) are given on specialized topics under the direction of expert Oxford academics in the areas of history, religious studies, philosophy, English literature, the history of art, and history of science. The program is structured for rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors, graduate and seminary students, non-traditional students, teachers, and those enrolled in continuing education programs.

For more information, see http://www.bestsemester.com/.