Study Abroad Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on one of the following links for more information:

Bethel's Semester Abroad Programs

Who Should Apply

Semester Abroad programs are geared mainly for juniors and seniors. While Sophomores may be considered for participation, priority will be given to upperclassmen. The required minimum GPA is 2.75.

Cost

The cost is equivalent to enrollment full time tuition at a normal rate, plus room and board (20 meal plan). This cost covers tuition, room, board, and in-country travel and activities! The extra costs will be:

  • Airfare
  • International insurance
  • Visa fee (if needed)

Disclaimer: You will retain 100% of financial aid if you go through Bethel’s programs, such as Ecuador, China, Russia, Jamaica, and Pacific Rim. If you go through CCCU programs and other programs offered by partnering institutions, the Bethel financial aid will decrease to 50%.

While most expenses will be covered, you will still have to purchase your textbooks and pay for any extra traveling or excursions in which you wish to participate. Students usually bring around $500 spending money for a semester.

Courses

Semester abroad courses are set up for travel, and most of the courses will be taught through private tutoring. For this reason, it is necessary to plan out the semester that you wish to go abroad at least one year in advance. For example, you may wish to delay taking your literature course so that you can then take it during the semester abroad program.

Core Courses for China and Pacific Rim Programs:
  • Chinese I and II (3-6 credit hours)
  • Area Study (3 credit hours)
  • Issues in International Ministry (3 credit hours)
Core Courses for Ecuador Program:
  • Spanish I and II (3-6 credit hours)
  • Area Study (3 credit hours)
  • Issues in International Ministry (3 credit hours)
Core Courses for Russia Program:
  • Russian Language (6 credit hours)
  • Russian History (3 credit hours) (Area Study credit given)
  • Russian Literature (3 credit hours)
  • Russian Art(3 credit hours)

All the courses will be taught by local instructors in St. Petersburg Christian University.

Core Courses for Jamaica Program:

All courses will be offered through Jamaica Theological Seminary (JTS). You can get the course information from the Semester Abroad Office at AC 414.

NOTE: You can take one or two private tutorials. You are responsible for setting up the independent study courses with your advisor and the professors.

You are responsible for registering courses with your advisor

Housing

  • New Zealand: Dorms of New Zealand Bible College located in Auckland.
  • China: Guest Houses of a University in Beijing.
  • Russia: Dorms of St. Petersburg Christian University in downtown St. Petersburg.
  • Ecuador: A campground by the Pacific Ocean. Only 5 minutes away from the beach!
  • Jamaica: Dorms with kitchen of JTS; cafeteria is available.
  • Israel: Dorms with kitchen on campus, cafeteria also provides all meals.

Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)

PROGRAMS

CCCU offers several other programs. You can find out more about these programs through our office. Among the programs that CCCU offers are:

  • The Scholars’ Semester in Oxford:
  • Los Angeles Film Studies:
  • Contemporary Music Studies:
  • American Studies:
  • Washington Journalism Center:
  • Australia Studies Center:
  • Latin American Studies:
COST

CCCU programs generally cost more than Bethel programs. The extra amount varies according to each program. Please contact the Semester Abroad office or CCCU directly to obtain specific information. Students who receive financial aid from Bethel College will receive 50% of their normal level for the semester in which they enroll in CCCU programs.

*CCCU will provide detailed information about housing, courses, and itinerary at http://www.bestsemester.com

Registration

All students – going on Bethel programs or CCCU programs, or any off-campus program, must register with Bethel’s registrar office before you register with the specific program in which you are participating.

  1. Check with Brent Reimer or the Semester Abroad office for any information in regard to the course options for the desired program.
  2. Talk to your advisor to decide what courses you are going to take on the trip.
  3. Give a copy of the course schedule to Brent Reimer or Semester Abroad office.
  4. Register at Bethel’s Registrar Office during the normal registration time.

Vaccination Information

Students who are planning to spend a semester abroad may need to get certain types of vaccinations. To have a general idea, you can go to the CDC's website and read the information before you set up an appointment with the local health department.

To know exactly what types of vaccinations that are needed, call the Saint Joseph County Health Department at 256-6226, or contact your local hospital and/or clinic.

Passport Application

Get the latest passport information from the Semester Abroad office or visit online at http://travel.state.gov