Program Guide
A Message from the Study Abroad Executive Director
At Abilene Christian University, our mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world comes alive through our global programs. Study abroad is more than an academic enrichment—it is a calling to engage the world with purpose and humility. These experiences allow our students to develop a global perspective, equipping them to lead and serve in diverse contexts with wisdom, empathy, and courage.
In 2024-2025, ACU was proud to be ranked #18 in the nation for Study Abroad by U.S. News & World Report, a distinction that reflects both the breadth of our international programs and the intentionality with which they are designed. Whether at one of our global campuses in Oxford, Leipzig, Valencia, or at any of our other international program locations around the world, our students don’t just visit new places—they immerse themselves in new cultures, engage with local communities, and discover new dimensions of their faith and calling.
Our continued commitment to global education is deeply rooted in our Christian mission. We believe study abroad is a powerful opportunity for spiritual formation—a chance for students to encounter God’s presence in unfamiliar places, and to reflect more deeply on who they are and who they are becoming. As they engage new cultures, build meaningful relationships, and wrestle with complex questions, students are invited to see the world— and their place in it—with renewed clarity. In this way, study abroad becomes a space where faith grows, perspectives expand, and lives are transformed.
As you peek inside the world of Study Abroad at ACU, I invite you to join us and be a part of a rich ACU tradition of global learning with students who are eager to be stretched and inspired.
With hope for what’s to come,
Mark Barneche
Executive Director of International Education and
Study Abroad
ACU was 18th best institution in the nation for Study Abroad in the latest US News and World Report rankings.
Student Testimonials
EVELINA HIGBIE OXFORD FALL 2024
“My time in Oxford was nothing short of transformative, pushing me out of my comfort zone and into a world of discovery! Walking through centuries-old streets and learning in a city steeped in history made me feel connected to something much greater than myself. Beyond that, the ability to easily travel to new places introduced me to different cultures and ways of life, while living alongside an incredible group of people created a sense of family that made every moment even more special.”
GRACEN DAVIS OXFORD SPRING 2024
“Studying abroad was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Living and learning in a completely different country pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, from navigating new cities to forming lifelong friendships. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the world, strengthened my independence, and shaped the way I approach challenges. However, more than anything, the people I shared this experience with made it truly unforgettable. The friends I traveled, learned, and laughed with became like family, creating a bond that will last a lifetime. I’m so grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the lifelong bonds that will stay with me forever!”
WILL VOGELSANG COSTA RICA SUMMER 2024
“The two weeks I spent in Costa Rica was initially a vehicle to visit a new country but it ended up being so much more. With a vastly different culture and way of life from America, Costa Rica showed me how to smile through all of life. The lush rainforests, incredible wildlife, and fresh fruits were incredible. Even more meaningful was the business consulting project work we got to complete that has real impact on the communities in and around Turrialba. Lots of bus rides, hikes, and homemade breakfasts later, I can say with confidence I learned a ton and carry many more joyful memories with me.”
DYLAN SKELTON OXFORD FALL 2024
“My time in Oxford was marked with experiences that were similar yet different. Integrating myself into an foreign environment unlike my own was an edifying, if sometimes difficult experience. It was this difficulty that led to the coolest experiences however, notably with regards to music and nature. These reasons alone justify the experience, but everything else in between made the three months abroad positively unforgettable.”
AVA MORRIS LEIPZIG FALL 2023
“Spending the semester in Leipzig has forever changed my life and renewed my perspective. Being thrown into a completely new environment with people I didn’t know ended up being such an incredible opportunity to grow and learn to appreciate the process! Not only did I learn so much through traveling, meeting people, and being immersed in a new culture, but I had so much fun in the mundane: making new friends, laughing until I cried, memorizing bible verses for class, and enjoying dinners at our favorite local restaurants. There is no better opportunity in college than to study abroad in Leipzig-you can’t miss out!”
HENRY JOHNSON LEIPZIG FALL 2024
“My time abroad in Leipzig was probably one of the most special things I have done in my life so far. I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams the extent to which the program would push me to grow into the person I am. My time abroad instilled in me a sense of humility that is irreplaceable to my character. In Leipzig I met a variety of people and experienced so many things that allowed me to expand my worldview. It was truly a remarkable experience in every way.”
Leipzig
Location Details
The Leipzig Program, ACU’s flagship global campus, is located in the Germany state of Saxony and is rich in German culture and history. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, it is an ideal location to learn about the origins of contemporary Europe and its influence during the Cold War. Today, Leipzig is the fastest-growing city in Germany and is among the most dynamic urban centers in Europe. Home to composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn, Leipzig has long been a driving force in music and cultural arts. The Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, the main central station, is the largest train station in Europe, ready to take you anywhere across the continent and beyond. Tessa Leach, ACU alumni and German national, leads the program as Assistant Director.
Program Details
In Leipzig, students live in ACU’s 19th-century Villa, which accommodates up to 40 students, a faculty-in-residence family, and local staff. The Villa is within walking distance of the city center and it sits on the serene banks of the river Elster. The Villa provides a classroom, kitchens, common rooms, and a library for living, learning, and gathering in community. German language courses and other core classes are taught by local ACU program faculty.
Students have the opportunity to travel within Germany and to nearby countries during their time abroad. They also participate in an Educational Field Trip (EFT) where the entire group travels together, typically to Greece or Turkey. Visit acustudyabroad.com for more information on Leipzig.
Oxford
ENGLAND
Location Details
ACU’s Oxford Program is located approximately 1 hour from London and is famous for its charming architecture. The nearby University of Oxford, which has been home to countless great scholars and writers for over 900 years, including John Locke, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Oxford is at the forefront of education globally and is an ideal location to step into a country rich in history and academic tradition. Director Jacqueline Morrison, an ACU alumna and long time UK resident, guides the program and local faculty and staff.
Program Details
In Oxford, students will live in the ACU Oxford house, which accommodates up to 25 students and a faculty-in-residence family. The house is a walkable distance from the city center, University Park, and Port Meadow. It provides a classroom, multiple kitchens, and common living spaces designed to foster community among Oxford program students and faculty.
Students will have the opportunity to travel within the United Kingdom and to nearby countries during their time abroad. They will also participate in an Educational Field Trip (EFT) where the entire group will travel together, typically to the Lake District or Kenya. Visit acustudyabroad.com for more information on Oxford.
Valencia SPAIN
Location Details
Nestled on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia is Spain’s thirdlargest city and offers a rich blend of history and modern life, creating an ideal setting for academic and personal growth. From the City of Arts and Sciences to traditional markets, daily life invites immersion in Spanish culture. Home to the University of Valencia, a major center for science, engineering, and liberal arts, Valencia is also one of Europe’s most connected cities. Its airport serves over 20 countries, and high-speed rail links it to Madrid, Barcelona, and virtually every major city across the European continent.
Program Details
The Valencia program combines courses taught by ACU’s faculty-in-residence with classes at the prestigious Polytechnic University of Valencia, offering students the chance to study alongside international peers in fields like engineering, premedicine, physics, computer science, and business. This unique partnership provides rich opportunities for Spanish language learning, global networking, and research. Students will also travel within Spain and to nearby countries, including ACUled excursions and an Educational Field Trip (EFT), typically to Morocco. Visit acustudyabroad.com for more information on Valencia.
Academics
ACU Study Abroad and the ACU Honors College have partnered to create enhanced academic and developmental opportunities for students seeking a globally enriched, intellectually rigorous experience. Through our dedicated “Honors Semesters” in Oxford and Leipzig, Honors College students are invited to engage more deeply with their studies and their surroundings through a unique suite of offerings designed with highachieving, globally minded students in mind.
These Honors Semesters feature specialized Honors College colloquia that connect global themes with Christian thought, cross-cultural engagement, and interdisciplinary inquiry. Students also benefit from close faculty mentorship, undergraduate research opportunities, and a thoughtfully integrated curriculum that aligns with several Honors College tracks. These opportunities allow students to not only meet key academic milestones but to do so in a way that strengthens their intellectual formation and broadens their sense of calling.
Additionally, Honors students participating in these semesters receive priority admission consideration and are eligible for enhanced scholarship support through ACU Study Abroad. By integrating academic excellence, experiential learning, and cultural immersion, these Honors Semesters offer a transformative pathway for students to grow as scholars, leaders, and globally conscious Christians.
Faculty in Residence
In addition to our local ACU staff, ACU faculty-in-residence accompany students during their time abroad, providing course content, student mentorship, and spiritual development to each cohort. After their term abroad, ACU students return to our home campus with their faculty-in-residence, providing student cohorts with continued mentorship and a natural link to their ACU study abroad experience.
DR. JOHN BOYLES
How did the study abroad experience shape your teaching and your relationship with the students on ACU Leipzig’s campus?
“Living and learning together in community shaped our time together in profound ways that have continued into the return to campus. Through eating together, traveling together, and participating in a house church during the week, our relationships extended beyond the typical professorstudent relationship. Conversations from class, especially concerning faith, continued beyond the classroom. Discussion and processing of experiences from the concentration camp at Buchenwald to the time in Greece continued throughout the semester. Students brought deep questions they had been struggling with, sometimes for years, into conversations over tea or dinner. Beyond this, we played board games together, went kayaking together, and enjoyed some of the banalities of life that are usually not part and parcel of a faculty-student relationship.”
How did the unique living/learning community of the Leipzig campus form students spiritually?
“Students had opportunities to discuss in and out of class Christianity’s long and troubling history of anti-semitism because of our context in Germany and our travels to Berlin and to Buchenwald. These were pertinent both to our course content in Message of the Old Testament and also in Galatians and Romans. We wrestled together with Paul’s writing about Israel in Romans 9-11, with God’s own faithfulness and what that might mean for physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in our own time. We considered the relevance and application of Israel’s Torah together. In addition, we had conversations about Christianity across differences, particularly in light of the experiences with Greek Orthodoxy on the Educational Field Trip. These experiences and more raised questions about the core or heart of Christianity and provided opportunities for all the students to dig deeper into their own trust and faith in God.”
For students and families contemplating studying abroad, what encouragement or advice would you give them?
“We had an incredible semester abroad! All of the planning and preparation is 100 % worth it. The cultural experience of living in another country, learning how to adapt to new places, and the opportunity to live in community with ACU students was remarkable. We bonded a lot as a family through our daily life in Leipzig and travel experiences throughout Europe. My biggest piece of advice is to consider what stage of life you are in as a family, and create a plan for your semester that fits that season. For students, it is such an amazing opportunity! If you want to study abroad, start planning early and you can find the resources to make your dream a reality.”
Our International Faculty
In addition to ACU faculty-in-residence, our students have the opportunity to learn from incredible local scholars at each of our international locations. By learning alongside our international faculty, ACU students are exposed to new insights and ways of learning, enriching their global experience and deepening our integration with our local communities.
KIERON WINN
“I was born in Kent, but came to Oxford to read English at Christ Church when I was 18, and have barely left. I write poems and teach literature and creative writing, and live with my wife on Osney Island in Oxford.
I began teaching for ACU in Oxford because I saw a job advert in about 2011. Americans are very pleasant students; I suppose I’ve taught thousands now. It’s good to re-experience where I live through their eyes. I hope my ACU students gain a sense of the richness and pleasure of English literature.
My new collection, No Time, will be published soon. There are various themes in the book, and it’s dedicated to my late parents. There are poems set in Greece, Oxford and Cornwall, and the cast includes the Beatles, Rembrandt and the Voyager 1 probe.
I very much hope to visit ACU before long.”
Read more about Kieron at kieronwinn.com
International Staff Feature
From operational coordination of our facilities and international faculty, staff, and local partners, to the development and spiritual formation of our students, ACU International staff and program directors lead every aspect of life on our global campuses.
TESSA LEACH
“My name is Tessa Leach and I am the Assistant Director at ACU in Leipzig. I studied abroad in Oxford Spring 2020. I absolutely love study abroad because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and opens your mind in ways that wouldn’t be possible at home. You’re not just learning in a classroom—you’re experiencing new cultures, meeting people with different perspectives, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around you. It’s a chance to do something cool and challenging that helps you grow in ways you never expected.
In the short time I’ve been in Leipzig, I’ve already fallen in love with the city. It has got this perfect blend of beauty, history, and modern energy. Leipzig has been a birthplace for so much—whether it’s the music of Bach and Mendelssohn or its role in the peaceful revolution that helped bring down the Berlin Wall. But Leipzig isn’t stuck in the past—it’s growing fast, with a vibrant arts scene, cool cafés, and an up-and-coming feel that blends seamlessly with its historic charm. It’s a city that’s constantly evolving, but still holds on to the things that make it unique.”
Educational Field Trips
Our sites in Leipzig, Oxford, and Valencia were selected for their rich history, vibrant local communities, and strategic language-acquisition opportunities. At the same time, we also seek to expose our students to other cultures and locations that shape the host communities where our students live and which are rapidly shaping the future world they will inhabit. In pursuit of this objective, students will travel with their programs for 7-10 days to another country on an Educational Field Trip, or EFT. Locations vary, but current EFT locations can be found in Greece, UK Lake District, Turkey, Kenya, Morocco, and more. During these trips, students will have the opportunity to explore the Christian faith tradition, learn and experience new cultures outside of their hub-site location, and build deeper connections with their program cohort.
MOROCCO
LAKE DISTRICT & KENYA
International Programs
Rwanda (Summer 2026)
Led by Dr. Rachel Slaymaker and Prof. Chris Riley, this program will investigate the themes of restorative justice and power and oppression in the social and historical context of Rwanda. Through examining the history of colonialism and the pre-/post-genocidal social context, and by engaging with individuals involved in the ongoing reconciliation efforts, students will explore the ways themes of oppression and justice shape and reshape Rwandan cultural, social, political, religious, and economic national identity.
As one of the world’s most beautiful regions for wildlife, students will also explore the ways the themes of power and oppression manifest in ecological efforts to conserve and protect the natural world. Students will have the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat and meet with conservationists who are working to secure a future for some of the world’s most endangered plants and animals.
Costa Rica (Spring/Summer 2026)
Both short-term spring and summer programs take place in Turrialba, Costa Rica at CATIE, an international institute for agricultural development and biological conservation in Central America and the Caribbean. At CATIE, ACU students have the opportunity to put their education into practice by learning and serving alongside local businesses while exploring sustainability and international business in a Spanish-speaking context.
In addition to a multi-cultural center for learning, the CATIE campus is a beautiful wildlife refuge, comprising more than 1,000 hectares in the middle of a mountainous landscape, where coffee plantations, agricultural activity, and cane fields abound. Through curricular and extra-curricular experiences, students will be transformed personally and professionally through their experiences in Costa Rica.
Alumni Adventures
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Are you looking for a new adventure or a place to reconnect with other alumni and beloved ACU faculty? ACU Alumni Adventures offers alumni the opportunity to engage in meaningful travel and learning experiences beyond graduation through specially curated experiences around the world.
In June 2026, a small group of ACU alumni will be traveling to Tanzania to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, followed by a safari experience on the Serengeti plain. Along the way, experienced faculty and staff from ACU Study Abroad will manage the details with established partners, and faculty will provide guided conversations on faith and vocational discernment in the second half of life. Participants should be at least 22 years old, in good health, and ready for a new adventure. For more information, please see acustudyabroad.com/alumni-adventures.
Rwanda Summer 2026
About the program
Rwanda offers a profound and deeply relevant case study for students interested in Legal Studies or Human Rights and Justice. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, by another ethnic group (the Hutus), devastated the country. Yet in the decades since, Rwandans have become a model in cultivating peace and reconciliation, facilitating empowerment to rebuild the country, and increasing their focus on social, economic, and environmental justice efforts.
Human Rights and Justice minor
Our hope for students in this new minor is to cultivate critical-thinking when creating just and equitable solutions that address human rights and justice issues throughout the world. Graduates of the Human Rights and Justice minor will be people who are thoughtful of all parties involved in an injustice; and who endeavor for resolution and reconciliation. There is also an experiential learning component to this minor that ensures students develop a deeper understanding of justice that moves beyond theory and into practice.
How faculty and students may be transformed through this experience
We’ll engage with a living model of reconciliation and justice: Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery offers critical insights into justice processes, including reconciliation efforts, community-based justice, and policies focused on national unity.
We’ll explore the intersections of social, racial, and economic justice: Rwanda’s history and contemporary policies provide a lens for examining how structural inequalities are addressed in real-time and in an area outside of the U.S.
We’ll learn from local experts and communities: Students and faculty will have the opportunity to interact with local lawyers, grassroots organizations, and survivors who are actively shaping positive change.
We’ll better understand the global relevance of justice work: This experience offers lessons for both faculty and students that apply beyond its borders, helping students think critically about justice frameworks in their own communities and globally.
Encouragement and advice for students
Take advantage of the international opportunities while at ACU as a way to step out of their comfort zones and embrace cultural differences in an immersive experience.
Dr. Rachel Slaymaker
Chris Riley
