First-year undergraduates who start at the university in the Fall 2025 semester will have a week-long immersive study away experience that's included as part of your Westminster degree.

During your second year at Westminster, you’ll take a semester-long WCore Engaging the World class or Honors College seminar that includes an embedded study away experience during fall or spring break. It’s fully funded by generous donors so that every student can participate.

You’ll choose between domestic or international experiences that focus on engaging with the host community while remaining committed to socially responsible and sustainable travel practices. All of this is made possible through Westminster’s international service-learning program, IPSL Global Engagement.

Potential Classes

PUBH-250: Global Health

  • Faculty leader: Dr. Han Kim
  • Dates: Fall 2026 semester with travel to Colombia during fall break

The course is led by Dr. Han Kim and will introduce students to public health concepts related to global health, including the role of globalization in the spread of illness, and the link between political, governmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The semester-long course includes a one-week study away week in Colombia during fall break.

With your faculty leader and classmates, you’ll explore a country with a rich cultural diversity, complex health system, and varied public health needs. With its urban-rural divide, Colombia faces both modern health challenges and long-standing issues, such as infectious diseases and the health impacts of displacement from armed conflict. The opportunity to engage with local health organizations will foster a deeper understanding of global health issues.

 group of students walking outside in Colombia

JUST-221: Community Justice

  • Faculty leader: Dr. Connie Etter
  • Dates: Fall 2026 semester with travel to Peru during fall break

This class explores the idea that justice happens in community with others, rather than in the courts. In Peru, students will meet Quechua potato farmers, weavers, and community members from villages off the tourist path to think about community-based and collective justice in cultural context. Students will explore the wisdom of the Incans at spectacular sites such as Machu Picchu, Qoricancha, and Sacsayhuamán.

The class goal will be to think critically and reflectively about how to stand with one another, across differences, to navigate contemporary challenges related to development, tourism, climate change, and global migration.

a man and a woman standing and looking out at ancient areas in Peru

“Traveling ... was life changing and a really transformative experience. Not only did I get to meet and connect with some really amazing Westminster students, being able to explore the inner workings of these countries was something I will never forget.”

Paris Pratt
'24