For the most up to date information regarding each program please contact the Office of Study Abroad.
Cultural Landscapes of Ireland: Explore Ancient Heritage in a Modern World
Join Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Hoey, for an immersive, summer study abroad experience in Ireland, where students are invited to explore the rich cultural landscapes of the famed Boyne Valley and beyond. This program, offered in partnership with Ireland’s Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and BridgeValley Community and Technical College, blends classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork, allowing students to engage deeply with Ireland’s fascinating heritage sites, vibrant cities, and stunning natural scenery. Designed for students across disciplines, this program holds special appeal for those in STEM fields eager to apply their academic knowledge in a broader, interdisciplinary context.
Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS)
KIIS is a non-profit study abroad consortium of which Marshall is a member. KIIS is committed to offering high-quality, low-cost study abroad options for undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree seeking students. KIIS has 25 four-week summer programs and four semester programs in Europe, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Central & South America with courses in Business & Economics, Humanities, Health Sciences, Language Study, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Programs are faculty-led so Marshall students and faculty can apply to study/teach with KIIS. The program cost typically includes six credit hours (summer) and 12-15 credit hours (semester), transfers between airport abroad and program site, on-site orientation, accommodations, some meals, local transportation for group excursions, comprehensive medical insurance and security evacuation insurance. Learn more about this program at the Marshall/KIIS Program Website, or visit www.kiis.org.
KIIS Summer Program in Argentina
Led by Marshall University Professor of Political Science, Dr. Shawn Schulenberg, this four-week summer program takes students to beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina. From the Andes Mountains to the bustling port city of Buenos Aires, Argentina embodies the richness of both South American and European cultures. Based in Buenos Aires, a fascinating urban landscape with famous streets, cafes, architecture, cuisine, music and dance, group excursions include visits to museums, outdoor markets, historic mansions, national monuments, government ministries and soccer stadiums. Courses make Argentina the focus of discussion through hands-on learning opportunities and guest lectures by local Argentine experts. Students enjoy free weekends to travel independently to other regions in Argentina. The early application deadline for Summer is December 1st, but students may apply for the program up through February 5th.
KIIS Winter Program in Florence & Rome
Led by Marshall University Professor of Art, Ian Hagarty and Jessica Lowman this two week winter program occurs over the MU holiday break from December 26 – January 7. The KIIS winter program in Italy is a twelve-day program that begins in the beautiful Tuscan city of Florence and ends in the country’s magnificent capital, Rome. Students spend the first five days in Florence where they are living within walking distance of the most famous museums and sites in Italy’s Renaissance capital. The program will then move to Rome where students visit and explore the Vatican, Colosseum, famous churches, and other memorable monuments. The early application deadline is August 1st, but students may apply up through September 15th.
KIIS Summer Program in Japan/Korea
Led by Marshall University Professor of Japanese, Dr. Zelideth Maria Rivas, this two-week summer program will visit Daegu, Seoul, Nagoya, and Osaka. In addition to regular classes, students will visit Gyeongju, Seoul Animation Center, Toyota Commemorative Industry Museum, and other educational institutions and cultural sites in order to explore the evolution of contemporary and popular cultures. Note: Students should be aware that excursions may be physically strenuous and involve walking several miles at a time. The early application deadline is December 1st, and students can apply up through February 5th.
Led by Marshall University Professor Dr. Miyuki Cook. The KIIS Japan program offers students an opportunity to discover the multidimensional images of Japan to gain insight into its complex and dynamic culture and society. The program will visit Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Gifu, Nagoya, and Tokyo. In addition to regular classes, students will attend ancient accessory making workshops, tea ceremony, and visit educational institutions and historical sites.
KIIS Summer Program in Austria
Led by Marshall University Professor Dr. Robin Riner. Austria has been a favorite destination for KIIS students since 1975. Located on Lake Constance and at the foot of the Alps, this summer program provides an ideal setting to experience European life. Students live with Austrian families in the picturesque town of Bregenz, offering students a “home in Europe.” Using the youth Eurail Globalpass (included in the program fee) and the extensive European train system, students are only a few hours away from many great European cultural centers such as Zurich, Munich, and Salzburg. From Bregenz students can ride trains to Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Venice, Florence, Prague, and many other cities.
Led by Marshall University Professor Dr. Del Chrol. This program begins in the Oltrarno quarter of Florence with an exploration of the Renaissance city’s world-class art and architecture and surroundings. It then moves to the Trastevere district of the ancient and modern capital of Rome, visiting museums, classical ruins, historic churches, palaces and other destinations. By investigating Italian art and history and taking part in the local culture, students become acquainted with the Italian people, their culture and their way of life.
Led by Marshall University Professor Dr. Rosalyn Quinones. This course is designed for science and non‐science majors and will begin with an introduction to some basic principles of light, color, and chemistry. These principles will be used to investigate artists’ materials. In ancient Greek art, the philosophers held a theoretical view of color and art while the artists were more pragmatic in their production of art. Causes of deterioration will be explored. Scientific methods to analyze works of art including microscopic analysis and techniques using X-rays, ultraviolet, and infrared light will be introduced. Conservation and restoration topics will be addressed. Field trips to art galleries, museums, and restoration laboratories are an important part of this course
Tropical Biology and Conservation Field Course in Costa Rica
This course will provide first-hand experience of ecology and conservation in a tropical environment and give students a foundation in a range of topics including biodiversity, community ecology, ecosystem processes, anthropogenic impacts, and conservation. Tropical forests are some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and play critical roles in climate regulation. However, they are undergoing rapid transformation through deforestation and land-use change. This course will provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of how these ecosystems function and an appreciation of conservation and management of tropical forests. The 10-day field component will take place in Costa Rica, Central America. Osa Conservation’s Piro Research Station will be the primary field site. It is part of the largest block of intact tropical forest north of the Amazon. Throughout the course there will be a strong emphasis on practical training. Key topics will be introduced during a series of lectures and seminars, and then developed through structured field activities. Students participating in the field component will receive hands-on direction in wildlife monitoring, measuring animal behavior and applied conservation.
For more information: Home – Biological Sciences (marshall.edu)
Tropical Ecology Course
Tropical Ecology is designed to introduce non-science majors, science majors, and graduate students to the cultural components, human impacts, basic ecology, habitat types, biodiversity, plant communities, vertebrate life histories, and conservation of tropical ecosystems. The location of the field component changes each trip but this portion is required. Focus is on coral reefs, rainforests, tropical dry forests, mountainous areas, and ecologically sensitive/significant resources. Students get full immersion in the ecosystems studied from scuba surveys on coral reefs to banding birds in a rainforest. Most of the international trips are limited to 2 week trips to reduce the financial limitations on students. An extra fee is required to cover the costs of the international travel. One of the goals of Marshall University is to help produce students who are prepared for a world-wide job market. The thread that runs throughout this class is how can the scientific method be used to answer questions significant to the protection and sustainability of these resources. We firmly believe that students at every level can have a role in the conservation of these globally significant ecosystems.
Explore Poland: A Journey Through History and Culture
Dates: June 2025
Duration: 21 Days
Open to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Cost: $3,900 plus tuition
Embark on a transformative study-abroad experience focusing on the rich cultural tapestry of Poland in the 20th and 21st centuries. This course offers an in-depth exploration of Poland’s literature, education, and film, with a special emphasis on key historical events, including the Holocaust, life under Communism as part of the Warsaw Pact, the Solidarity movement, and Poland’s current role as a member of the European Union. Itinerary includes excursions to Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan, Wroclaw, Krakow, and more! Earn 6 English or Curriculum and Instruction credits. For more information, contact:
Dr. Allison Carey, Chair, English Department: careya@marshall.edu
Dr. Kimberly McFall, COEPD Fulbright Scholar, Poland; kimberly.mcfall@marshall.edu