Faculty-led Programs

Many academic departments at Columbia have created study abroad programs that offer courses within their concentrations. These programs usually run in the J-session, over spring break, and in the summer and are open to all Columbia students. To find out more about these programs, reference the information below and contact the faculty leaders directly.

Upcoming Deadlines:

J-term and Spring: October 31*
Summer: March 31*

*Individual programs may have earlier deadlines. Consult with faculty leader(s) for additional information.

General Eligibility Requirements:

• A cumulative 2.5 GPA
• Good academic standing with no active holds 
• Be in compliance with the Student Code of Conduct 
• Meet any program specific requirements, if applicable

Note: Prices below are additional Special Course Fees and do not include tuition. For information on tuition rates at Columbia, please refer to Columbia Central. 

Ready to apply for a Columbia Faculty-Led Course? Applications are open for J-term & Spring!

Apply Here!

 

J-Term 2024 and Spring 2024

Note that for financial aid reasons, J-term is considered to be part of the Spring semester.  For information on tuition rates at Columbia, please refer to Columbia Central.

• Latin American Culture, Arts, and Gender (Argentina)

   

  Location: Buenos Aires and Jujuy, Argentina
  Program Dates: January 3 - January 17, 2024
  Courses: HUMA 103 or HUMA 104 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Gabriela Díaz de Sabatés and Marcelo Sabatés
  Special Course Fee: $1990
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1990
  Course Description: This 2-week long study abroad program immerses participants in a rich and vibrant Latin American setting, combining experiences in a cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic culture (Buenos Aires, one of the cultural and artistic hubs in Latin America) with an indigenous community location (Tilcara/Purmamarca, in the Inca-influenced northern Argentina province of Jujuy). The trip provides a unique ground to learn about gender, ethnicities, colonialism and neo-colonialism, and regional cultural and artistic productions. Knowledge of Spanish language is NOT required. The special course fee covers lodging and excursions in Buenos Aires and Jujuy, domestic round-trip flight between Buenos Aires and Jujuy, city transfers, three group meals, breakfasts, a Tango experience, and museum and event fees. Since Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere, participants enjoy warm, long days with pleasant 70-80 degree temperatures.
  Accommodations: Hotel in Buenos Aires; Colonial House in Jujuy

• Creative Writing in Paris (France)

  

  *Application Deadline*: October 2 - This program is competitive! Accepted participants will be notified no later than October 6. Accepted students must pay deposits by October 16. 
  Location: Paris, France
  Program Dates: January 5 - January 19, 2024
  Courses: CRWR 370 or CRWR 670 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Kathie Bergquist and Doug Whippo
  Special Course Fee: $3200
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $2310
  Course Description: While exploring the work of Ernest Hemingway and James Baldwin and through deep interaction with the city of Paris and its rich literary heritage, students experience firsthand life as a creative writer abroad, see their work in the context of other writers’ works, and examine the personal and social contexts for creativity. Site visits include a city tour of major Paris sites, walking tours of literary/artistic Paris including lunch at a literary cafe, optional jazz club visit, and an end-of-session literary salon. Daily breakfast, as well as a welcome lunch and celebration dinner are included.
  Accommodations: Double occupancy rooms with ensuite bathrooms in hostel.
  Additional Application Requirements:
  1. Complete the online application, including your essay of interest no later than October 2. In your essay response, include: a personal introduction, why you are interested in the Paris J-Term, your interest and experience with creative writing, and how you think this study abroad opportunity will benefit you. Note: because this is an academic program, we are less interested in your lifelong dream of going to Paris, and more interested in what you will contribute to the program and how it will benefit your creative or professional development. 
  2. Attend a mandatory information session. See below link for details.
  Additional Information: Paris J-Term Website & Info Sessions
  

• Topics in Advertising: New York City Agencies (NY)

  

  Location: New York City, New York
  Program Dates: January 7 - January 12, 2024
  Course: ADVE 299A (1 credit)
  Faculty Leaders: Craig Sigele and TBD
  Special Course Fee: $1170
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $560
  Course Description: New York City, the cultural capital of the world and the nerve center of the global advertising industry, is your classroom each January. This one-week program invites students from diverse majors, providing them a privileged peek into the operations of various ad agencies, from budding digital startups to established giants. During your time in NYC, you'll also have the unique opportunity to engage with Alumni who have made this city their home, gaining firsthand insights into what it's like to transition and establish a life in this vibrant metropolis. Beyond the programmed activities, you'll have personal time to delve into the city's rhythms on your own or with fellow classmates, experiencing the diverse culinary, artistic, and entertainment scenes. Your exploration could extend to captivating Broadway shows, museums, and unforgettable visits to iconic landmarks like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. This journey is not just a study tour, it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the bustling dynamics of advertising and the rich cultural life of the Big Apple.
  Accommodations: Marriott Residence Inn at Bryant Park; breakfast included

• London Theatre Workshop (UK)

  

  Location: London, UK
  Program Dates: January 4 - January 13, 2024
  Courses: THEA 475 or THEA 575 (1 credit)
  Faculty Leader: Michael Brown
  Special Course Fee: $1500
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1810
  Course Description: Participants will receive practical classes in different aspects of professional theatre, from Columbia College Chicago faculty and from working theatre professionals in London. Students will also attend performances by theatre companies from the UK and around the world, ranging from contemporary physical and experimental work to Musicals and productions of Shakespeare’s plays. Other activities include workshops and tours at well-known theatrical venues like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Royal National Theatre, and Stratford-upon-Avon. 
  Accommodations: Hostel in central London shared among program participants (4-6 per room)

• Fashion Studies in the Field (UK)

  

  Location: London and Bath, UK 
  Program Dates: January 2 - January 17, 2024
  Course: FASH 399A (3 credits)
  Faculty Leader: Justin Dougan-LeBlanc
  Special Course Fee: $2820
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1710
  Course Description: Are you interested in seeing and meeting local fashion designers in London? Immersing yourself in textile design at Bath Spa University? This is for you! You will spend 4 nights in London with trips to museums, fashion houses, and iconic locations throughout the city. You will travel to the gorgeous town of Bath, where you will have opportunities to take a class at Bath Spa University’s prestigious Textiles Program, located in the new state-of-the-art Locksbrook Campus. This course is open to those studying fashion or those interested in fashion and the arts: all are welcome.
  Accommodations: Hotel in London; Shared home with private bedroom in Bath

• International Cultural Heritage Management in Rome (Italy)

  

  Location: Rome, Italy 
  Program Dates: January 3 - January 20, 2024
  Courses: BUSE 415 or BUSE 515 (3 credits) *This program runs concurrently with Topics in Writing Abroad in Rome
  Faculty Leaders: Bob Blanford 
  Additional Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $2930
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1500
  Course Description: Immerse yourself in Rome’s art, history, culture—and food! Here’s your chance to study abroad, earn college credit, and visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum; Catacombs; St. Peter’s, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums; Borghese Gallery, Keats-Shelley Museum, contemporary art museums, and other cultural heritage sites. Includes a day trip to Pompeii.
  Rome is home to over 2000 years of human history and culture. You'll investigate cultural sites, archeological excavations, museums, and exhibitions in and around the city while meeting with local archeologists, art historians, and film experts. 
  Through first-hand observation, research, and reflection, you'll analyze and propose strategies to engage visitors from diverse backgrounds with the cultural heritage of Rome. You'll draw on your own creative, professional, and academic interests and experience to investigate curatorial direction, exhibition design, uses of technology, interpretative methodologies, and marketing and communication strategies. 
  Accommodations: TBD
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

• Topics in Writing Abroad in Rome (Italy)

  

  Location: Rome, Italy 
  Program Dates: January 3 - January 20, 2024
  Courses: CRWR 372 or CRWR 672 (3 credits) *This program runs concurrently with International Cultural Heritage Management in Rome
  Faculty Leaders: Randy Albers
  Special Course Fee: $2930
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1500
  Course Description: Immerse yourself in Rome’s art, history, culture—and food! Here’s your chance to study abroad, earn college credit, and visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum; Catacombs; St. Peter’s, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums; Borghese Gallery, Keats-Shelley Museum, contemporary art museums, and other cultural heritage sites. Includes a day trip to Pompeii.
  Rome is home to over 2000 years of human history and culture. You'll investigate cultural sites, archeological excavations, museums, and exhibitions in and around the city while reading fiction, poetry, and nonfiction by noted authors writing in or about Rome.
  Through first-hand observation, research, and reflection, you'll create an extended story, essay, performance, hybrid, or mixed media project, either individually or collaboratively, based on your program experience.
  Accommodations: TBD
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

• On & Off the Beaten Track: Art|Design beyond Chicagoland (LA)

   

  Location: Los Angeles, CA
  Program Dates: January 7 - January 13, 2024
  Courses: ARTS 475 or ARTS 575 (1 credit)
  Faculty Leader: TBD
  Special Course Fee: $1420
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $720
  Course Description: TBD
  Accommodations: TBD

• New York Theatre Experience (NY)

  

  Location: New York City, NY
  Program Dates: January 2 - January 6, 2024
  Course: THEA 471 (1 credit)
  Faculty Leader: TBD
  Special Course Fee: $1240
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $450
  Course Description: TBD
  Accommodations: TBD

• Musical Theatre (NY)

  

  Location: New York City, NY
  Program Dates: January 2 - January 6, 2024
  Course: THEA 395 (1 credit)
  Faculty Leader: TBD
  Special Course Fee: $370
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $620
  Course Description: TBD
  Accommodations: TBD

• Fashion Studies in the Field (NY)

  

  Location: New York City, NY
  Program Dates: January 2 - January 19, 2024
  Course: FASH 387 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Dana Connell and Reyes Witt
  Special Course Fee: $2470
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $650
  Course Description: Drawing on the rich resources specific to New York City, this course will provide an introduction to the local fashion industry for students soon-to-enter a fashion-related profession. The course is designed to enhance students' knowledge of New York's fashion industry including its history, fashion design, production, merchandising, and retailing. In addition, students will visit museums and other culturally unique sites to enhance their understanding of the subject.
  Accommodations: Double-occupany rooms in hotel

• Marketing in Europe: Paris (France)

  

  Location: Paris, France
  Program Dates: January 10 - January 20, 2024
  Courses: BUSE 406 or BUSE 506 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leader: Monique Maye
  Additional Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $3110
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1300
  Course Description: This course introduces and exposes students to the components and elements of marketing from the European point of view. The current international trends in marketing have made it necessary for marketing professionals to maintain a global view in performing their tasks. This course will allow students to comprehend how marketing is critically linked to a firm’s global business objectives. Understand why marketing and communication are influenced by cultural diversity. Students will observe the contrasts in marketing practices and business processes, and more importantly, how they are impacted by cultural differences. Students will also grasp the understanding of why storytelling should be an integral part of any effective marketing strategy. We will visit businesses like Chanel, WPP, and Peclers. Highlights include the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysée, the Louvre, and Fountaine Bleu.
  Accommodations: Hotel
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

• Trendspotting: Milan (Italy) - Spring Break

  

  Location: Milan, Italy
  Program Dates: March 23 - March 30, 2024
  Course: FASH 293 (3 credits) *this is a Spring term course, with a Spring Break travel component
  Faculty Leaders: Melissa Gamble and Flora Brunetti
  Special Course Fee: $3080
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1870
  Course Description: This hybrid course will take place on campus at Columbia College Chicago and in the fashion capital of Milan over spring break. Students will experience everyday life in a major European city. They will have the opportunity to think creatively about the beliefs and methods that allow trends to develop and evolve. Milan, known mostly for its luxury brands including Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana and more, is also home to vibrant food, design, art, and history scenes.

  Students will visit various neighborhoods around the city including Porta Ticinese (known for vintage shopping), the Brera District (with its local artisan shops and boutiques) as well as luxury stores, furniture shops, art galleries, museums such as the Armani Silos and more. Through observation, and other first and secondhand research, students will develop a keen awareness and understanding of how to spot patterns in dress, culture, and society while experiencing the rich Italian culture.
  Accommodations: Hotels

• International Theatre Workshop (Morocco) - Spring Break

  

  Location: Multi-city including Fes and Marrakesh, Morocco
  Program Dates: March 21 - March 31, 2024
  Courses: THEA 475 or THEA 575 (3 credits) 
  Faculty Leaders: Susan Padveen and Colbey Reid
  Special Course Fee: $2410
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1760
  Course Description: This study abroad program will highlight the culture, history and artisans of Morocco. You'll experience the spectacular scenery, walking tours of UNESCO medinas, visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and gardens, and take part in a local cooking class. Also included, an extraordinary evening of glamping in the Sahara! All meals are provided.
  Accommodations: Hotels

• Musical Theatre (NY) - Spring Break

  

  Location: New York City, NY
  Program Dates: March 25 - March 28, 2024
  Course: THEA 365 (1 credit)
  Faculty Leader: TBD
  Special Course Fee: $370
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $620
  Course Description: TBD
  Accommodations: TBD

• SXSW Music (TX) - Spring

  Location: Austin, TX
  Program Dates: March 8 - March 16, 2024
  Courses: BUSE 475/575; BUSE 483/583; BUSE 485/585; BUSE 486/586 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Jerry Brindisi; Justin Sinkovich; Alex Fruchter; Loren Wells; Monique Maye; Philippe Ravanas; Clayton Smith; Jason Stephens
  Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $1490
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: TBD
  Course Description: TBD
  Accommodations: TBD
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

  
  

• SXSW Interactive (TX) - Spring

  Location: Austin, TX
  Program Dates: March 8 - March 16, 2024
  Courses: BUSE 479/579; BUSE 484/584; BUSE 489/589 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Jerry Brindisi; Justin Sinkovich; Alex Fruchter; Loren Wells; Monique Maye; Philippe Ravanas; Clayton Smith; Jason Stephens
  Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $1560
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: TBD
  Course Description: TBD
  Accommodations: TBD
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

  
  

Summer 2024

Please note that the Special Course Fees do not include tuition and fees. Estimated tuition is listed, but refer to Columbia Central for the most up to date information and amounts.

• Culture, Arts, and Gender (Mexico)

  

  Location: Mexico City, Oaxaca City, and Puebla, Mexico
  Program Dates: June 5 - June 19, 2024
  Courses: HUMA 103 or HUMA 104 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Gabriela Díaz de Sabatés and Marcelo Sabatés
  Special Course Fee: $1810
  Tuition: UG-$2775
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1350
  Course Description: This 2-week long study abroad program immerses participants in a rich and vibrant Latin American setting, combining experiences in a cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic location (Mexico City, one of the historic, cultural and artistic hubs of Latin America), an indigenous community location (Oaxaca City, in the Zapotec/Mixtec State of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico) and a traditional colonial location (Puebla). The trip provides a unique ground to learn about gender, ethnicities, colonialism and neo-colonialism, and regional cultural and artistic productions, including Mexican Muralism. Knowledge of Spanish language is NOT required. Students may enroll in either HUMA 103 (Introduction to Latin American Studies) or HUMA 104 (Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies). Some examples of sites to be visited are the Aztec Templo Mayor, Tehotihuacán, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera museums, Monte Albán archaeological site, and the Chapultepec castle. The special course fee covers lodging and excursions in Mexico City, Puebla and Oaxaca, domestic transportation between the three cities, city transfers, three group meals, breakfasts, a folkloric dance experience, and museum and event fees.
  Accommodations: AirBnB houses in Mexico City; Hotel in Oaxaca City and Puebla

• Kafka & European Writers: Prague (Czech Republic)

   

  *Application Deadline*: March 11! Accepted students must pay deposits by March 18. 
  Location: Prague, Czech Republic
  Program Dates: May 31 - June 29, 2024
  Courses: CRWR 320 or CRWR 620 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Kathie Bergquist and Doug Whippo
  Special Course Fee: $3150
  Tuition: UG-$2775 / Grad-varies by program
  Estimated Additional Costs: $2830
  Course Description: The Creative Writing Summer in Prague program offers students the opportunity to live as writers abroad in one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Students expand their worldview through literary and cultural encounters, while walking the same streets once trod by Franz Kafka and other renowned Czech writers and artists. Excursions, tours, and field trips complement the course and students are allowed ample time to explore the city and surrounding regions and pursue their own stories. 
  Accommodations: Double-occupancy in self-catered residence, with full kitchens and laundry
  Additional Application Requirements: Attend a mandatory information session. See below link for details.
  Additional Information: Prague Website & Info Sessions

• International Creativity in Cannes (France)

   

  Location: Cannes, France
  Program Dates: June 15 - June 21, 2024
  Course: COMM 299 (1 credit)
  Faculty Leaders: Peg Murphy and Tom Eslinger
  Special Course Fee: $3310
  Tuition: UG-$1221
  Estimated Additional Costs: $2550
  Course Description: Bonjour! The Cannes International Lions Festival of Creativity is the world’s biggest CREATIVITY festival for advertising, communications, marketing, entertainment, design, social media, content creation, branded films & events, and tech industries. A Cannes “Lion” is one of the most coveted awards worldwide. Student attendees receive badges to the Cannes Lions Festival and award shows, passes to the Cannes Fringe Festival, and access to beach panels and fun activations by brands such as Meta, Spotify, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, etc. And did we mention....it all takes place on the French Riviera?! Come network with industry award winners, enjoy celebrity sightings, experience the very best, and soak up a little fun in the South of France sun. C’est merveilleux!
  Accommodations: Likely small shared apartments or hotel

• Global Marketing: Prague (Czech Republic)

  

  Location: Prague, Czech Republic
  Program Dates: May 31 - June 17, 2024
  Courses: BUSE 405 or BUSE 505 (6 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Philippe Ravanas and Sandra Kumorowski
  Additional Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $2500
  Tuition: UG-$5106 / Grad-varies by program
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1225
  Course Description: This hybrid, experiential course provides students with a professional strategic marketing experience that expands global awareness. Students will have the opportunity to work with owners and the marketing team of a famous Czech cosmetic brand, develop a strategic marketing plan and present it to the brand leadership. In the process, they will understand how a cosmetic brand operates globally and how cultural differences impact marketing and branding strategies. While in Prague students will be immersed in a culturally rich city and its historically significant environs. They will visit several significant sites in and around Prague to learn about the culture, history and life in the Czech Republic. This six-credit hour program can count as an elective towards all majors in Business and Entrepreneurship (both undergraduate and graduate) or as a college-wide elective. This course also satisfies the College’s Global Awareness credit requirement.
  Accommodations: TBD
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

• Music City Experience (LA)

  

  Location: Los Angeles, CA
  Program Dates: August 5 - August 9, 2024 (tentative)
  Course: BUSE 348 (1 credit)
  Faculty Leader: Jerry Brindisi
  Additional Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $1670
  Tuition: UG-$1221 / Grad-varies by program
  Estimated Additional Costs: $785
  Course Description: This intensive experience explores music business related disciplines such as: record labels, artist management, booking agents, music publishing/licensing and live entertainment within certain music markets. Students meet professionals and receive tours of discipline-specific facilities, or have other on-site experiences, acquainting them with the process of transitioning from academic life to a professional one. Students will explore a particular “music city” through the online component of the course and then experience the music business in that city through a one-week study away. This is a rotating subject course. Site visits may include: Sunset Strip, Capital Records Building, Amoeba Music, The Whiskey A Go Go, Universal Music.
  Accommodations: Rooms at Park Labrea (SiLA campus)
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

• International Festivals: Edinburgh (Scotland)

  

  Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
  Program Dates: August 8 - August 17, 2024
  Courses: BUSE 425 or BUSE 525 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Mary Filice and Bob Blanford
  Additional Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $2750
  Tuition: UG-$2775 / Grad-varies by program
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1500
  Course Description: The European Experiments in Arts Policy and Management takes students behind-the-scenes of two of the largest performing and visual arts festivals in the world: Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Edinburgh Art Festival. Students are immersed in the city’s annual international celebration of creatives, gaining first-hand, professional performance and artistic perspectives on managing contemporary arts and cultural events. Students experience the convergence of the arts and business through meetings with arts managers, entrepreneurs, performers, artists, and scholars. Throughout the 2-week duration in Edinburgh, students will also experience live performances, exhibitions, and historical sites. The course includes an online component prior to arrival in Edinburgh and the final project is designed to allow each student to create a project specific to their own individual creative or professional interest.
  During the month of August Edinburgh is home to five festivals: Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
  Accommodations: Queen Margaret University (QMU)
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

Are you a faculty member interested in proposing a new international program? Contact David Comp, Assistant Provost for Global Education at dcomp@colum.edu, to get started!