Faculty-led Programs

**The Application for J-Term 2026 faculty-led programs is now open!

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 Application Deadlines: 

J-term: November 12*
Summer: May 1*

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

General Eligibility Requirements:

• A cumulative 2.5 GPA for UG and 3.0 GPA for Grad
• 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. 

Utilize the Faculty-Led Budget Planning Tool to determine the total cost associated with your program selection.

Ready to apply for a Columbia Faculty-Led Course? Applications are coming soon!

Apply Here!

 

Summer 2026 - Application is Open

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.

*While descriptions and prices are as accurate as possible, everything is subject to change.

• Culture, Arts, and Gender in Mexico

  

  Location: Mexico City, Oaxaca City, and Puebla, Mexico
  Program Dates: June 7 - June 21, 2026
  Courses: HUMA 104 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Marcelo Sabatés and Gabriela Díaz de Sabatés 
  Special Course Fee: $1,510
  Tuition: Tuition is NOT included. Please see current per credit tuition rates via Columbia Central.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1,115
  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, gender identities, ethnicities, colonialism and neo-colonialism, and regional cultural and artistic productions, including Mexican Muralism. Knowledge of Spanish language is NOT required. Students enroll in HUMA 104 (Introduction to Feminist and Queer Studies), which is taught at a Latin American context. Some examples of sites to be visited are the Aztec Templo Mayor, Tehotihuacán, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera Museums, Monte Albán archeological 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, a Folkloric Dance experience, a printmaking workshop and museum and event fees. including international airfare) passport and meals is about $1,100.
  Accommodations: AirBnB houses in Mexico City; Hotel in Oaxaca City and Puebla

• Kafka & European Writers: Prague (Czech Republic)

   

  Location: Prague, Czech Republic
  Program Dates: June 11 - July 5, 2026
  Courses: CRWR 320 or CRWR 620 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Kathie Bergquist and Doug Whippo
  Special Course Fee: $3,150
  Tuition: Tuition is NOT included. Please see current per credit tuition rates via Columbia Central.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $2,445
  Course Description: For 24 days and nights, students walk the storied streets of Prague, drawing inspiration from its layered history and surreal atmosphere while engaging deeply with the life and work of one of the city’s most celebrated writers, Franz Kafka. Cultural outings include a tour of the historic Jewish Quarter, a deep dive into the city’s complex past at the Museum of Communism, and a walking tour of provocative installation art by Czech sculptor David Černý. Students explore Prague Castle, walk across Charles Bridge, marvel at the Astronomical Clock, visit the Kafka Museum and his gravesite, and participate in a celebratory end-of-session reading at the iconic Globe Bookstore.

  Alongside these experiences, the course invites students to explore the role of dreams and dream imagery as tools for creative expression—through journaling, reading, in-class writing, and workshops, students learn to recognize and harness the unconscious as a source of artistic inspiration. Open to all students, grad and undergrad, who enjoy reading, writing, and experiencing the world through a creative lens.
  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

• Global Marketing: Prague (Czech Republic)

  

  Location: Prague, Czech Republic
  Program Dates: May 30 - June 16, 2025
  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: Tuition is NOT included. Please see current per credit tuition rates via Columbia Central.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1500
  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

• HyperJapan

  

  Location: Tokyo and Kanazawa, Japan
  Program Dates: May 28 - June 12, 2026
  Courses: ARTS 475 or COMM 270 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Jesse Seay and Rebecca Midden
  Special Course Fee: $1,830
  Tuition: Tuition is NOT included. Please see current per credit tuition rates via Columbia Central.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $3,130
  Course Description: This immersive summer study abroad program takes students to Tokyo and Kanazawa, Japan, for an interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary art, traditional culture, and the experience of place through space, material, and atmosphere. Students will visit major cultural institutions such as the Mori Art Museum, teamLab Planets, the Tokyo National Museum, and Kanazawa’s renowned 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, gaining insight into Japan’s dynamic artistic landscape. The program also includes excursions to iconic historic sites like Senso-ji Temple, Kanazawa Castle, and Kenrokuen Garden, alongside opportunities to explore local neighborhoods and artisan districts, from Tokyo’s vibrant urban centers to Kanazawa’s historic samurai and teahouse quarters. Through guided discussions, site visits, and course projects, students will examine Japanese aesthetics and communication in context. Participants can choose between earning credit for ARTS 475 or COMM 270.

  
  Accommodations: Shared hotels

J-Term 2026 and Spring 2026 - Application is now open

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.

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.

*While descriptions and prices are as accurate as possible, everything is subject to change.

• Creative Writing in Paris (France)

  

  *Application Deadline*: Wednesday, Oct. 15; if accepted, your program deposit must be received by Oct. 31. Please note that this program is competitive and you are required to attend an online info session before applying. 

  Location: Paris, France
  Program Dates: January 4 - January 19, 2026
  Courses: CRWR 370 or CRWR 670 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Kathie Bergquist and Doug Whippo
  Special Course Fee: $2,850
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $2,300
  Course Description: Experience Paris through the eyes—and words—of two literary legends: James Baldwin and Ernest Hemingway. This immersive creative writing course centers on their works written in and about Paris, inviting students to explore how place shapes identity, voice, and artistic vision.

  Over two unforgettable weeks, students will walk the same streets, visit the same cafés, and engage deeply with the creative forces that made Paris a haven for writers across generations. Through assigned readings, guided site visits, journaling, and writing workshops, you’ll reflect on your own creative voice and produce original work inspired by your time abroad.

  You do not need to be a writing major to participate, but you should enjoy reading, writing, and exploring how literature intersects with culture and place. This is a creative writing class—students will be writing daily and crafting a final creative project in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or hybrid form.

  Highlights include a guided city tour, literary/artistic walking tours with lunch at a historic café, an optional jazz club visit, and a closing literary salon. Daily breakfast, a welcome lunch, and a celebration dinner are also included.
  Accommodations: Hotel, double occupancy.
  Additional Information: Paris J-Term Website & Info Sessions
  

• Art and Design Beyond Chicagoland: Los Angeles

   

  *Application Deadline*: Wednesday, November 12
  
  Location: Los Angeles, CA
  Program Dates: January 4 - January 15, 2026
  Courses: ARTS 475 or ARTS 575 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leader: Biddy Tran and Duncan MacKenzie
  Special Course Fee: $1,190
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $830
  Course Description: In this course we travel to the greater Los Angeles area for exposure to cultural organizations, persons, and experiences that are timely, historical, and relevant to the arts and design. Students will engage with critical and theoretical texts, interviews, and archives relevant to artists and locations to be visited. This includes visiting permanent and temporary exhibitions, and practitioners’ studios where students will meet with artists, designers, curators, gallerists, and other arts professionals. Students will develop a visual journal of their experience through, but not limited to, drawing, photography, video, and reflective writing, responding to the works, exhibitions, and presentations by professionals in the visited locations. Participation in the course is open to students from across the college with department permission.
  Accommodations: TBD

• International Cultural Heritage Management in Rome (Italy)

  

  Location: Rome, Italy 
  Program Dates: January 7 - January 24, 2026
  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: $2,990
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1,275
  Course Description: 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.

  Site visits include museums and cultural sites such as the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Palatine Hill; the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel; Catacombs of St. Callixtus; Borghese Gallery; MAXXI Museum of Contemporary Art; Keats-Shelley Memorial House; as well as a day trip to Pompeii
  Accommodations: Shared Hotels
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

• Topics in Writing Abroad in Rome (Italy)

  

  Location: Rome, Italy 
  Program Dates: January 7 - January 24, 2026
  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: $2,990
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1,275
  Course Description: This J-session course offers you an intensive immersion in Rome's literature, art, history, and culture that will give breadth and depth to your creative and professional pursuits. You will read fiction, poetry, and nonfiction by noted authors writing in or about Rome along with visiting major sites, including the Colosseum, Vatican and Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, historic churches, open air markets, catacombs, inspiring museums like the Borghese Gallery, places associated with noted authors such as the Keats-Shelley House and Non-Catholic Cemetery, and a day trip to Pompeii.

  Site visits, journal entries on your experiences, responses to assigned reading, and in-class writing workshop activities lead to creating an extended story, essay, performance, hybrid, or mixed media project, which may be done individually or collaboratively. You will conclude with a brief reflection on the effect of study abroad upon your creative and professional development.

  This course welcomes undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline. You may focus upon new or ongoing work and need not have traveled abroad previously.
  Accommodations: Shared Hotels
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

• Marketing in Europe: Paris (France)

  

  *Application Deadline*: Wednesday, November 12
  
  Location: Paris, France
  Program Dates: January 12 - January 20, 2026
  Courses: BUSE 406 or BUSE 506 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leader: Monique Maye
  Additional Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $3,266
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $955
  Course Description: Marketing in Europe: Paris is a dynamic, interdisciplinary course open to all majors, offering students the opportunity to explore marketing through a global lens. Designed to maximize personal and professional growth, the program immerses students in the vibrant culture of Paris while connecting them with marketing industry professionals and international peers. Through impactful academic classes, personal development workshops, and cross-cultural experiences, students gain invaluable insights into global marketing practices. This transformative program empowers students to reach their highest potential by instilling the drive, passion, and positive mindset needed to thrive in today’s global business landscape.
  Accommodations: Hotel
  Additional Information: BUSE Abroad

• An Actor's Guide to Hollywood (Los Angeles)

   

  *Application Deadline*: Wednesday, November 12
  
  Location: Los Angeles, CA
  Program Dates: January 5 - January 10, 2026
  Courses: THEA 389 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leader: Jackie Katzman with support from Brian Shaw
  Special Course Fee: $990
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $580
  Course Description: This course is designed to give students a practical and applicable experience toward pursuing a career as a film or television actor in Los Angeles. It is a highly competitive business, and the actor who is prepared to face these challenges has a much better chance of succeeding. Meeting in Los Angeles, this course will provide an intensive, hands-on experience, meeting with some of the best LA has to offer. Classes will consist of lectures, demonstrations, off campus field trips, Q &A, and performance. Students will enjoy a Warner Brothers Studios tour, visit the Academy Museum, and engage in discussions with industry professionals such as, actors, managers, casting agents, and alumni.
  Accommodations: Shared apartments or hotels

• Culture, Arts and Gender in Argentina

   

  Location: Buenos Aires and Jujuy, Argentina
  Program Dates: January 4 - January 17, 2026
  Courses: HUMA 103 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Marcelo Sabatés and Gabriela Díaz de Sabatés
  Special Course Fee: $1,810
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $1,965
  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, including film, visual arts, music, fashion, etc. Knowledge of Spanish language is NOT required. Since Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere, participants enjoy warm, long days with pleasant 70-80 degree temperatures. 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, a Tango experience, and museum and event fees. Tuition is included as part of the full-time Spring tuition.
  Accommodations: Hotel in Buenos Aires; Colonial House in Jujuy

• Fashion Studies in the Field: Los Angeles, CA

  *Application Deadline*: Wednesday, November 12
  
  Location: Los Angeles, CA
  Program Dates: January 17 - January 24, 2026
  Course: FASH 309 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Reyes Witt and Rachel Jimenez Penca
  Special Course Fee: $1,430
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $800
  Course Description: Tour textile mills and garment manufacturing facilities while exploring the rich culture in Los Angeles Fashion. Fashion students gain credit for their core requirements: FASH 309 Sourcing & Supply Chain.
  Accommodations: Double-occupany rooms in hotel

   

• Fashion-Retail-Media in NYC

  
  
  Location: New York City, NY
  Program Dates: January 7 - January 14, 2026
  Course: FASH 387 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Dana Connell and Peg Murphy
  Special Course Fee: $1,770
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Estimated Additional Costs: $500
  Course Description: Join us for 8 fabulous days and 7 nights networking and connecting with some of the best in the center of it all: NYC! This course will take a deep dive look into fashion, retailing and media today to help build your brand and others. Visit with industry professionals on site at places such as: Coach's Design HQ, Kohl's Design Office, TikTok's NYC HQ, YouTube's NYC HQ, Etsy's Brooklyn HQ and visit leading agencies/consultancies working on brands such as Nike, Adidas, Vans, Netflix (Bridgerton anyone?), Sephora and more. We will also visit a leading bridal PR and design consultancy as well as a fashion styling/photography/digital production studio. Plus, join the National Retail Federation for 2 jam-packed days of learning, networking and fun with their student program where you'll hear from industry leaders working for brands like Macy's, Steve Madden, Ulta, Kenda Scott and more. And, cap it all off with a fun, high energy and career focused alumni event connecting you with successful NYC alum, doing amazing things in NYC.
  Accommodations: Double-occupany rooms in hotel

• Study Abroad-Ireland

  

  *Application Deadline*: Monday, November 10
  
  Location: Dublin, Ireland & Belfast and Derry, Northern Ireland
  Program Dates: January 7 - January 24, 2026 (plus Chicago meetings before travel)
  Courses: COMM 270 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Joan Giroux and John O'Neill
  Special Course Fee: $3,700   **Travel grants are available for students with financial need. To be considered, visit the Internal Scholarships page, select “APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS,” and search for the Osmond Ireland J-Term Award. Applications for the Award must be submitted by October 20, 11:59 pm.
  Tuition: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. Estimated Additional Costs: $2,034 
  Course Description: Travel to Ireland and Northern Ireland during J-Term. Visit historical sites; explore Dublin, Belfast and Derry; and immerse yourself in other cultures.​
  Accommodations: Hotels, shared rooms
  

• Sketches of Japan

  

  *Application Deadline*: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

  Location: Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
  Program Dates: January 9 - January 23, 2026
  Courses: ARTS 474 or COMM 270 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leader: Cheri Charlton and Jesse Seay
  Special Course Fee: $2,130
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. 
  Estimated Additional Costs: $3,030
  Course Description: This immersive study abroad program takes students to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan, for an interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary art, traditional culture, and cross-cultural communication. Through visits to major institutions such as the Mori Art Museum, teamLab Planets, the Tokyo National Museum, and the Kyoto National Museum, students will engage deeply with Japan’s visual culture and artistic heritage. The itinerary also includes excursions to iconic historic sites like Senso-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and Murinan Garden, as well as opportunities to experience local neighborhoods and artisan districts. Students will document their journey daily—through sketching, writing, or multimedia—and participate in discussions on Japanese aesthetics, media, and communication. Students will choose between earning credit for ARTS 475 or COMM 270, culminating in a final creative or research-based project that reflects their academic and personal discoveries.
  Accommodations: Shared hotels.

• SXSW Music (TX) - Spring

  Location: Austin, TX
  Program Dates: March 7 - March 15, 2025
  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; and Philippe Ravanas
  Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $1,560
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Additional Information and Application: BUSE Abroad

• SXSW Interactive (TX) - Spring

  Location: Austin, TX
  Program Dates: March 7 - March 15, 2025
  Courses: BUSE 479/579; BUSE 484/584; BUSE 489/589 (3 credits)
  Faculty Leaders: Jerry Brindisi; Justin Sinkovich; Clayton Smith; Jason Stephens, and Monica Jaiswal Oliver
  Program Contact: Monika Jaiswal-Oliver
  Special Course Fee: $1,660
  Tuition: UG: Included as a part of the spring semester. Any credits over 18 credit hours will cost additional. GRAD: Cost per credit hour.
  Additional Information and Application: 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!