Quick Links

The World Is Your Classroom

The world today is a much smaller place, and Beacon’s international studies programs immerse you in what was once a faraway place. Structured specifically for students with learning differences, our programs are life-changing experiences that provide a global perspective, new intellectual challenges, opportunities to build deeper friendships, and a chance to lay the groundwork for new dreams and ambitions.

With semester-abroad options in Italy and Japan, annual trips led by faculty, and excursions for specific degree programs, Beacon offers international programs geared for lifetime experiences.

Semester Abroad

The Semester Abroad program offers an immersive cultural experience over the course of an academic semester. Up to 20 qualifying Beacon students, accompanied by a learning specialist and a program director, live and study in Italy or Japan for the entire term. Courses are conducted by both Beacon faculty and resident adjuncts and focus on subjects that make the most of local cultural and environmental resources. Numerous organized excursions ensure that students gain the broadest possible exposure to the unique environment.

Students may attend the Beacon Semester Abroad programs as a sophomore, junior, or senior depending on their major and current program status. Because we believe that travel abroad should be open to everyone with interest and demonstrated ability, tuition and fees are the same as at Leesburg — travel and incidentals are not included.

Learn more about the Study Abroad programs! Live and study in Italy or Japan for the entire semester with courses taught by Beacon faculty!

Request More Information

Experiential Learning

Offering directed excursions for academic majors, the experiential learning trips include itineraries that are geared toward specific degree programs, like the Anthrozoology program’s marine and terrestrial science trip in Belize or the Business Management Hospitality and Tourism program’s Royal Caribbean cruise. Depending on the location and experiences, these trips will be for a week in between semesters or in May. The focus is out-of-the-classroom learning related to a specific degree program. Costs vary depending on location.

AJ’s Story in Tokyo

It’s a great opportunity to not only learn, but to see the world and make friends,” said AJ Evdokimo, 21, a Beacon business management senior from Arizona. “It was so fun. I would go back in a heartbeat.”

Study Abroad Stories

Academics

Global Education

October 2, 2024

With global education back, students have the world in their hands as they explore Tokyo, Japan, and Prato, Italy.

Academics

Cruise Industry Class

May 2, 2024

Beacon cruise management students boarded Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas and left behind book learning for a three-day excursion into experiential education on the high seas.

Academics

Strozzo Photoshops Learning into Teaching Students on the Other Side of the World

February 6, 2024

During the winter holiday season, Beacon College's Brittany Strozzo served as a teacher for Project Discovery in the United Arab Emirates.