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.
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 ecosystems trips to Costa Rica or South Africa or the Business Management Hospitality and Tourism program’s Caribbean cruise. The focus is out-of-the-classroom learning related to a specific degree program. Costs vary depending on location.
These guided excursions are academic program specific. Students need to be enrolled either in the academic major or a specific class. Depending on the excursion, students may earn course credit or experiential learning hours.
Belgium, France and Switzerland will be on June 2 – 11, 2026, and includes round-trip airfare; hotels with private bathrooms; full European breakfast daily; dinner daily; guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary.
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand will be on June 1 – 10, 2027, and includes round-trip airfare; hotels with private bathrooms; breakfast and dinner daily; guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary.
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.”