Location

Leuven, Belgium

Program Description

This spring break study abroad program is comprised of a three-credit course that includes a weeklong experience visiting schools and cultural sites in and around Leuven, Belgium. Anyone who is preparing for a career in K-12 education, as well as those seeking to develop intercultural competencies, is welcome to participate. Participants will be staying at Irish College in Leuven. During our time in Belgium, we will hear from educational leaders, observe in local schools, and visit the European Parliament. In addition, we will visit cultural sites in Belgium as well as Flanders Field, a key battleground in World War I.

This experience will include pre-departure meetings focused on getting to know one another and self-reflection on one’s worldview. In the month prior to leaving, we will have several formal classes (online in the evening hours) where we will discuss some background readings and explore intercultural competencies. Focus during these sessions will be on identifying our cross-cultural communication and awareness. This study of one’s cultural identity and intercultural competencies will help you give and get the most from this experience. We will also prepare for visits to the various educational sites in Belgium. Most of the academic work will occur prior to going abroad, so that there, you can focus on the experience fully. However, we will have class meetings with guest lecturers at Irish College Leuven. You will have most evenings free to explore the city of Leuven.

The course will engage students in a self-study of their intercultural competencies through completing background readings, engaging in seminars, and visiting host schools. Class meetings will be held in a hybrid format, with classes meeting synchronously online and in-person prior to departure for Belgium.

During the class meetings, students will examine their relationship between person and place, their cultural identity and intercultural sensitivity, global learning competencies for practitioners, and how to engage with global learning partners. The course will engage students in a self-study of their intercultural competencies through completing background readings, engaging in seminars, and visiting host schools. Students will observe in host schools, engage with guest lecturers, and visit cultural sites such as the European Parliament, Flanders Field, and the city of Bruges.

Location Description

Irish College in Leuven was established in 1984, on the former campus of the 17th-century Irish Franciscan college, in the Belgian city of Leuven. It is an international residential centre for education, training, and networking in European and international affairs. Irish College is a part of KU Leuven, which was founded in 1425, making it one of Europe's oldest universities. KU Leuven is the oldest university in the Low Countries and the oldest extant Catholic university in the world. 

Leuven has many restaurants and shops, especially for the large population of university students. There are several major European cities that are easily accessible by train.

Director

Robbie Higdon | higdonrl@jmu.edu | Middle, Secondary, and Mathematics Education

Accommodations

Students will reside in college dormitory housing in shared double rooms with ensuite baths, daily cleaning service, and internet access. Housing accommodations are centrally located, and public transportation is easily accessible. There are limited laundry facilities on site, which are available for a fee.

Breakfast is included with accommodations. Students will be allocated a daily stipend to cover the cost of most lunch and evening meals. A welcome lunch and a farewell dinner are also provided.

Additional Items to Consider

Students will need a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the European Union for this program.

This program is embedded within an undergraduate course that meets during the 1st block of spring semester 2026. 

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5

Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Students must have applied to the Teacher Education program and successfully completed EDUC 200 (or equivalent) prior to the start of the program.