HCU Abroad

Why Study Abroad?

HCU Abroad is dedicated to fostering transformative cross-cultural experiences rooted in the principles of Christian faith. Our mission is to empower students to engage with diverse cultures, broaden their perspectives, and deepen their understanding of global issues within the context of Christian values.

How to Study and Serve Abroad?

HCU students can study abroad through customized study abroad courses, university partners abroad, or through HCU’s partnership with the Study Abroad providers: Veritas Abroad, Living and Learning International, Academic Programs Abroad, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) GlobalEd. Students interested in studying abroad can browse all program options and apply through our HCU Abroad portal.

Study Abroad Eligibility: Residential vs. Online Students

Residential Students

Our Study Abroad programs are designed primarily for residential students at Houston Christian University due to several logistical and support considerations essential to creating a safe, enriching and academically integrated experience abroad.

Why Study Abroad is Focused on Residential Students:

  1. In-Person Preparation: Study Abroad programs require in-depth orientation and preparatory sessions, which are often held on campus. These sessions ensure students are well-prepared for their international experience by covering topics such as cultural adjustment, health and safety and travel logistics.
  2. Academic Alignment: Study Abroad courses are designed to complement the on-campus curriculum and often have requirements or credit structures specifically suited for residential students. Aligning online coursework with study abroad options may present unique challenges.
  3. Comprehensive Support: Residential students benefit from campus resources that extend internationally, including dedicated faculty and in-country support from our partners. This structure is critical for ensuring consistent guidance and a sense of community while abroad.
  4. Cohort Experience: A key aspect of our study abroad programs is the cohort model, where students travel and learn alongside their peers from campus, fostering a shared experience that enriches both personal growth and cultural understanding.

Commuters are considered residential students for study abroad purposes, provided they can ensure they attend all of the in-person pre-departure requirements for their programs.

Online Students

At this time, we are not equipped to send online students abroad. Many of the reasons are listed above. If you would like to discuss this further, please reach out to our office.

Houston Christian University students in blue "I'm a Husky" shirts hold an HCU flag at the Great Wall of China.

Browse Programs

Check our our new HCU Abroad Portal where you can browse the programs HCU has to offer!

Browse Programs

Student and faculty trip

 

Scholarship Information

Find resources to help fund your study abroad program!

Scholarships

Study Abroad Options

Faculty Led Programs

The HCU faculty serve as sponsors for approved customized study abroad courses. Eligible students may then register for these opportunities and meet with the faculty sponsor to obtain the course syllabi, travel itinerary, and additional course and travel details.  Customized study abroad courses may be taught by HCU faculty or through transfer agreements with universities outside of the United States for which earned transfer credit is received by HCU for students completing customized study abroad courses. To find what faculty-led courses are offered by HCU, add the filter “Faculty/Teacher Led” under Program Type filter in our new HCU Abroad Portal.

Browse Programs

Are you a faculty member interested in leading a group of students abroad? Find more information about faculty led programs.

Travel Insurance

HCU partners with International Student Insurance (ISI) to be our preferred insurance provider for students who are traveling abroad. Learn more about HCU Study Abroad Travel Insurance.