H-SC Faculty-Led Programs

Location
Oxford + London, England

Dates
July 19-August 8, 2025

Faculty
Dr. Gregory Dempster, Dr. Justin Isaacs, Dr. Adam Witham (SRU)

Program Description
This 3-week intensive political economy program is led by Dr. Dempster and Dr. Isaacs from H-SC and Dr. Witham from Salve Regina University. Students from both schools will accompany them to Harris Manchester College at the University of Oxford. Studying at Oxford on this program will allow students to learn the theory, history, and application of political economy in an experiential setting on the campus of one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The program will include a weekend trip to London as well as excursions to various sites in Oxford.

Funding Application (H-SC students only)
Due January 15: Funding Application LINK
Haven't received Compass funding before? You could receive $1,000-3,000 or more if you apply.

Program Application and Deposit
Due February 1: Program Application LINK

• Required $500 deposit can be paid within the application.
• Students will be notified of their acceptance status via email by February 15, in most cases.
• Please note: due to course caps, not all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may be accepted to the program or a specific course

Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.0 GPA, and completion of ECON 101 or the equivalent. Good disciplinary, academic, and financial standing required.

External Students: H-SC will require proof of home school approval as part of the application process; students will need to make sure they have completed their home school's application process by February 1.

Classes
Students will earn 6 credits and complete H-SC Core Requirements by taking two of the following courses.

ECON 261: International Trade (Dr. Isaacs)
Required for H-SC students (unless taken previously)
Satisfies Core Requirements: II. Cultures in Context; VI. Social Analysis (non-majors only)
Anticipated: I.E Off-Campus Compass (EL) Core Requirement (Social Sciences Division)

ECON 201: Comparative Political Economy (Dr. Dempster)
Satisfies Core Requirements: II. Cultures in Context; VI. Social Analysis (non-majors only)
Anticipated: I.E Off-Campus Compass (EL) Core Requirement (Social Sciences Division)

ECON 209: Topics in Political Economy (Dr. Witham)
Satisfies Core Requirements: II. Cultures in Context; VI. Social Analysis (non-majors only)

Itinerary (subject to change)
July 19 — Group flight to London
July 20 — Arrival in London and travel to Oxford
July 21-August 5 — Classes in Oxford and group excursions
August 5-8 — Classes and group excursions in London
August 8 — Group flight to USA
August 15 — Final project due

Accommodations & Meals
Students will live in shared dorm rooms in Oxford and shared hotel rooms during excursions. Most meals are not provided.

Health & Safety
Students will be enrolled in GeoBlue medical insurance for the duration of the program.

Note well: Not all medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, are legal in every country. Students are advised to plan accordingly with their health care provider well in advance of departure.

All students are to make sure they are up-to-date with any required immunizations. See the CDC's website for current recommended and required immunizations: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/united-kingdom

Flights, Passports & Border Entry
Students who do not have a passport valid through December 2025 are advised to apply before winter break. PASSPORTS MUST BE IN HAND BY MARCH 1, 2025.

Students are encouraged to fly with the faculty. Ticketing details will be shared in February.

For details on traveling to England: travel.state.gov

Participants will need to apply for ETA (electronic travel authorization) to enter the UK: LINK

Estimated Cost
The estimated cost (based on 12 students and not including airfare) will be announced in November. The program fees will cover two courses, travel medical insurance, housing, some meals, and group excursions. The final cost will depend on the number of students enrolled and will include airfare for those on the group flight.

Note well: A completed application and payment of a $500 deposit constitute an agreement by the student to participate fully in the program and an obligation to pay all program fees.

Program Expectations
Accepted students must complete all required pre-departure materials by their due dates and attend all required pre-departure meetings and info sessions. (Suitable arrangements will be made for external students.)

Students will be expected to actively participate in all activities, complete assignments on time, and engage respectfully with program members, members of their host culture, and others they meet during the program.

Location
Provence + Paris, France

Dates
May 15-June 8, 2025

Faculty
Dr. Saranna Thornton, Dr. Ivo Gyurovski, Prof. Ray Kleinlein

Funding Application (H-SC students only)
Due January 15: Funding Application LINK
Haven't received Compass funding before? You could receive $1,000-3,000 or more if you apply.

Program Application & Deposit
Due February 1: Program Application LINK
• Required $500 deposit can be paid within the application.
• Students will be notified of their acceptance status via email by February 15, in most cases.
• Please note: due to course caps, not all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may be accepted to the program or a specific course

Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.0 GPA required. Good disciplinary, academic, and financial standing required. 

Classes
Students will earn 6 credits and complete Core Requirements by taking two courses of the courses below.

ECON 204: Topics in Economic History/Economics and Evolution of the Wine Industry (Dr. Thornton)
Note: ECON 101or equivalent prerequisite
Satisfies Core Requirements: II.B Cultures in Context, VI. Social Analysis (non-majors only)

VISU 360: Topics in Art History (Prof. Kleinlein)
Satisfies Core Requirements: II.B Cultures in Context, III.B Visual, Sonic or Performing Arts
Anticipated: I.E Compass Experiential Learning, EL-OFF (Humanities Division)

PSYC 285: Topics in the Psychology of Eating and Drinking Behavior and Perception of Aesthetic Experiences 
(Dr. Gyurovski)
Satisfies Core Requirements: II.B Cultures in Context, V.B Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Anticipated: I.E Compass Experiential Learning, EL-OFF (Social Sciences Division)

Classes will consist of lectures and group excursions to museums (such as the Louvre and Orsay), wineries, local markets, cooking workshops, cheese tastings, and important cultural monuments (such as the Arc de Triomphe) and sites in Paris and Provence.

Itinerary (subject to change)
May 12 — Group flight to France
May 13-June 7 — Classes and group excursions in Provence and Paris
June 8 — Group flight to USA
June 18 — Final work due

Accommodations & Meals
Students will live in shared hotel rooms.  Most meals are not included.

Health & Safety
Students will be enrolled in GeoBlue medical insurance for the duration of the program.

Note well: Not all medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, are legal in every country. Students are advised to plan accordingly with their health care provider well in advance of departure. 

All students are to make sure they are up-to-date with any required immunizations. See the CDC's website for current recommended and required immunizations: 
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/france

Flights, Passports & Border Entry
Students who do not have a passport valid through December 2025 are advised to apply before winter break. 
PASSPORTS MUST BE IN HAND BY MARCH 1, 2025.

Students are encouraged to fly with the faculty. Ticketing details will be shared in February.

For details on traveling to France: travel.state.gov

Estimated Cost
The estimated cost (based on 12 students and not including airfare) will be announced in November. The program fees will cover two courses, travel medical insurance, housing, and group excursions. The final cost will depend on the number of students enrolled and will include airfare for those on the group flight.

Note well: A completed application and payment of a $500 deposit constitute an agreement by the student to participate fully in the program and an obligation to pay all program fees.

Program Expectations
Accepted students must complete all required pre-departure materials by their due dates and attend all required pre-departure meetings and info sessions. (Suitable arrangements will be made for external students.)

Students will be expected to actively participate in all activities, complete assignments on time, and engage respectfully with program members, members of their host culture, and others they meet during the program.

Location
Muenster, Germany

Dates
May 21-June 29, 2025

Faculty
Dr. Dirk Johnson, Prof. JB Potter

Description
Founded in 793, Münster is a prosperous city of over 300,000 inhabitants. It is situated in northwestern Germany, a beautiful region of rolling hills famed for its moated castles. The city is home to one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious universities in Germany, with a student population exceeding 48,000. Münster has a vibrant student life and an historic city center, which hosts twice-weekly markets, numerous restaurants and other urban amenities. Voted the bicycle capital of Germany, it was also chosen as "the most livable city in the world" in 2004. The Münster Summer Program has sent more than a thousand students to Germany since 1971 and offers a unique living-learning experience where classroom instruction and surrounding reinforce each other.

Funding Application (H-SC students only)
Due January 15: Funding Application LINK
Haven't received Compass funding before? You could receive $1,000-3,000 or more if you apply.

Program Application & Deposit
Due February 1: Program Application LINK
• Required $500 deposit can be paid within the application.
• Students will be notified of their acceptance status via email by February 15, in most cases.
• Please note: due to course caps, not all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may be accepted to the program or a specific course

Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.0 GPA, and completion of at least the first year of Elementary German or the equivalent. Good disciplinary, academic, and financial standing required.

External Students: H-SC will require proof of home school approval as part of the application process; students will need to make sure they have completed their home school's application process by February 1.

Classes
Successful completion of the program satisfies these Core Requirements: II.B Cultures in Context;
I.E Compass Experiential Learning, EL-OFF (Humanities Division).

Students will earn 6 credits by taking two of the following courses. Class sessions are 9:30-12:30, Mon-Fri.

GERM 201: Intermediate German I. An intensive grammar review progressively accentuating vocabulary acquisition and reading skills; practice in simple essay writing. (Dr. Johnson)

GERM 202: Intermediate German II. Study of idiomatic phrases and synonyms to develop skill and confidence in discussions. (Prof. Potter)

GERM 304: Postwar Germany. Analysis of literary, philosophical, and historical developments in Germany between 1945 and 1990. (Prof. Potter)

GERM 306: Contemporary Germany and the Media. Introduction to advanced grammatical structures; practice in writing and speaking idiomatic German; analysis of significant current events in Germany using regional and national newspapers and magazines. (Dr. Johnson)

GERM 495: Independent Study. Program on German literature or culture, making use of the city of Münster, to be worked out in consultation with the instructor. (Dr. Johnson)

Itinerary (subject to change)
May 21 — Flight to Frankfurt
May 22 — Arrival in Frankfurt. Bus trip to the Wartburg
May 23 — Tour of Erfurt. Trip to Buchenwald and Weimar
May 24 — Trip to Weimar (Nietzsche Haus, Goethe Haus). Bus trip to Münster
May 24-June 29 — Living and courses in Münster
June 8-11 — Trip to Berlin
June 29 — Travel to Frankfurt and Depart for U.S.

Accomodations & Meals
During the Münster portion of the program, students will live with a German family, or in approved cases, a German student apartment. In travel portions of the program, students will reside in shared hotel rooms. Most meals, except lunches, are provided by the program. Two meals a day are provided while in Münster.

Health & Safety
Students will be enrolled in GeoBlue medical insurance for the duration of the program.
Note well: Not all medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, are legal in every country. Students are advised to plan accordingly with their health care provider well in advance of departure. 

All students are to make sure they are up-to-date with any required immunizations. See the CDC's website for current recommended and required immunizations:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/germany

Flights, Passports & Border Entry
Students who do not have a passport valid through December 2025 are advised to apply before winter break.
Students are encouraged to fly with the faculty. Ticketing details will be shared in February.
PASSPORTS MUST BE IN HAND BY MARCH 1, 2025.

For details on traveling to Germany: travel.state.gov

Estimated Cost
The estimated cost (based on 12 students and not including airfare) is $7,485. The fees include two courses, travel medical insurance, group excursions, housing and some meals.

Note well: A completed application and payment of a $500 deposit constitute an agreement by the student to participate fully in the program and an obligation to pay all program fees.

Location
Alcalá de Henares, Spain

Dates
May 20-June 25, 2025

Faculty
Dr. Dieudonné Afatsawo, Prof. Germán Salinas

Description
Beautiful Alcalá de Henares is an ideal place for students to immerse themselves in Spanish history and culture. It is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the famous author of Don Quijote, and is home to one of the most important universities in Spain. Field trips to Toledo and Segovia will immerse students in the cross-cultural history of Spain, including Jewish and Moorish cultures. Finally, with a train ride under 45 minutes, students are able to visit major cultural sites of Madrid, including museums, parks, plazas, etc. 

The purpose of this program is to engage students in the Spanish way of life and expose them to different cultures. By living with host families, students have the opportunity to see the more intimate side of day-to-day life in Spain and improve their Spanish speaking skills.

Funding Application (H-SC students only)
Due January 15: Funding Application LINK
Haven't received Compass funding before? You could receive $1,000-3,000 or more if you apply.

Program Application & Deposit
Due February 1: Program Application LINK
• Required $500 deposit can be paid within the application.
• Students will be notified of their acceptance status via email by February 15, in most cases.
• Please note: due to course caps, not all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may be accepted to the program or a specific course

Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.0 GPA, and completion of at least the first year of Elementary Spanish or the equivalent. Good disciplinary, academic, and financial standing required.

Classes
Students will earn 6 credits and complete Core Requirements by taking two courses at the intermediate or advanced level. 
Class sessions are 8:30-12:30 AND 4:00-6:00 PM Monday-Thursday; group excursions on Fridays.

Intermediate: SPAN 201 and 202 (Prof. Salinas & Instituto Franklin instructor)
Satisfies Core Requirements: I.D Foreign language; I.E Off-Campus Compass (EL) Core Requirement (Humanities Division); AND II. Cultures in Context

Advanced: SPAN 411 and SPAN 3XX course to be determined, based on applicants' course history 
(Dr. Afatsawo & Instituto Franklin instructor)
Satisfies Core Requirements: I.D Foreign language; I.E Off-Campus Compass (EL) Core Requirement (Humanities Division); II. Cultures in Context; AND -- depending on the specific second course offered -- III.A Literary Arts

Itinerary (subject to change)
May 20 — Flight to Madrid
May 21 — Arrival in Madrid; meet host families in Acalá de Henares
May 22-June 24 — Classes and full-day excursions to Madrid, Toledo and El Escorial
June 25 — Group flight to USA

Accomodations & Meals
Students will live with a Spanish family in an Alcalá de Henares family home. Three meals a day and laundry service once a week are provided as part of the homestay.

Health & Safety
Students will be enrolled in GeoBlue medical insurance for the duration of the program.

Note well: Not all medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, are legal in every country. Students are advised to plan accordingly with their health care provider well in advance of departure. 

All students are to make sure they are up-to-date with any required immunizations. See the CDC's website for current recommended and required immunizations:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/spain

Flights, Passports & Border Entry
Students who do not have a passport valid through December 2025 are advised to apply before winter break. 
PASSPORTS MUST BE IN HAND BY MARCH 1, 2025.

Students are encouraged to fly with the faculty. Ticketing details will be shared in February.
For details on traveling to Spain:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Estimated Cost
The estimated cost (based on 12 students and not including airfare) is $9,345. The program fees will cover two courses, travel medical insurance, room and board, and group excursions. The final cost will depend on the number of students enrolled and will include airfare for those on the group flight.

Note well: A completed application and payment of a $500 deposit constitute an agreement by the student to participate fully in the program and an obligation to pay all program fees.

Program Expectations
Accepted students must complete all required pre-departure materials by their due dates and attend all required pre-departure meetings and info sessions. (Suitable arrangements will be made for external students.)

Students will be expected to actively participate in all activities, complete assignments on time, and engage respectfully with program members, members of their host culture, and others they meet during the program.

Location
Bar Harbor & Portland, ME

Dates
May 18-June 2, 2025

Faculty
Dr. Glenn Gilyot, Dr. Ava Kreider-Mueller

Funding Application (H-SC students only)
Due January 15: Funding Application LINK
Haven't received Compass funding before? You could receive $1,000-3,000 or more if you apply.

Program Application & Deposit
Due February 1: Program Application LINK
• Required $500 deposit can be paid within the application.
• Students will be notified of their acceptance status via email by February 15, in most cases.
• Please note: due to course caps, not all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may be accepted to the program or a specific course

Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.0 GPA required. Good disciplinary, academic, and financial standing required. 

Classes
Students will earn 3 credits and complete Core Requirements by taking one of the courses below.

CHEM 185: Chemistry of Nature and Culture (Dr. Gilyot). Prerequisite: none
Satisfies Core Requirements: V.B Natural and Behavioral Science
Anticipated: I.E. Compass Experiential Learning, EL-OFF (Natural Sciences Division)

CHEM 385: Aquatic Chemistry (Dr. Kreider-Mueller). Prerequisite: CHEM 110 and 221
Satisfies Core Requirements: V.B Natural and Behavioral Science
Anticipated: I.E Compass Experiential Learning, EL-OFF (Natural Sciences Division)

Classes will be held M-F and include lectures 3 hours a day, plus guided excursions with reflective discussions and journaling (CHEM 185) or data analysis (CHEM 385).

Itinerary (subject to change)
May 18: Program begins in Bangor, ME
May 19-June 1: Classes & guided excursions in Bangor, Bar Harbor, Salem, and Portland
May 29: Group arrives in Portland, ME
June 2: Program concludes

Accomodations & Meals
Students will live in shared dorm or hotel rooms. Breakfast and lunch are included at Bangor.

Health & Safety
Students will be required to confirm health insurance coverage. Students are advised to plan accordingly with their health care provider well in advance of departure. 

All students are to make sure they are up-to-date with any required immunizations. See the CDC's website for current recommended and required immunizations: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list 

Estimated Cost
The estimated cost (based on 10 students) is $4855. The program fees will cover one course, housing, some meals, and group excursions. The final cost will depend on the number of students enrolled. Transportation to and from Bar Harbor and Portland is not included.

Note well: A completed application and payment of a $500 deposit constitute an agreement bythe student to participate fully in the program and an obligation to pay all program fees.

Program Expectations
Accepted students must complete all required pre-departure materials by their due dates and attend all required pre-departure meetings and info sessions. (Suitable arrangements will be made for external students.)

Students will be expected to actively participate in all activities, complete assignments on time, and engage respectfully with program members and others they meet during the program.

Location
H-SC & Sawtooth Wilderness, ID

Dates
July 11-July 25, 2025

Faculty
Director Scott Schmolesky, Director Vinton Bruton

Description
The course will start with Wilderness First Aid training at Hampden-Sydney College. We will then travel to Idaho for a backpacking and fly-fishing trip in the Sawtooth Wilderness. The Sawtooth Wilderness is exceptional in scenic beauty and is characterized by high granite peaks and narrow glacial valleys. The Wilderness is comprised of hundreds of jagged peaks, 50 over 10,000 feet in height, with nearly 400 high alpine lakes dotting the predominantly rocky terrain. Also hidden within its boundaries are deep, secluded valleys covered with enormous stands of trees. Nearly 350 miles of trails provide a wide range of routes and many of the high lake basins do not have constructed trails to reach them. An abundant population of wildlife thrives upon the lush, grassy meadows and many species of fish make their home in the thousands of streams that feed the headwaters of four major rivers.

Funding Application (H-SC students only)
Due January 15: Funding Application LINK
Haven't received Compass funding before? You could receive $1,000-3,000 or more if you apply.

Program Application & Deposit
Due February 1: Program Application LINK
• Required $500 deposit can be paid within the application.
• Students will be notified of their acceptance status via email by February 15, in most cases.
• Please note: due to course caps, not all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may be accepted to the program or a specific course

Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.0 GPA required. Good disciplinary, academic, and financial standing required. Priority will be given to Wilson Leadership Fellows, then to students according to class year (upperclassmen have priority over underclassmen).

Classes
Students will earn 3 credits and satisfy the Experiential Learning (EL-OFF) requirement by taking the following course:

Interdisciplinary Studies 185: Expeditionary Leadership. Students will rotate through three leadership roles and be evaluated by instructors and their peers.

Itinerary (subject to change)
Friday July 11—Arrive at H-SC
July 11-13—WFA training & preparation
Monday, July 14—Fly to Boise, Idaho; drive to Trailhead
July 15-24—backpacking in Sawtooth Range
Friday, July 25—return flight to Virginia

Accommodations & Meals
During the Virginia portion of the trip, students will stay on-campus at H-SC. In Idaho, we will sleep in tents on the trail. We will stay in a hotel on our last night in Boise. With few exceptions, we will cook our own meals.

Health & Safety
Students will provide proof of insurance, emergency contacts, and other relevant information. Students are responsible for their own prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Students will complete Wilderness First Aid training prior to departure. Trip leaders are certified as Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician or Wilderness First Responder.

Flights
We will travel as a group from Virginia to Idaho and back.

Estimated Cost
The estimated cost is based on 10 students participating and includes tuition for one course, group activities, transportation, housing and all meals. Program fees do not include personal expenditures. The final cost will be determined in February and is currently estimated at $3,500.

Note well: A completed application and payment of the $500 deposit constitute an agreement by the student to participate fully in the program and an obligation to pay all program fees.

Program Expectations
Accepted students must complete all required pre-departure materials by their due dates and attend all required pre-departure meetings and info sessions. Students are expected to actively participate in all activities, complete assignments on time, and engage respectfully with program members and those they meet during the program.

A signed application form and payment of a $500 deposit constitute an agreement by the student to participate fully in the program and an obligation to pay all program fees. The Office of Global Education and Study Abroad has the authorization to begin making payments to airlines, hotels, and other service providers on the student's behalf from the date of the deposit.

The deposit is refundable in two cases: (1) if the program is cancelled by the College, or (2) if a student who has completed an application is not accepted to the program. Reasons for rejection include, but are not limited to GPA, lack of a pre-requisite, or disciplinary record concern; rejections are made at the discretion of the program faculty and the director of Global Education and Study Abroad.

Students accepted to the program who wish to withdraw must notify the director of Global Education and Study Abroad as soon as the decision to withdraw is made. Notice of withdrawal must be in writing and signed by the student. In all voluntary withdrawal cases or in the case of students who are removed from the program after acceptance for any reason (such as violation of the Honor Code/Code of Student Conduct, failure to attend pre-departure training sessions required by the Global Education and Study Abroad office, not submitting on time the pre-departure materials required by H-SC and/or the program’s on-site provider), the $500 non-refundable deposit will be forfeited and any reduction in fees or refunds will amount only to the expenses that H-SC is able to recover or have not already been spent on behalf of the student.

In the event an unexpected emergency occurs within 30 days before the first day of the program, students must provide a physician's certification that the student's condition prohibits participation. As with the above, refunds will be limited to only those funds Hampden-Sydney is able to recover or that have not already been spent on behalf of the student.