One and two-semester study abroad opportunities during the academic year are available to Bellarmine students through the following Bellarmine partner Universities on six continents.
Prerequisites for all Semester and Academic Year Study Abroad
Study abroad during the academic year is available to any student who has studied at Bellarmine University at least two semesters, who is in good academic and social standing, and has a minimum grade point average of 2.75. A Bellarmine University study abroad fee is applicable per semester for credits transferred from abroad, for all programs, regardless of destination or provider. For study at a non-English speaking university site, proficiency in the language of study is a prerequisite. Minimum proficiency is demonstrated through the successful completion of four semesters of college-level study or its equivalent.
For a complete listing of all Bellarmine Partner Campuses worldwide Sorted by Continent Sorted by Language For general study abroad information, tips, & reminders click here
Bilateral Programs:
Cost: Generally speaking, the cost of a semester or academic year abroad for Bellarmine's exchange programs is about the same as study on the Bellarmine campus (Bellarmine tuition, room and board, and student fees). The only additional cost a student will incur is a per semester study abroad fee currently $150 for ISEP Programs and $300 for bilateral programs, plus transportation expenses to and from the study site, and if studying abroad with ISEP, an additional $375* (subject to change) ISEP processing fee. Most forms of financial aid are applicable to the ISEP and bilateral exchange programs.
Scholarships: Special study abroad scholarships available for a variety of programs and
destinations including scholarships of up to $4,000 for Germanic and Romance language
sites are available to Bellarmine students on a competitive basis.
Scholarship Information
Academic Credit: Credits earned during a student's study abroad in an exchange program are transferred back to Bellarmine University as official credit earned toward graduation. While all grades will be reflected on the student's transcript, they will not be figured into the overall GPA (except for honors and awards).
Application Procedures: As early as freshman year, but no later than one year prior to the intended semester/academic year study abroad, a student interested in studying abroad should contact the International Programs Office in Miles Hall 111 (
Study Abroad Advisor
). In consultation with the student and the student's academic advisor, the Study Abroad Advisor will assist the student in the study site selection process as well as in the design of the program of studies and general preparation for the entire experience. Computer access to all of the partner universities is available through this departmental page. Actual foreign university catalogs may be provided upon acceptance to a particular site. By November 30th of the year preceding the exchange, the student must submit an official study abroad application to the Bellarmine University International Office, accompanied by the appropriate studyabroad fee, and if studying abroad with ISEP, $375* for the ISEP processing fee. A student from a foreign country will make a similar arrangement with his or her home institution.
* subject to change
1. Asian Studies and Business at Kansai Gaidai University, Japan
Through a bilateral exchange agreement with Kansai Gaidai University near
Osaka, Japan, Bellarmine students have an opportunity to live either on campus or with a Japanese family for one or two semesters while furthering their Japanese language proficiency and pursuing content studies taught in English on Japanese history, culture, religion, politics, business, management, marketing, international law; Asian thought, theatre, and studio art; and more. Students are encouraged to have studied one or two semesters of Japanese before applying to this program. The cost will be the same as studying a semester in residence at Bellarmine University.
Scholarships
of up to $8,000 are available through the Japanese government on a competitive basis. Brochures are available in October in the Department of Foreign Languages and International Programs and in the College library. Consult the International Programs Office (
email
) for details.
2. Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany
Through a bilateral exchange agreement with Eberhard-Karls-Universität (founded 1477), a university of 25,000 students in picturesque medieval Tübingen, a city of 75,000 near the Black Forest region in South West Germany, Bellarmine students have the opportunity to study for one to two semesters at one of Germany's most renowned universities which counts among its alumni and professors some of the greatest German philosophers, theologians, poets, writers, and scientists, including Nobel laureates. In 1995, the city of
Tübingen
was voted Germany's city with the highest quality of life. Credits earned at the University of Tübingen are transferred as Bellarmine University credit. Tuition is the same as study on campus at Bellarmine. Room and board is paid directly to the University of Tübingen and comparable to the cost at Bellarmine.
Scholarships
are available through the Department of Foreign Languages and International Programs. Consult the International Programs Office (
email
) for details.
3. Curtin University, Perth, Australia Through a bilateral agreement with Curtin University which is located in
Perth, a city of 1.2 million in Western Australia, near the Indian Ocean, Bellarmine students have access to study in a variety of academic areas in an English speaking setting. Curtin University has a well known Nursing program, a favorite among Bellarmine's nursing majors. Curtin's Business School also ranks among the top three in Australia. Tuition is the same as study on campus at Bellarmine. Room and board expenses differ from those at Bellarmine.
Scholarships
are available. Consult the
International Programs Office (
email
) for details.
4. Université Paul Valery, Montpellier, France
Through an expanded ISEP agreement with the Université Paul Valery and Louisville's sister city,
Montpellier
on the Mediterranean Sea, a Bellarmine student can study at Montpellier III under the ISEP exchange (see above), but will also qualify for an internship at Montpellier City Hall or area businesses to be arranged with the assistance of the Montpellier Mayor's office during or upon completion of studies at the University of Montepellier. As with all ISEP study abroad, tuition, room and board is basically the same as study on the Bellarmine campus.
Scholarships
are available. Consult the International Programs Office (
email
) for details.
5.Universidad San Francisco Quito, Ecuador
Through a bilateral exchange agreement with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, located in one of Louisville's sister cities,
Quito
, Ecuador, Bellarmine students have the opportunity to study for one or two semesters at one of the most dynamic educational institutions in Latin America. U.S.F.Q is an institution of 2200 students offering 39 undergraduate majors and 6 Masters programs. This liberal arts university offers valuable resources such as professors from the best
universities in the world, the most modern library and computer services in Ecuador and arguably the most beautiful campus in Latin America. In addition to academic studies, this university also offers great service learning opportunities.
Scholarships
are available through the International Office. Consult the International Programs Office (
email
) for details and also for additional application materials and information.
6.Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan
In 2001, a bilateral exchange was established between Bellarmine and Yokohama National University, (in
Yokohama
) about half an hour train ride outside of Tokyo, Japan. The hilltop campus is blessed with verdant surroundings and abundant space, located only 2.5 miles from Yokohama Station, which serves as the city's major transport hub. YNU is one of the foremost institutions of higher education in Japan, serving approximately 10,000 students, of whom about 700 are of foreign origin. This one to two semester exchange gives Bellarmine students access to the Junior Year Overseas Program (JOY) at YNU, which offers a curriculum taught in English by top faculty, giving students an opportunity to learn more about the many faces of Japan, plus courses in business administration, economics, the social sciences, and engendering. Generous AIEJ
scholarships
of up to 105,000 Yen/ $13,500 are available to Bellarmine students on a competitive basis. For further information visit the
YNU website
and/or the Bellarmine International Office in Miles 111-114. Consult the International Programs Office (
email
) for details.
7.The Universities of Paris and its Region
2002 marked the inauguration year for an exchange agreement between Bellarmine University and the combined course and research potential of 14 Paris and Paris region institutions of higher
learning under
M.I.C.E.F.A
(Mission Interuniversitaire De Coordination
Des Echanges Franco-Americans), Paris, France. This will give Bellarmine students an opportunity for direct enrollment with Bellarmine credit at Parisian institution universities such as at the
world-renowned “Sorbonne”, the superb ”Institut Catholique de Paris”,
the excellent Business School “Dauphine”, the world famous University of
Paris Medical School, along with many other excellent institutions within the University of Paris system (please, review the
M.I.C.E.F.A
website for more information on each institution) All regular scholarships and financial aid are portable with additional
scholarships
available through the International Office.
The metropolitan area of Paris (10.8 million inhabitants) is an extension of the Bellarmine campus.
Each exchange student selects an individualized study program with the counseling of MICEFA’s staff members, as well as the Offices of International Programs of each participating Paris University. Disciplines and course selection are not limited to one particular participating university or department. Thus, students benefit from the most adequate offerings in their field, given their fluency in French, degree of specialization and requirements. A three week orientation and intensive French language course is offered to American students, designed to make adaptation easier before the year begins.
During the academic year, specially selected MICEFA teachers offer courses in French as a second language on a weekly basis. For more information contact the Bellarmine International Office in Miles 111-114 or via
email
) for details.
8.Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
The summer 2002 marked the signing of a bilateral agreement of educational and cultural exchange between Bellarmine University and the Universidad de Salamanca; giving Bellarmine students an opportunity to study at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1218, the University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain. Its status is so great that the history of the city of
Salamanca
itself is inevitably tied up in the University’s story. In the 16th century, Pope Alexander IV declared the University to be one of the principal seats of learning of Christendom ranking with Paris, Oxford and Bologna. Christopher Columbus consulted its faculty before embarking on his famous voyage.
Today, the University of Salamanca is Spain's leading national institution for teaching of Spanish to foreign students, having been designated by the Spanish government to create an innovative educational program for foreigners to learn Spanish in the region of Spain where the purest Castilian Spanish is spoken. Bellarmine students matriculate in the University of Salamanca for one to two semesters. Students fluent in Spanish who wish to participate in the superior level may enroll in the many courses offered within the University alongside Spanish students. Other students take courses designed exclusively for foreign students taught by University of Salamanca professors. The University has a student population of 30,000 in the Colleges of Law, Liberal Arts, Science and Medicine. “Salamanca is, perhaps, the most perfect town in Spain. It has no particularly famous works of art. It is itself a work of art of every fruitful period. A town of mellow, golden stone standing by the riverside, among cork oaks…a place to loiter in, discovering new graces at the turn of every street.” (Evelyn Waugh)
Salamanca
is a graceful city with golden medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and soaring cathedrals. In the northwest corner of Castile and only two and a half hours from Madrid, Salamanca retains the romantic charm of a medieval university town. Known as the “Oxford of the Spanish world,” the University draws visitors and students from around the world. Its narrow cobbled streets and rich facades, large and small squares, domes and spires still buzz with a thriving community of students who make Salamanca their home. Town and student life centers around the Plaza Mayor, justly called the most beautiful square in Spain. Salamanca has a rich cultural life of theater, cinemas and music resplendent with bullfighting, folk dancing, theater, concerts and parades. See the International Programs Office for the Application & Information.
9.Karl-Franzens Universität Graz, Austria
Through a 2003 bilateral exchange agreement with Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz in
Graz, Austria
, (originally founded in 1585 by the Habsburg Archduke Karl II, Karl-Franzens-Universit ät Graz was re-installed by the Habsburg Emperor Franz I in 1837, resulting in the university bearing both the Habsburg leaders' names). Bellarmine students have access to the second largest university in Austria. Total enrollment: 23,000. Locale: Graz, the second largest city in Austria, is located in the south eastern province of Styria, called the “green heart of Austria” because of its extensive forests. Graz has many parks and cultural activities and provides easy access to sports such as skiing. A popular event is the annual “Steirischer Herbst” (Styrian Autumn) which encompasses a number of musical, theatrical and literary performances as well as accompanying lectures and exhibitions. Consult the International Programs Office (
email
) for details.
For a personal testimony (in German) from a Graz student who studied at Bellarmine for the academic year 2003-04 , please
Click Here
.
For more information on
Austria
10.Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Through a 2004 bilateral exchange agreement with PUCE in Quito,Bellarmine students have access to a first rate Catholic university in Latin America. Ecuador is Kentucky’s partner state, and Quito and Louisville have been enjoying a sister city partnership for over 40 years. Bellarmine students may study at PUCE for a semester or full year. PUCE is also home to Bellarmine’s short term summer study abroad program in Nursing and Community Health, developed in 2004. See the International Programs Office for additional application materials and information.
11.University of Kufstein, Austria
Through Bellarmine’s bilateral program, Bellarmine students can study at one of the top business schools in Austria, the University of Kufstein for a semester or a full academic year. At this institution, highly qualified faculty with international experience, programs which are recognized all over Europe as well as courses with students of various nationalities and cultures form the basis for a comprehensive education. During their studies, the students are trained to apply their knowledge in intensive practical courses as well as during internships all over the world in order to prepare for th high demands of the market. Intellectual mobility and intercultural understanding are very important at this institution. The
University enrollment is about 1, 350. Being situated at the melting point of various cultures and at one of the most important North-South axes of Europe, the city of Kufstein has always been of national and international strategic importance. The thunderous roar of the two cannons Emperor Maximilian used to conquer the Kufstein Fortress for the Tyrol in 1504 still echoes up on the Josephsburg today. If you look down from the battlements onto the 1200-year-old town, which for centuries was a bone of contention between the Bavarians and Tiroleans, historical figures seem to come alive again. Today Kufstein has about 16,000 inhabitants (and thus is the second largest town in Tirol) and offers jobs in trad and industry to its inhabitants and to many commuters from neighboring communities.
12.National University of Ireland, Galway
Through a special study abroad partnership with Willamette University, Bellarmine students have the opportunity to study for a spring semester at the National University of Ireland, Galway. The cost of this program differs from Bellarmine's bilateral exchanges. Please consult the IPO for details.
The University was founded in 1845 as Queen's College Galway on the banks of the river Corrib in western Ireland. It was one of the three Queen's Colleges founded under the Queen's Colleges (Ireland) Act, 1845, the others being located in Belfast and Cork. In 1929, the College was given a special statutory responsibility under the University College Galway Act in respect of the use of the Irish language as a working language in the College. Under the Universities Act, 1997, University College, Galway was reconstituted as a University, under the name of Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh / National University of Ireland, Galway, and became a Constituent University of the National University of Ireland. Its total student enrollment is about 13,000, with academically strong programs of teaching and research throughout its seven Faculties: Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Celtic Studies, Medicine & Health Sciences, and Law. NUI Galway is a vibrant dynamic institution, committed to expanding and deepening its international links. Almost 1,000 international students attend the University each year, for a semester, a year or for a full degree program, mainly from Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
13.The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
Through a bilateral exchange agreement with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, (CUHK), Bellarmine students can study at one of the finest bilingual institutions in China.
CUHK was founded in 1963, and is located in Hong Kong, a city of about 6.9 million inhabitants off the southeast coast of China at CUHK, Bellarmine students can experience the unique blend of western and Chinese cultures. CUHK is also an AACSB accredited school! For students interested in studying Asia in an international context, CUHK is also an excellent choice because it is the only university in Hong Kong that offers a tailor-made study program for international students (International Asian Studies Program or IASP). In 2004 enrollment was 16,263. With China being so important in the global market, studying in Hong Kong is an excellent choice for all majors especially those interested in international business.
Situated at the southeastern tip of
China, Hong Kong is ideally positioned at the centre of rapidly developing East Asia.
Hong Kong has become a world-class financial, trading and business center. Today it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
14. Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne was founded in 1908 and is located in the eastern suburb of Hawthorn in Melbourne, a city of about 3.5 million.
Though a 2005 bilateral exchange agreement with Swinburne University, Bellarmine students can experience a diverse institution in Australia’s second largest city, which, like Louisville, is famous for horse racing. Swinburne is an excellent choice for all majors. Swinburne has a strong history of providing quality, career-oriented education for both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia and the capital of the state of Victoria. Melbourne is built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe shaped Port Phillip Bay, which also serves as the mouth of the mighty Yarra River. Located on the southern coast of Australia’s eastern seaboard, Melbourne is perhaps Australia’s most cultured and politically conservative city. Melbourne features include Victorian-era
architecture
, bounteous cultural institutions
museums,
art galleries,
theatres
and spaciously landscaped parks and gardens.
15.Leeds Metropolitan University
Through a 2005 bilateral exchange agreement with Leeds Metropolitan University, Bellarmine students can experience a University acclaimed world-wide for the quality of its teaching and research. One of the largest universities in the UK, its size and international reputation enables the university to offer one of the widest ranges of academic courses in the UK. LMU was founded in 1824, and is located in the city of Leeds approximately 2 hours from London by train. Leeds is a prosperous, commercial, industrial, and manufacturing city. It is also considered the cultural and sporting center for much of the region. Leeds also has a rich musical tradition. The city of Leeds has 700,000 inhabitants; LMU has over 41,000 students.
16.University of Helsinki
Through a 2007 bilateral agreement with the University of Helsinki, Bellarmine students have an opportunity to study at an excellent institution in the capital of Finland. Since this institution has a large international student population, there is an extensive amount of course offerings in English in most disciplines.
The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest university in Finland. Its students make up a quarter of all university students in the country. The main university area is located in the beautiful neo-classical center of Helsinki.
With its large population, Helsinki is able to sustain a rich variety of cultural activities.
There is an abundance of restaurants, bars, theaters, museums, and sporting events. The total student population is currently 39,000. See IPO for application and procedures.
17.Aston University
Through a 2007 bilateral agreement with Aston University Bellarmine students now have an additional opportunity to study in England. Founded over a hundred years ago, Aston is an established, "old" University known for world class teaching and
research and has strong links with industry, government and commerce. Currently, Aston is only open to Business students. Aston’s Business School has accreditation from all three of the major
international accrediting bodies, AMBA, EQUIS and the AACSB. The facilities are based on an attractive, green
campus, right in the centre of
Birmingham,
one of Europe’s liveliest and welcoming
cities. Aston has a close-knit, safe and friendly
campus atmosphere which provides the perfect environment for academic success and a fantastic
social life.
With around 7,000 students at the University, they benefit from being part of an academic
and social community large enough to be lively and diverse but with a small feel similar to BU. See
IPO for application and procedures.
18.Universidad Pontificia Comillas
Through a 2006 bilateral agreement with the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Bellarmine students can study in
Spanish or English in Madrid (pop. over 5 million), the capital of Spain. Bellarmine established a relationship
with this institution due to its Catholic affiliation and its reputation for academic excellence.
Pope Leo XIII
founded the Seminary of San Antonio de Padua in 1890
in the town of Comillas. The university mixes religious traditions with an academic experience that is based
on our ever changing modern society. As a private university, it prides itself on a high quality of teaching
and a good student-teacher relationship which promotes above all, science and progress and the development of
the student’s ability to critique and analyze.
19.IECS Strasbourg
IECS is located at the heart of Strasbourg and services some
3,500 students, 150 faculty members, 200 researchers and 500 professional speakers. Through a 2006 bilateral exchange agreement, Bellarmine students may attend one of the finest business schools
in France. Course offerings are available in both French and English. The goal of the institution is to establish a pole of competencies in management and economics that will be recognized across Europe
for teaching, research, interaction with economic and industrial
arenas and its international focus. The synergies among teachers-researchers and students of the three divisions are facilitated by activities and structures promoting joint research and work. IECS joined the "Conférence des Grandes Ecoles" (Division of "Grandes Ecoles de Management") in 2000. Membership in this top tier organization marks the recognition of the IECS
Strasbourg among the major French business schools.
Al Akhawayn University (AUI) is located in Ifrane (pop.30,000), Morocco. AUI is modeled on the American university system and English is the language of instruction. Al Akhawayn University will, however, give special attention to the teaching of the Arabic language at all levels and in all branches of education. Through a 2007 bilateral agreement Bellarmine students may study at this excellent institution in North Africa. AUI contributes to the historical and cultural vocation of the Kingdom of Morocco, an Arab-African nation belonging to Islamic civilization, and open to Europe, America and Asia. AUI is thus designed as a Moroccan university, original in its organizational and educational approach, using modern methods to disseminate Arab-Islamic and African culture, universal knowledge, science and advanced technology. AUI aims to train graduates with high academic qualifications, in permanent quest of knowledge and culture, aware of their social obligations and imbued with the values of human solidarity and tolerance.
The Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, founded in 1921, is one of the most comprehensive and complete higher education institutions in Italy. Università Cattolica excels in the diverse study opportunities that it offers in the humanities as well as scientific fields. Through the courses offered, combined with strong research programs, the university values and promotes an interdisciplinary approach that helps students gain scientific knowledge in a responsible and autonomous fashion. The campus offers a complete range of services. Since the student body is approximately 30,000, the campus may best be described as "a city within a city", where finding your way and learning the ropes is easy thanks to effective tutoring services and competent academic advisors and coordinators. Each semester there are a variety of course offerings in Psychology and the Humanities offered in English. Students are encouraged to have at least 2 semester of Italian prior top the start of the program.
Through an ISEP focused exchange Bellarmine Business and Economics students have the opportunity to study at Universiteit van Tilburg, an AACSB accredited school. Originally established in 1927 as a school of economics, Tilburg has since diversified its curriculum to include several main faculties, as well as special research programs and institutes. The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration offers two certificate programs each semester: the International Business Administration Diploma and the European Economics and Finance Certificate. A large number of research institutions are directly allied to Tilburg including the Center for Economic Research, one of the top institutes for fundamental economic research in Europe. Universiteit van Tilburg is also an excellent choice for Bellarmine students given that it is also a private university of Catholic affiliation.
As a result of a 2007 bilateral agreement, Bellarmine students now have the opportunity to study at an excellent institution in South Africa. Rhodes University is located in the heart of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province and owes its unique character to a combination of historical, geographical, cultural and architectural factors. Small in size but substantial in their impact, the achievements of successive generations of Rhodians have had an influence on Southern Africa and beyond. The University takes pride in its motto, Where Leaders Learn, and in producing graduates who are knowledgeable intellectuals, skilled professionals, and critical, caring and compassionate citizens who can contribute to economic and social development and an equitable, just and democratic society. The University’s social consciousness is expressed in its commitment to sharing knowledge resources with the community of Grahamstown and the Eastern Cape and in encouraging an ethos of community service within its staff and student body. In addition to their commitment to social justice issues, Rhodes has many excellent academic departments including a world class music department. Not only would this institution be a great choice for Bellarmine students to study abroad on exchange, but there are many opportunities for Bellarmine faculty research and collaboration with Rhodes.
Over 100 additional Bellarmine exchange partner universities are available
through a partnership with International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). In 1993, Bellarmine University
joined the International Student Exchange Program, a consortium of over 200 universities and colleges in over 40 countries around the globe. Through the Bellarmine membership in ISEP, students have the opportunity to study at any of the affiliated universities with credit transferred back to Bellarmine. International study sites are available for students of French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. For students without foreign language proficiency, study is available at English-speaking universities in Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The cost of a semester or academic year abroad is the same as a semester spent on the Bellarmine campus, plus the cost of the airline ticket and a $375.00 ISEP placement/administrative fee (subject to change). Scholarships for students of foreign languages are available on a competitive basis for study at non-English-speaking sites. Brochures are available in October in the International Office. In addition to sorting the Study Abroad Options by continent above, for your convenience, here is a listing of the same Study Abroad Options, sorted by language:
