UC student explores the Amazon during a study-abroad trip.

Pack your curiosity, not just your bags

UC's study abroad programs span continents, with something for every interest

5 minute read September 24, 2025

What if your next course wasn’t inside a classroom but across the globe?

The University of Cincinnati's Study Abroad Programs offer endless opportunities to immerse yourself in a new language, religion, culture and more.

“All UC study abroad programs are wonderful — students get to experience the world with a faculty expert and peers, which is always valuable,” said Laura Zanotti, professor and director of the School of Environment and Sustainability in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Whether you’re practicing your French in Quebec, hiking the Brazilian Amazon or exploring the ancient landscapes of Leinster, these programs are designed for students to connect what you learn in the classroom with real-world experiences.

Destination inspiration

A&S student enjoys a study-abroad experience. Photo/Provided

This year’s offerings highlight three key themes: Language and Immersion, History and Culture, and Environment and Sustainability. With destinations spanning North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, -- there’s a program for every interest, major or concentration.

Before students depart, UC ensures they’re ready for the transition to a new country.

"Students receive a two-part orientation,” Zanotti explained. “One part is content-based, tied to course requirements, and the other is logistics-based, covering travel, packing, and daily expectations. Before departure, students also do a two-day immersive orientation.”

North America

Canada: French Language in Quebec

Dive into French Language, learning while experiencing the unique culture of Quebec. This program combines classroom study with cultural immersion, giving the students the chance to practice their French in everyday life and explore the city of Quebec.

Mexico: Spanish Immersion Program in Queretaro

Fully immerse yourself in the historical, colonial and, magical city of Querétaro. This program features on-site lectures by UC faculty and a homestay experience for students to practice their Spanish and learn about a different culture.

South America

Brazil: Indigenous Peoples, Conservation and Film

Join the Bearcat community next summer for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you will learn from local communities what obstacles and opportunities lie ahead for sustainable Amazonian futures. Students will visit these landscapes and talk with leaders about environmental governance and rights, all while working alongside filmmakers to document local heritage.

Europe

Germany: Language, Culture and Environments in Berlin

Become a Berliner for a month with activities allowing you to experience the city from a different perspective each week, focusing on topics such as memorial culture, environment, architecture, and infrastructure. UC professors will teach and guide students through a capital known for its vibrant cultural scene and laid-back atmosphere.

Greece: Healing in Anquity

This course takes you on a cultural journey through medical education and practice in ancient Greece as well as modern and contemporary Western Europe and the U.S. During Spring Break, students will get to explore an ancient-to-modern historical voyage through medical education and associated healthcare spaces.

Ireland: The Ancient Landscapes of Leinster

Flag of Ireland flies in front of buildings. Photo/Roger Nobles on Unsplash.

This program explores physical geographies and human-made landscapes of Ireland's historic province of Leinster, located in the southeastern corner of the island. This program is perfect for students traveling abroad for the first time, English is spoken everywhere in Leinster, relative costs are generally lower, towns are compact and easy to navigate, and activities are endless.

Ireland: The Pristine Landscapes of Connacht

During this international program, students will visit a variety of physical geographic landscapes, megalithic monuments, and structures associated with belief systems to witness, identify, and explain historical and contemporary human impacts upon these physical spaces. This 10-day trip is packed with opportunities to immerse students in the Connacht community and culture.

Italy: Andiamo in Italia!

A&S student enjoys a study-abroad experience. Photo/Provided

The five-week program provides students with an opportunity to study the Italian language and culture in the seaside towns of Naples and Pisciotta, before ending in Rome.

Spend your summer diving into language and culture with UC's Departments of Romance & Arabic Languages and Literatures.

Spain: Madrid Summer Program

Madrid is one of the world's most lively cities, with unparalleled cultural offerings and a vibrant nightlife. Students will experience field trips to world-class cultural sites and monuments featuring Roman aqueducts, Egyptian temples, medieval synagogues, gothic cathedrals, castles, royal palaces and much more.

Asia

Japan: Exploring Religion and Culture

Street scene in Japan. Photo/Clay Banks on Unsplash

This fascinating program will introduce students to Japanese religious traditions with an emphasis on ideas, values, and practices of Shinto and Buddhism. Students will visit major Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples where they will learn about the significance of symbolic structures at these sites.

Africa

Morocco: Arabic Language and Culture

Come learn Arabic in magical Morocco! Students will get the chance to understand the Arabic language and culture in Rabat, Morocco with students from around the world at the “Qalam Wa Lawh” Institute.

Feature image at top: UC students study abroad in the Amazon. Photo/Provided

By Denise Meads

Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communication

artscinews@uc.edu