Education Abroad
A deep cultural understanding and knowledge of the social, economic, political, and scientific forces that shape our world are integral components of a liberal arts education and necessary for effective leadership on local, national, and international levels.
Our students embrace education abroad—three-quarters of the student body travel abroad for research, service, work or internship opportunities.
The history department sponsors two programs – in Cambridge and Peru. Additionally, the Office of Education Abroad & Away offers more than 140 approved study abroad programs on six continents.
Davidson in Cambridge
Study at England's most famous university for a summer. Jointly sponsored by the English and History Departments, and limited to 20 students, the summer Davidson in Cambridge program has been part of Davidson curriculum for more than 40 years. The program focuses on the history and literature of late 18th- and 19th-century Britain. Each week features morning lectures conceived as a mini-unit, some even delivered "on site," with travel. Designed to immerse students in British culture, the program features:
- British scholars, most from the Cambridge University community
- Curriculum that replicates the British educational system
- Topics chosen specifically so that students can experience their subjects first-hand
Davidson in Peru
Experience Peru from the Amazon to the Andes, Lima, Bolivia, Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and more. Based in Arequipa, a city known for its whitewashed colonial buildings at the foot of an inactive volcano roughly 7,000 feet above sea level, students live with Peruvian families while taking classes at the Universidad de San Pablo. You have the freedom to choose from a selection of program-designed courses:
- Taught by San Pablo professors
- A course taught by the Davidson professor and program director
- Full (and extensive) complement of regular university courses
Many students also participate in volunteer activities. Two lengthy journeys bookend the 14 weeks in Arequipa and expose students to varied Peruvian landscapes from coastal desert to mountainous highlands to Amazonian jungle.
Davidson in Peru first ran in 2007 after being created by two Latin American Studies professors, Russell Crandall, Political Science Department, and Jane Mangan, History Department.
History majors may petition to have a course transferred as UNS 199 count toward the major by asking the department chair to review the syllabus and other course materials.
How to Apply
All students planning to study abroad during the academic year or over a break must meet with an advisor in the Office of Education Abroad & Away in order to start an application. All application materials, including transcripts, recommendations and other supporting documents, must be submitted by the appropriate deadline.
Apply by February 1 for fall semester, academic year or summer programs, and by September 15 for spring semester or winter break programs (a few programs may have different deadlines). Contact an Education Abroad advisor with any questions, or email edabroad@davidson.edu.
Travel Registration
All students going abroad for College-related purposes besides credit-bearing study abroad programs (e.g. research, internships, volunteer work) are required to register their itinerary in advance and sign the College’s travel waiver.