ACU offers new study abroad experience in Germany

Beginning next spring, students at Abilene Christian University will have the opportunity to spend the semester studying in Germany. ACU will launch a three-year test program in Central Europe, according to Dr. Kevin Kehl, executive director of the Center for International and Intercultural Education at ACU.

"We are excited about this new international opportunity for our students," said Dr. Royce Money, ACU president. "I believe that studying abroad is an essential part of a college education in the 21st century. The study abroad experience aligns with ACU's mission 'to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.' I am confident that our students will find living and studying in Central Europe an enriching and life-changing experience."

The city of Leipzig, located in the German state of Saxony, will serve as the hub for ACU's newest program overseas. During the days of the former East Germany, Leipzig was the second largest city in the East, after Berlin.

"After visiting Leipzig on several occasions over the last three years, as well as operating a very successful summer program there in 2007 and 2008, we believe that Leipzig will prove to be an excellent choice as a hub for students to engage the history and culture of Central and Eastern Europe," said Kehl. "Leipzigers possess an entrepreneurial spirit that we believe fits the vision ACU has for its international programs."

ACU students will enjoy Leipzig's rich cultural heritage, wonderful parks and the most modern and efficient public transportation system in Europe. They will quickly see why, with its high quality of life, companies like Amazon and DHL chose Leipzig as the headquarters of their European operations, Kehl said.

"As the home of Bach, Leipzig has for years been known world-wide as a city of music," said Kehl. "Leipzig also played a foundational role in the formation of German 18th century philosophy, known as the Age of Enlightenment. As our students study the language and culture of this region of the world, they will have the opportunity to grapple with the ideas of famous philosophers, scholars and artists in their original language."

In addition, this program will offer ACU students unique opportunities to explore nearby cities and towns such as Berlin, Dresden, Wittenberg, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest and St. Petersburg.

"In our study abroad programs, the world becomes the classroom," said Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, ACU provost. "Students tell us that international experiences transform their mind and heart. Recently, faculty-led summer programs have also taken students to Honduras, China and Ghana."

Currently, ACU study abroad opportunities include semester and summer programs operating from a Western European hub in Oxford, England and a South American hub located in Montevideo, Uruguay.

"Innovative, distinctive educational programs provide students with a rich and unique cross-cultural experience that truly enables our students to think globally, critically and missionally," said VanRheenen.

To learn more about study abroad programs at ACU, please visit their website at acu.edu/studyabroad.

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.