Destination Experiences

Rising Scholars

Begin your adventures abroad with Abilene Christian University. Experience new cultures, test your limits and make unforgettable memories. Through courses taught by some of ACU’s most talented faculty, you’ll receive one hour of college credit and an experience to last a lifetime.

“ACU’s Rising Scholars program is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a new culture, learn skills through unique and interactive course work, and forge deep relationships with like-minded students.” Isaac, 2023 Rising Scholar
Apply for Rising Scholars
Home/ Admissions/ Rising Scholars/ Rising Scholars Destination Experiences

Begin your adventures abroad with Abilene Christian University. Experience new cultures, test your limits and make unforgettable memories. Through courses taught by some of ACU’s most talented faculty, you’ll receive one hour of college credit and an experience to last a lifetime.

“ACU’s Rising Scholars program is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a new culture, learn skills through unique and interactive course work, and forge deep relationships with like-minded students.” Isaac, 2023 Rising Scholar

Main Content

KEY DATES

November 1, 2024

Application Opens

January 15, 2025

Early Application Deadline

2025 Rising Scholars Destination Offerings

OXFORD AND LONDON, ENGLAND

June 14-21, 2025

 

Capturing the Magic of England with Mobile Photography
Dr. Trey Shirley
Department of Art+Design

Step into the enchanting world of England in this introductory mobile photography course. No prior photography experience is necessary; all you need is your iPhone and a passion for exploration. Throughout this immersive journey, we’ll traverse the storied landscapes of England, from ancient ruins to inspiring cathedrals, capturing the essence of each enchanting site through the lens of a camera. Led by Dr. Trey Shirley, Associate Professor of Art and Design and Associate Dean of the Honors College, you’ll learn the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and editing techniques tailored for mobile photography, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual narratives. Join us on this magical adventure where every snapshot becomes a testament to the timeless allure and mystical charm of Britain’s captivating wonders.

Cost: $3,200 – includes course fees, airfare, lodging, excursions, daily breakfast, a few group meals and travel medical insurance. Students are responsible for other meals/snacks, souvenirs and extra excursions. Limited scholarships available based on application. 

FLORENCE AND MILAN, ITALY

June 14-21, 2025

Marketing of Italian Art, Food and Fashion
Dr. Jennifer Golden
College of Business Administration 

The course explores the rich cultural landscape of Italy where art, food, and fashion are at the heart of what makes this country so unique. Led by Dr. Jennifer Golden, Assistant Professor of Marketing, you’ll learn key marketing concepts such as consumer behavior, branding, and international marketing concepts while exploring these key cultural components. You’ll explore famous art museums and galleries, visit Italian businesses, and of course enjoy some gelato. This immersive experience is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the marketing landscape while studying in two of the world’s most historic and culturally rich cities.

Cost: $3,200 – includes course fees, airfare, lodging, excursions, daily breakfast, a few group meals and travel medical insurance. Students are responsible for other meals/snacks, souvenirs and extra excursions. Limited scholarships available based on application. 

OXFORD AND LONDON, ENGLAND

JULY 19-26, 2025

 

Eating, Reading, and Exploring in Contemporary England
Dr. Todd Womble
Department of Language and Literature 

This class focuses on three avenues of experiences of everyday life in contemporary England: food, books, and exploration. Led by Dr. Todd Womble, Associate Professor of Language and Literature, you’ll get firsthand experience in what it’s like to eat, read, and see in everyday British life. You’ll eat a variety of meals–from fancy sit-down restaurants to takeaways from food trucks. You’ll step into the literary culture of England, from hole-in-the-wall bookshops and libraries, to massive bookstores like Foyles in London. And you’ll explore the sights and sounds of London and Oxford, from world-famous places like the Globe and Blenheim Palace, to lesser-traveled areas, parks, and streets. 

Cost: $3,200 – includes course fees, airfare, lodging, excursions, daily breakfast, a few group meals and travel medical insurance. Students are responsible for other meals/snacks, souvenirs and extra excursions. Limited scholarships available based on application. 

LEIPZIG, GERMANY and PRAGUE, CZECHIA

June 19-26, 2025

 

Changing the World: The Psychology of Resistance
Dr. Richard Beck
Department of Psychology 

Join us as we walk in the footsteps of revolutionaries on the cobblestone streets of Leipzig and Prague. Over five hundred years ago, these cities played decisive roles in the lives of Jan Hus and Martin Luther, Protestant reformers who turned the medieval world upside down. In modern times, 1989 saw the end of Communist rule among the Eastern Bloc nations. The sacred roots of “The Peaceful Revolution” in Germany and “The Velvet Revolution” in Czechoslovakia began with prayer vigils held St. Nicholas’s Church in Leipzig. We’ll sit in the pews where the flame was lit that culminated in Leipzig citizens marching through the streets chanting the now-famous slogan “Wir sind das Volk!” (“We are the People!”). As one German official remarked about their failures to suppress the protests, “We had planned for everything, but not for candles and prayers.” Led by Dr. Richard Beck, professor of Psychology, an unforgettable, life-changing experience awaits you as we explore the power of “candles and prayers” through peaceful revolutions that forever changed the world.

Cost: $3,200 – includes course fees, airfare, lodging, excursions, daily breakfast, a few group meals and travel medical insurance. Students are responsible for other meals/snacks, souvenirs and extra excursions. Limited scholarships available based on application. 

Important Dates

  • November 1, 2024 – Application opens 
  • January 15, 2025 – Early Application Deadline
    • February 1, 2025 – student contract and $500 non-refundable payment due to early admits to guarantee spot
  • March 1, 2025 – Regular Application Deadline (applications will be accepted until March 1 as space is available)
    • March 15, 2025 – student contract and $500 non-refundable payment due to regular deadline admits 
  • April 1 – Waitlist students notified if space is available 

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re happy to answer any additional questions you have about ACU’s Rising Scholars and the individual programs available. Contact us to have the answers you’re looking for. We can’t wait to see you begin your college experience with ACU.

International trips are designed for 16-20 students. Space on abroad trips is highly competitive.

Rising Scholars is led by 4-6 adults including ACU faculty and staff, as well as spouses. Two ACU current students also accompany the group to serve as peer mentors.

  • Submit the online application.
  • Students must be a current high school sophomore or junior.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation completed by a current high school teacher or administrator.
  • Submit a video essay (approximately 45-60 seconds)
  • The application and recommendation letter must be submitted by February 1, 2023, to be considered. 
  • Due to demand, we cannot accept late applications.

Students who enroll in Rising Scholars are enrolling as an ACU student for a 1 hour course. Students are expected to go to class and complete all assignments related to the course. Some coursework will take place outside of the trip.

  • Yes, a valid U.S. passport is required. If you already have a passport, it must be valid through December 2024.
  • If you do not have a current U.S. passport, we recommend you begin your passport application as soon as possible. To apply, download the application form from travel.state.gov. You must create an appointment to submit your application in person at a local post office, county courthouse or some public libraries. There are items (ID, birth certificate, photo, etc.) you must bring with you, or it will be sent back for you to do again. It can take up to six months to receive your passport. ACU needs a copy of it by June 1.

Students are required to attend virtual meetings to onboard prior to travel. Additionally, students will have 1-2 virtual class meetings and may have assignments and reading assigned before the trip. 

Our Rising Scholars groups will stay in world-class hotels. Each student will be assigned a room with one roommate. Parents will be informed of all accommodation details prior to departure.

For ease of travel to Europe, all students are required to pack in a carry-on suitcase. Students can choose to check a bag on the return flight home. They can also bring one personal item.

Parents and families are not permitted to travel with the ACU group. However, families can travel concurrently with a Rising Scholar booking a different return flight to extend their stay with family.

We will fly as a group from DFW to our location abroad. If you live in Texas, you will be expected to make your own arrangements to and from DFW airport. If you live out of state, ACU will cover the cost of your flight to meet the group in DFW.