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 Destination
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

Apply Destination

Main Content

KEY DATES

December 15, 2023

Early Application Deadline

February 1, 2024

Regular Application Deadline

2024 Rising Scholars Destination Offerings

Oxford and London, England

June 15-22, 2024

Does anyone care about King Charles, anyway?

Dr. Candice Ortbals-Wiser 
Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice

Charles III was crowned the King of the United Kingdom in May 2023. In the days before the coronation, 70% of British citizens aged 18 to 35 reported to pollsters that they were not interested in the Royal family. Although many Americans have been enamored by Harry and Meghan, as of 2023, fewer than half of Americans view the Sussexes favorably. So, who cares about the British Royal family? What is the role of the King as head of state in the United Kingdom and how does his role in politics compare to that of political executives in other countries? This course examines the political importance of the monarch during the history of the British empire, the political power of the monarch compared to that of Parliament over time, and current debates about the relevance of the monarchy in the 21st century.

Cost: $3,000 – 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 13-20, 2024

Intro to Film through the Magic of Harry Potter

Matt Maxwell
Filmmaker in Residence

Discover the magic of the Harry Potter film series in England. Join us as we explore the famous set locations for the films throughout Oxford and London. You’ll have the opportunity to tour Warner Brother’s Film Studios in London, where the films were produced, and see the actual sets such as The Great Hall, Platform 9 3/4, and even Diagon Alley. Throughout this adventure, you’ll learn how films are created from idea inception to production, to film premiering at the theaters. We will also have the chance to create our own Harry Potter-inspired short film while in Oxford. If Hogwarts has been your dream, ACU will take you there. We can’t wait to make some movie magic with each of you muggles. Mischief managed.

Cost: $3,000 – 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 15-22, 2024

Escaping Communism

Dr. Susan Lewis 
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

In 1989, 20,000 refugees from Communist East Germany flooded into Prague. Through an exploration of art, music, literature, and history we’ll learn who these people were, why they were willing to take life-threatening risks to escape, and what happened next. As we travel through former East Germany into Prague, their stories will come alive. We’ll walk the musty corridors of the Secret Police (Stasi) Headquarters. We’ll peer into the peaceful garden that became a crowded refugee encampment. We’ll see the artifacts of two revolutions that led to freedom in the former Eastern Bloc. Experiencing the modern, vibrant, thriving cities of Leipzig, Germany, and Prague, Czechia, will unlock a moment in history that until now may have been confined to black and white history book photos.

Cost: $3,000 – 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 and Berlin, Germany

July 13-20, 2024

Great German Scientists 

Dr. Autumn Sutherlin 
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton. Our current understanding of science is built upon the contributions of those who preceded us. In this course, we will look into the lives and achievements of German scientists such as Albert Einstein, Caroline Hershel, and Werner Heisenberg. By retracing their footsteps and exploring the environments that inspired them, we will gain valuable insights into how these brilliant minds contributed to our understanding of the world around us, which is a reflection of the divine creation.

Cost: $3,000 – 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

  • December 15 – Early application deadline 
    • January 31 – student contract and $500 non-refundable payment due to early admits to guarantee spot 
  • February 1 – Regular deadline 
    • Applications will be accepted until February 1 as space is available
  • February 25 – student contract and $500 non-refundable payment due for later admits
  • March 1 – Waitlist 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.