Bringing the Humanities to Life: Faculty-Led Programs Abroad

From exploring the Politics of Apartheid in South Africa to immersing in the Culture of Zen and Buddhism in Japan, the world is a rich classroom for humanities students. At FTI, we specialize in fully customized, faculty-led programs that bring academic concepts to life.

Why Bring Your Humanities Students Abroad?

  • Experiential learning: Give your students the chance to walk the historic streets of Barcelona while studying identity and civil conflict, explore the cultural crossroads of the UAE while discussing globalization, or reflect on oral histories and local traditions in the Scottish Highlands. Or, share your own program ideas. We’ll help bring them to life!
  • Cultural immersion: Deepen students’ understanding of literature, history, philosophy, art, and language through direct engagement with the people, places, and cultures they study in the classroom.
  • Critical thinking & empathy: Foster global awareness and intercultural sensitivity – skills that are vital for informed citizenship and humanistic inquiry in today’s interconnected world.
  • Career readiness: Help students strengthen communication, adaptability, and global perspectives, qualities that distinguish humanities majors in careers ranging from education and law to public policy and the arts.

What Will My Program Look Like?

FTI creates custom programs in over 60 countries worldwide. To inspire your next humanities course abroad, we’re excited to share a selection of our favorite sample itineraries – each crafted by our expert advisors in collaboration with faculty just like you!

Spinx & pyramid

Pyramids, Mummies & Pharaohs in Egypt: Discover the treasures of Egypt on this exciting 12-day tour! Travel across the sands of Giza by camel to visit the Great Pyramids & the Great Sphinx. See King Tut’s ancient artifacts at the Museum of Cairo. Explore Roman ruins in Alexandria & much more. You won’t want to miss this truly historic adventure. View full itinerary.

Culture of Zen & Buddhism in Japan: Buddhism trickled into Japan during the early 6th century. Shintoism was the primary religion at the time, but as years passed, Buddhism became widely accepted & incorporated into the Shinto way of life. During the 1100s, Zen Buddhism flourished throughout western Japan. Today, there are more than 9 million practicing Zen Buddhists in the country. On this 10-day tour, you’ll learn about multiple sects of Buddhism as you explore several museums & ancient religious sites that show how age-old beliefs defined Japan’s history & culture. View full itinerary.

Nelson Mandela House

The Politics of Apartheid in South Africa: South Africa is a country of diverse wildlife, rich cultures & a history of tumultuous politics. This tour is an opportunity to experience the scenic side of South Africa as well as delve into the history that made the country what it is today. Visit sites & museums dedicated to memorializing both the hardships of apartheid & the struggle to overcome discrimination. It is truly a powerful experience to realize that such a beautiful country could have such a harrowing story of adversity. View full itinerary.

Jewish History & WWII in Germany, Poland & the Czech Republic: As you travel across three European nations, you’ll learn about their Jewish natives & their life during World War II. You’ll visit old Jewish ghettos, the concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau & Jewish cemeteries where victims of the Holocaust rest. On this 9-day tour you’ll also admire architecture from different centuries, enjoy traditional cuisines & see world-famous art. View full itinerary.

man on bench

New Perspectives Through Journalism in Vietnam: During this program, students will learn how perspective informs truth & accuracy. American students will collaborate with their Vietnamese counterparts on journalism assignments that will represent multiple perspectives. The group will find & write stories aimed at helping Americans better understand contemporary Vietnam & its people. Much of our time in country will then be devoted to understanding the Vietnamese point of view of the “American War” (as it’s known in Vietnam). View full itinerary.

Criminology in the UK: 
London is an internationally renowned top-tier destination. Although the city thrives in many respects, London still faces common urban challenges, like crime & managing resources to make a safe & healthy city. Hear from those folks that work to make the British legal & justice system an efficient & fair operation. You’ll also get a chance to explore London & the countryside as well as learn more about some of the famous criminal hotspots that have become popular for urban legend. View full itinerary.

History & the Highlands in Scotland: This educational tour offers students a focused exploration of Scottish history, from the political heart of Edinburgh to the legendary landscapes of the Highlands. Highlights include guided walks through historic city centers, site visits to St. Andrews and Glasgow, and in-depth tours of the Highlands enriched by local storytelling and cultural context. Designed to deepen students’ understanding of Scotland’s past, this immersive journey connects key historical events, figures, and traditions with the places where they unfolded. View full itinerary.

Business & Intercultural Awareness in the UAE: This program offers students a dynamic immersion into the business environment and cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. With a focus on intercultural awareness and economic innovation, the itinerary blends professional site visits with curated cultural excursions. Students will gain firsthand understanding of the UAE’s transformation from a traditional society to a global hub for finance, sustainability, and innovation. View full itinerary.

Exploring Identity Through Spanish & Catalan Culture in Spain: This educational itinerary offers students an in-depth exploration of Spanish and Catalan history, identity, and culture through the lens of architecture, politics, and art. Centered in Barcelona, with enriching excursions to Girona, Figueres, and Tarragona, the program examines the dynamic interplay between regional and national identity. View full itinerary.

How Do I Get Started?

Ready to take the next step? No matter where you are in the planning process, our team is here to collaborate, customize, and make your study abroad goals a reality. Let’s create an experience your students will never forget. Schedule a meeting with us or request a quote online.