by Allyson O'Bryant, Student Public Relations Writer
Imagine standing at the edge of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), taking in the echoes of history that still ripple through the air. Or worshiping underground in a Roman catacomb, where early Christians once risked their lives for their faith. These powerful moments await ۶app students this summer as they embark on two new study abroad trips that promise to transform not just their understanding of the world, but their sense of purpose.
۶app’s unique approach to its study abroad program makes it stand out from similar programs at other universities. In partnership with vetted and approved in Israel, Ireland, and Germany, Cedarville offers a diverse selection of immersive experiences, including faculty-guided trips with a carefully developed curriculum tailored for each destination.
This summer, the university adds two new destinations to its growing list of global experience and .
Dr. Andrew Wiseman has been involved with Cedarville’s study abroad program since 2002. He continues to pursue the program’s goal of providing students with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage deeply with other cultures and gain hands-on ministry and professional experience.
Through his years at Cedarville, Wiseman has seen the impact these trips have had on students.
“The culture the students have absorbed through the study abroad program has left an impact, both big and small,” reflected Wiseman. “From changing the way they might wear their scarf to dedicating their life to full-time ministry, the students never come back the same. It's interesting to see the way the students grow and how they become a little more international.”
From June 2-13, Professor Daniel Clark and Dr. Kyung-hwa (Christine) Kim will lead students through Seoul, South Korea, where they will be immersed in the Korean culture and language and cross-cultural psychology. The students will visit the DMZ, Jeju Island and royal palaces.
“This trip will be an invaluable opportunity for them to continue their Korean language learning and practice their hard-earned Korean proficiency through intensive immersion in Korea,” said Kim, a native of South Korea and former interpreter for the Korean national and local governments, including the Prime Minister of Korea and mayor of Seoul.
Meanwhile, Dr. John Gilhooly and Dr. Michael McKay have already been guiding students through Rome, Italy. McKay and his students started their journey May 7, and Gilhooly arrived with a cohort of honors students on May 19. These students have been exploring biblical history and New Testament settings while visiting iconic sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The trip also includes a powerful catacomb church service, offering a glimpse into early Christian life. The group will return on May 27.
Gilhooly will lead the honors students in examining Dante’s life and key writings, with a special emphasis on “The Divine Comedy.” Journeying through the City of Seven Hills will make Dante’s poetry come alive, transforming this into an unforgettable experience.
Dante’s writings were heavily influenced by philosophy and the Christian faith. This makes it an exciting time to study his work in Rome — the seat of the Catholic church — where Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was recently inaugurated as Pope Leo XIV.
While Cedarville has long offered study abroad opportunities in countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom and France, faculty remain committed to expanding the program. The addition of South Korea and Rome further reflects that dedication.
۶app, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu. &Բ;