100 Ramsey Library, CPO 1560
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804
Study Abroad Advising walk-in hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Additional appointments and meetings can be scheduled via email
Study Abroad Programs
Exchange and Faculty-led Programs
Non-Exchange Programs
ISEP enrolls you directly into your choice of ISEP Direct program. It is not dependent upon available exchange space at your host institution. The cost of Direct program tuition could be more or less than your home institution’s tuition. It is listed on each program page and appears once you select the semester in which you intend to go abroad. Accommodations and meals vary from program to program. Depending on your home institution, you may be able to use Federal aid for ISEP Direct programs. Set up a meeting with your home institution’s financial aid office to learn the details. Chances of placement for Direct programs is always “Guaranteed” as we are able to guarantee your placement (as long as you meet the minimum academic and program-specific requirements). It is not necessary to list more than one Direct program on your application as we are able to guarantee Direct placements, so long as you meet program requirements. Direct deadlines vary from program to program, and in some cases are open later.
Saitama Summer Program
This 4-week intensive Japanese Studies Program provides international undergraduate students who have an interest in Japanese culture, a good opportunity to study various aspects of Japan — traditional, modern and contemporary. You can choose from weekday courses which may be of interest to you, as well as the chance to go on weekend excursions in and around the Saitama/Tokyo area. All classes will be conducted in English, and an introductory Japanese language class will also be available for those who wish to start leaning this interesting and unique language.
Universidad de Valladolid Language Center
Located in the western part of Spain, Valladolid is known as the administrative capital of Castilla y León. It is located less than two hours by car from Madrid and is surrounded by the provinces of Segovia, Salamanca, Ávila, Zamora, Soria, Burgos, Palencia and León. Valladolid has much to offer, including art, history, culture, literature, museums, festivals and more. It boasts such authors as Cervantes or Zorrilla. This city witnessed the coronation of Ferdinand III as King of Castile, the births of Philip II and Philip IV, the last sigh of Christopher Columbus, and famous artist such as Alonso Berruguete, Juan de Juni and Gregorio Fernandez have worked.
2026 Faculty-Led Programs
Many of our programs repeat bi-annually. In recent years, UNC Asheville faculty have led programs to Greece, Italy, Ecuador, Ireland and Northern Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Berlin. Please contact the Study Abroad Office for more information on Faculty-led opportunities.
France and the Joie de Vivre
Through this study abroad program, UNC Asheville students will be challenged to reconsider the ways they see their world and to better understand the ways they think about self and others. Furthermore, they will observe and experience the French joie de vivre, the art of living where one finds joy in the quotidian. Slowing down to enjoy meals, connecting with new friends, admiring architectural wonders, pondering cultural practices, feeling the presence of nature . . . all of these are simple ways to live this joie. Experiencing it, we believe, can enhance one’s approach to life by encouraging presence, gratitude and contentment, values that are fundamental to well-being and one’s ability to thrive in any context. Program Contacts: Professor Allison Weems, jweems@unca.edu; Dr. Kelly Biers, kbiers@unca.edu
London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow
This study abroad program combines ARTS 310 and Humanities credit to bring a critical analysis to the historic relationships between Great Britain and Scotland from the mid-20th century forward. A key component of Humanities is studying the political, economic and cultural spaces of empires as well as the challenges to colonial epistemologies. HUM 414 also highlights the cultures of opposition that challenged colonial and imperial domination. ARTS 310 examines “the significance of the arts in the human experience, the cultural context of creative composition and performance, the foundations of aesthetic values, and the communicative function of the arts” in the context of the United Kingdom. Program Contacts: Dr Anne Slatton, aslatton@unca.edu; Dr. Sarah Judson, sjudson@unca.edu
Sustainability and Community in Costa Rica
This program takes place in Atenas, Costa Rica and neighboring areas for intensive language, culture, and sustainability studies. Students will have a home stay experience with local families where they can make close and meaningful connections. During most days, students will have language instruction, community service and/or engagement, excursions to sustainable farms and renewable power plants, classes with locals on Costa Rican cooking and dance, as well as many opportunities for students to spend time getting to know local Ticas (people from Costa Rica). Students will have ample time to engage with experts involved in sustainability efforts related to subjects from volcanology and geothermal energy to blue zones. We will explore what makes Costa Rica the healthiest and happiest places on earth. Program Contact: Michelle Bettencourt, mbettenc@unca.edu
Paris, London and Berlin
While designed with new media students in mind, the core of this program is intrinsically interdisciplinary and translates easily to students in multiple disciplines. In NM374 Studio (4CR), students focus on rendering experiential research as creative media projects. The companion course, NM 474 (4CR), a special topics in media course and is comprised of relevant theoretical readings and resultant research designed to inform and support the studio section of the trip. Program Contacts: Peter Kusek, pkusek@unca.edu; Curt Cloninger, ccloning@unca.edu
ISEP Direct Non-Exchange Programs
ISEP enrolls you directly into your choice of ISEP Direct program. It is not dependent upon available exchange space at your host institution.
The cost of Direct program tuition could be more or less than your home institution’s tuition. It is listed on each program page and appears once you select the semester in which you intend to go abroad. Accommodations and meals vary from program to program.
Depending on your home institution, you may be able to use Federal aid for ISEP Direct programs. Set up a meeting with your home institution’s financial aid office to learn the details.
Chances of placement for Direct programs is always “Guaranteed” as we are able to guarantee your placement (as long as you meet the minimum academic and program-specific requirements).
It is not necessary to list more than one Direct program on your application as we are able to guarantee Direct placements, so long as you meet program requirements.
Direct deadlines vary from program to program, and in some cases are open later. Make sure to apply by the deadline indicated on the program page!
Affiliate Programs
Students who are considering or are approved to attend an affiliated study abroad program should carefully consider the implications and plan accordingly. Affiliate programs fees and course availability vary. Common affiliate programs are provided by trusted organizations such as AIFS, CGEE, IFSA, API or IES. There is a wide range of programs to consider on the VIA-TRM portal.
Billing Fees
Students attending affiliated study abroad programs must pay a study abroad administrative fee for each semester of the program. You will not be billed for UNC Asheville tuition during this time, and all other expenses must be paid directly to the program affiliate or host institution.
Insurance
Because you are not considered enrolled at UNC Asheville when attending an unaffiliated program, you will be enrolled in the mandatory Blue Cross International travel insurance by the study abroad office.
Financial Aid & Loans
Students attending an affiliated study abroad program must be enrolled as full time students in the program abroad. As a result, financial aid can be processed and is available for students participating in affiliated programs. This includes but is not limited to federal loans, federal/state grants, and private loans.
Loan Repayment
Students who are planning to study abroad and are currently receiving financial aid are encouraged to apply to an affiliated study abroad program. A study abroad or financial aid advisor can assist you in deciding which programs meet your academic needs.
Take Your College Experience to the Next Level
Dr. Douglas Rhein
Assistant Director of Study Abroad
828.232.5037
Walk in Hours for Study Abroad Advising Tues and Thurs 1:00pm -3:00pm and by appointment on Fridays
Dr. Laura Dobson
Director of Study Abroad, Immigration Advisor, PDSO and RO
828.612.6530
Idobson@unca.edu
Walk in Hours for Immigration Advising, TBD via email during intensive immigration check in periods and tax season and Appointments every business day.
To schedule appointments, please simply email us!