The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, an association of more than 100 campuses in the United States and Canada, offers semester and summer programs to students of its member institutions. As a  Simpson student, you can take advantage of these unique opportunities to study in other cities and countries.

American Studies Program

Founded in 1976, the American Studies Program has served hundreds of students from member institutions as a “Washington, D.C., campus.” ASP uses Washington as a stimulating laboratory where collegians gain hands-on experience with an internship in their chosen field. Internships are tailored to fit students’ talents and aspirations and are available in a wide range of fields. They also explore pressing national and international issues in public policy seminars, which are issue-oriented, interdisciplinary and led by ASP faculty and Washington professionals. ASP bridges classroom and marketplace, combining biblical reflection, policy analysis and real-world experience.

Students are exposed to on-the-job learning that helps them build for their future and gain perspective on the calling of God for their lives. They are challenged in a rigorous course of study to discover for themselves the meaning of Christ’s lordship in putting their beliefs into practice. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

China Studies Program

The China Studies Program enables students to engage this large and intriguing country from the inside. While living in and experiencing Chinese civilization, students participate in seminar courses on the historical, cultural, religious, geographical and economic realities of this strategic and populous nation. In addition to the study of standard Chinese, students are given opportunities such as assisting Chinese students learning English or working in an orphanage, allowing for one-on-one interaction. The program introduces students to the diversity of China, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an and Xiamen. This interdisciplinary, cross-cultural program enables students to deal with this increasingly important part of the world in an informed, Christ-centered way. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

Latin America Studies Program

LASP participants take part in specialized concentrations:

• Latin American Studies (offered Fall, Spring)
• Advanced Language and Literature (Fall, Spring)
• International Business, Management and Marketing (Fall)
• Tropical Science and Global Sustainability (Spring)

During the semester, the class will take two trips to neighboring Latin American countries. Students will study in-depth, interactive Spanish by living side by side with Costa Ricans as part of a Tico family, shopping in diverse markets, enjoying Latino culture, and interacting with Costa Rican peoples. Spanish majors have the opportunity to further develop their Spanish capability through classes designed especially for them. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

Middle East Studies Program

At the crossroads of the Middle East lies Egypt – home of three major religions, a land of ancient civilizations, and the most populous Arab country. As part of the MESP, students will live and study in Cairo, Egypt; travel in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Turkey; and study the history, culture, religions and struggles of this dynamic area. Students can develop a knowledge of basic conversational Arabic by studying under a certified Arabic language instructor (prerequisite not required). They will also develop language skills through interaction with Egyptian students, other teachers, business people, and friends of MESP and can take part in interdisciplinary seminar courses taught by the MESP director and invited experts. The three seminars are:

• Islamic Thought and Practice
• Conflict and Change
• Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East.

Students will live in a dormitory or apartment, as well as a 10-day home stay with an Egyptian family. The program is 16 credits (4 for language and 12 for seminars).

Russian Studies Program

The RSP makes use of the rich resources found in three distinct locations in the Republic of Russia to guarantee an unforgettable learning experience:

• Moscow, center of government and hub of current political and economic debate
• Nizhni Novgorod, located on the Volga River, 230 miles east of Moscow and the focus of post-Communist reform
• St. Petersburg, where Eastern and Western influences are combined in a city rich with history and culture

Students live on campus at the distinguished University of Nizhni Novgorod for the first six weeks. Then they will move into another cross-cultural experience and further develop their language skills by living with a Russian family for the remaining six weeks in Nizhi. They participate in language and seminar programs to broaden their knowledge of Russian and increase their ability to interact with its people and culture. They take part in Russian language instruction by qualified native-Russian language teachers based on their level of competency. They will also take excursions to historical sites, famous museums and other landmarks. Students can earn 16 credits.