Note for 2024

The cost of flights to and from Salt Lake City is not included in the study experience program cost. Participants can opt to purchase a flight on the suggested group flight itinerary, or you can book any flight arriving during the designated arrival window. It is important that you do not make any non-refundable travel reservations until you have received travel guidance from the faculty leaders.


2024 May Term Study Experiences

Registration for May Term Study Experiences opens at 7:30 a.m. on October 25, 2023. A link will be available on this page (not Self-Service) on the day that registration opens. A non-refundable $300 deposit is required at the time of registration.

Travel to: Berlin and Hamburg, Germany (with day trips to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Leipzig, and Potsdam)

Travel Dates: May 18–31, 2024. Participants will need to book their own flights arriving in Berlin, Germany on May 19 and departing from Hamburg, Germany on May 31. Do not make any non-refundable reservations until you receive specific instructions from your faculty leaders.

Courses (choose 1): ECON 412G, BUSI 412G, MKTG 412G

Engaging the World: Successful completion of this May Term Study Experience with a grade of C- or better fulfills the Engaging the World graduation requirement.

Faculty/Staff Leaders: Michael Mamo and Brian Jorgensen

Mandatory On-Campus Meeting Dates: Feb. 9, 2:00 p.m.; Mar. 22, 2:00 p.m.; Apr. 12, 2:00 p.m., May 10, 2:00 p.m.

Study Experience Cost: $2,550 includes ground transportation, accommodations (double rooms), breakfasts, at least 1 group meal, entrance fees, international health insurance, and faculty expenses. Participants will need an estimated $1,500–$2,100 additional spending money for airfare, meals, and other personal expenses. A $400 administrative fee is charged in addition to the travel costs, so the total due to Westminster University is $2,950.

Program Notes: Students should be prepared to walk long distances occasionally and to use public transportation daily.

Course Description: In this course, we will study the economic, business, and immigration models of Germany with the goal of gaining solid understanding of comparative economic and governance systems. Through visits with businesses, government groups, and nonprofit organizations, we will explore how Germany has successfully blended business efficiency and strong labor unions; high wages but globally competitive workforce; a generous welfare state and low levels of unemployment; and generally welcoming atmosphere for immigrants and refugees. 

We will spend much of our time in Germany’s diversely vibrant capital, Berlin, where we will take in art, architecture, and historical landmarks, such as the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag (capitol) dome, and the Brandenburg Gate. We will end our experience with a couple of days in Hamburg, Germany’s largest port city, with more canals than Venice and Amsterdam combined. Day trips will include Potsdam, with its palaces and cold war history, and quaint, charming Leipzig. 

Our trip to Germany is deepened by opportunities to tour some of the world’s most powerful, sobering testaments to man’s inhumanity to man that will help us to reflect upon our responsibilities in defending human rights everywhere. These visits will include the Holocaust Memorial, the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, and Topography of Terror.

Register for Made in Germany

Travel to: Saint Jean Pied de Port, France; Madrid, Spain; Roncesvalles, Spain; Pamplona, Spain; Burgos, Spain; Leon, Spain; Sarria, Spain; Santiago, Spain; Vigo, Spain; Salamanca, Spain; and more

Travel Dates: May 13, – June 8, 2024. Participants will need to book their own flights arriving in Madrid on May 14, 2024 and departing from Madrid on June 8, 2024. Do not make any non-refundable reservations until you receive specific instructions from your faculty leaders.

Courses (choose 1): SPAN 300B, HIST 300A, ENVI 300A, OEL 300A, HON 300AE

Prerequisites: None

Engaging the World: Successful completion of this May Term Study Experience with a grade of C- or better fulfills the Engaging the World graduation requirement.

Faculty/Staff Leaders: Deyanira Ariza-Velasco, Kellie Gerbers, Jeff Nichols

Mandatory On-Campus Meeting Dates: TBA

Study Experience Cost: $3,200 includes ground transportation, hotels or other lodging, all breakfasts and all dinners, some lunches, entrance fees, guides, pilgrim's passport and certificate, printed journals, international health insurance, and faculty expenses. Participants will need an estimated $1,500 additional spending money for international airfare, some lunches, and personal expenses. A $400 administrative fee is charged in addition to the travel costs, so the total due to Westminster is $3,600.

Program Notes: This course is physically and emotionally demanding. Participants must carry all their possessions in a single backpack as they trek between 12-16 miles per day.

Course Description: Students become pilgrims as they trek along the Camino de Santiago, from the French Pyrenees to Finisterre (once considered the end of the world) on Spain and Portugal’s Atlantic coast. This is a journey of body, soul, and mind for students who crave adventure and want an immersive experience. As students trek, they will discuss the history of the Camino pilgrimage and how it has evolved over time. And, as they skirt mountains and move through verdant valleys, they will discover how the environment has shaped the trail and how the pilgrim experience has shaped the world around it. The Route has facilitated a constant cultural dialogue between the pilgrims and the communities through which they pass. In cities, small villages, and along the rural and semi rural trails, students will immerse themselves in language and culture as they communicate with residents, farmers, pilgrims from many countries, and hospitaleros (who help, cater, care and receive in the Way).

For almost 4 weeks, students will live a simple life, carry what they need on their backs, sleep in simple and cozy quarters called albergues, and experience the Spanish countryside and the incredible food, music, art, and people of Spain. The physical demands of this pilgrimage coupled with the academic assignments and camaraderie of students and faculty create a transformative adventure that will define the university experience.

Travel to: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Reykjavik, Iceland

Travel Dates: May 19 – June 4, 2024. Participants will need to book their own departing flight arriving in Copenhagen, Denmark on May 20, 2024, and a return flight from Reykjavik, Iceland returning on June 4, 2024. Do not make any non-refundable reservations until you receive specific instructions from your faculty leaders.

Courses (choose 1): SOC 300GG, HON 300AD, GNDR 300GGG, or ART 300BB 

Prerequisites: None

Engaging the World: Successful completion of this May Term Study Experience with a grade of C- or better fulfills the Engaging the World graduation requirement.

Faculty/Staff Leaders: Kristjane Nordmeyer and Matt Kruback

Mandatory On-Campus Meeting Dates: May 13, 14, 15, and 16

Study Experience Cost: $3,550 includes hotels and lodging, some group meals, ground/air transportation while in Europe, entrance fees to many cultural sites, international health insurance, and faculty expenses. Participants will need an estimated $1,900-$2,200 for international airfare and spending money for some meals and personal expenses. A $400 administrative fee is charged in addition to the travel costs, so the total due to Westminster is $3,950.

Program Notes: Students should be prepared to walk long distances and to use public transportation.

Course Description: Students will explore Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Reykjavik – 3 Scandinavian and Icelandic cities that are visually stunning with a rich cultural history. Copenhagen is recognized as a food destination, Iceland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and Stockholm is famous for its contemporary art scene.

With these exciting cultures as the backdrop, students will explore social policy, art, and culture in Scandinavia and Iceland. Students will learn about the different social and economic systems that exist in these countries while reflecting on the ways that policies shape the day-to-day lives of individuals. Within this broader context, students will also explore the influence of cultural norms and values on art, natural and constructed environments, and visual culture.

Students will write, make art, and reflect on their experiences through journaling, creative projects, and group discussions. Students will return from the trip with a better understanding of Scandinavian and Icelandic art, culture, and social policy, and a more developed global self-awareness and a broadened perspective.

Travel to: Bluff, Utah; Chinle, Arizona; and Tuba City, Arizona

Travel Dates: May 20–29, 2024. Participants will travel together in university-owned vans departing campus on May 20 and returning to campus on May 29.

Courses (choose 1): NURS 300F, EDUC 300E, PLSC 300R, or JUST 300RR

Prerequisites: None

Engaging the World: Successful completion of this May Term Study Experience with a grade of C- or better fulfills the Engaging the World graduation requirement.

Faculty/Staff Leaders: Rebecca Penerosa, Jon Worthen, and Marsha Morton

Mandatory On-Campus Meeting Dates: April 9 and 23, 4–5:30 p.m.; May 7, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Study Experience Cost: $1,300 includes ground transportation, hotels or other lodging, most meals, entrance fees, and faculty expenses. Participants will need an estimated $50 additional spending money for meals and more to purchase optional souvenirs. A $400 administrative fee is charged in addition to the travel costs, so the total cost due to Westminster is $1,700.

Program Notes: The itinerary includes an optional hike, short walks, and a San Juan River trip.

Course Description: This course introduces students to Hopi and Diné cultures. It includes social, educational, environmental, political, economic, artistic, health, and caring aspects of lived histories and practices. A special emphasis will be placed on the practical aspects of health care in local outpatient clinics, teaching in the clinics, and educational practices in the local schools. Students will have the opportunity to explore the complex histories, worldviews, and perceptions of the environment, relationships, and values of the Hopi and Diné people through various perspectives.

REGISTER FOR Experiencing Hopi and Diné Nations