*Maymester applications are rolling. The application deadline is only for off-campus and abroad Maymester courses. Online course registration for on-campus Maymester and summer courses will take place March 24, 2025.

Students must submit all application materials, including personal statement and academic references, by January 31. A link to each course’s application is available in the Courses section below. Professors will accept students on a rolling basis; students should apply sooner rather than later. Additional requirements will apply after acceptance.

Once students have been accepted into a Maymester course, they must confirm their acceptance by signing a virtual “Commitment to Attend” by February 17, 2025. This commitment will appear on the student’s online application upon their acceptance into the course.

Students are strongly encouraged to commit as soon as possible in order to accommodate waitlisted students. If a student fails to commit their participation by the February 17 deadline, their position in the course may be made available to waitlisted students.

Please note: Under-enrolled courses may be cancelled. Students who have applied to such courses will be notified at the earliest opportunity. Students who have financial holds or are on social or academic probation are ineligible for Maymester courses. Acceptance into a Maymester course is also contingent on the instructor's approval.

Students may withdraw their application without penalty before the February 17 Commitment/Withdrawal deadline. To withdraw, the student must notify both Vanderbilt Study Abroad and their Maymester faculty in writing. After the commitment deadline, students will be responsible for a portion of the program fee determined by the date of withdrawal. Here is the withdrawal fee schedule for 2025:

Commitment deadline – March 9: 25% of program fee

March 10 – April 6: 50% of program fee

April 7 – May 4: 75% of program fee

After May 5: total program fee

In situations of medical emergency, illness, or injury, students may request to waive the withdrawal charge. Students seeking a waiver should contact Study Abroad, who will route students to the appropriate contact in the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Office.

After the start of the course, students who withdraw are subject to Undergraduate Student Withdrawal Schedules. Tuition will be adjusted based on the prorated calendar, but program fees will not adjust. Any adjustments to the program fee must be requested and approved by the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Office. Students should contact Study Abroad who will route students to the appropriate contact in the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Office.

*Vanderbilt reserves the right to bill students for any unrecoverable costs.

Vanderbilt will provide, on a competitive basis, scholarships to help undergraduate students pay the costs of studying abroad on faculty-led Maymester courses. The Global Summer Fellows Program will provide university stipends that can be used to offset the costs of Vanderbilt-approved, credit-bearing, off-campus Maymester programs. Off-campus Maymester programs have their own withdrawal and refund policy. See details on this page.

Apply for the Global Summer Fellows Scholarship here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/immersion/funding/.

MAYMESTER IN KOREA

ASIA 1480 - Discover Korea

Discover South Korea: the home of BTS, BLACKPINK, Twice and New Jeans, the country behind ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Parasite’, and the origin of Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Hyundai Motors, etc.

A dynamic and innovative country, South Korea has captured the hearts of countless enthusiasts around the world with its popular culture. Superstars such as BTS, BLACKPINK, Twice and New Jeans are at the forefront of the K-Pop sensation, while works such as ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Parasite’ have brought K-Drama and K-Movie into the international spotlight more than ever before. Moreover, South Korea has undergone remarkable economic transformation over the past few decades, turning into one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. Today, South Korea is one of the US’s largest trading partners and is a global leader in IT technology. South Korea also has a storied history and lies at the center of one of the world’s most complex geopolitical situations. The security alliance between the US and South Korea is notable for its longevity and key role on the Korean peninsula.

This program offers one day of basic Korean language instruction along with meetings with Korean college students, several guest lectures by experts on Korean culture, politics, and economy, and various cultural and business excursions such as K-pop dance class, cooking class, visits to famous cultural and business sites, a three-day overnight trip, day trips, etc. Students will be able to develop a new perspective and appreciation for South Korea and its culture, history, and economy through a uniquely immersive experience.

For more information about the excursions, please visit https://sites.google.com/view/discover-korea or contact Dr. Seok Bae Jang at seok.jang@vanderbilt.edu.

Approximate total cost: $15,168*

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MAYMESTER IN GREECE

CLAS 3700: Uncovering Greek Religion: Cults, Festivals, and Sanctuaries in the Ancient World

This course introduces students to the history, archaeology, art, and architecture of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age to the end of the Roman Empire by studying these subjects through the lens of ancient Greek religion. Nevertheless, we also will evaluate the significance of Greek religion in other aspects of ancient Greek society, including social and political themes, especially as no division between church and state existed; other areas of Greek culture deeply affected by religion, including military and athletics, also will be covered. We will study how Greek religion both changed and held on to its past links, from the Mycenaean period through the Classical Age to the early years of Christianity, a fascinating continuity of religion for millennia.

Through visits to several dozen archaeological sites, we will begin our study of ancient Greece through an introduction to ancient Greek architecture and the various forms of temples and sanctuaries. We also will intensively study other types of archaeological material, including pottery and sculpture, on-site and in museums to analyze the significance of visual media in Greek culture. We will incorporate other types of source materials, including literature, epigraphy, and numismatics, to best understand life in ancient Greece. Finally, we will study other processes, including excavation and conservation, to understand how we actively reconstruct the past by visiting many museums throughout Greece. 

Approximate total cost: $14,930*

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MAYMESTER IN SERBIA

CSET 3258 - Digitalizing Past: Laser Scanning of Medieval Castle

The students in this course will learn digitalizing techniques and procedures of historical monuments. The building that will be the object of digitalization is the Maglic Castle 13th century fortress in Serbia, Europe. The monument is very well preserved, and it presents the ideal opportunity to learn the techniques of digitalization of architectural monuments and the usage of the data obtained for the analysis of building techniques and rationale for the design as well as animation and presentation of the fortress in VR settings. The course will offer the possibility for students to learn digital technologies and ways to communicate the findings to both the experts in the field and the wider public.

With the main goal of the course, the students will also learn about Serbia’s rich cultural and historical heritage, its people, customs, and food. There are a few places in the world where one can experience different cultures and their interconnections from prehistoric times to modern times, in such a small area.

Approximate total cost: $13,082*

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MAYMESTER IN HAWAII

CSET 3310 - Geological Filmmaking: Exploring Geological Thinking through Cinema

Students will explore communicating ideas central to geological thinking through the cinematic lens in the vibrant setting of Hawaii’s volcanic islands. Geological thinking in this location will allow us to recognize and explore the dual nature of ongoing earth processes of creation and destruction, and how those processes persist and change over time; all while figuring out how to communicate these ideas visually. The experience of telling the story of the earth through observation and interpretation of the natural world is empowering, and it represents the best possible opportunity to affect profound shifts in thinking, reframing our existence in interesting and important ways.

Learning geology illuminates the dynamic, dual nature of things – creation and destruction in an ever-moving cycle of change. It leads one to think in the complex web that we call ‘systems thinking,’ understanding the connectedness of all the parts of the earth system – the rock, water, air, and life. The task of a non-fiction filmmaker is to help us see anew, or a different perspective on, some aspect of the world, by starting with a question, gathering sound and images as evidence, reimagining ideas about that question, and then presenting this as an impactful visual statement.

Exploring geology through the cinematic lens – across both their formal, material, and temporal dimensions – can highlight some of the representational and perceptual issues surrounding the ecological crises of the world today. Geologic wonderlands like Hawaii put all these dynamic geologic processes on vibrant display, creating an ideal space to explore these ideas through film. No prerequisites or prior geology or filmmaking experience is required. 

Approximate total cost: $12,713*

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MAYMESTER IN NEW ZEALAND

EES 3865 - Field Investigations

In this course, we will study Earth and environmental processes and systems in the field, with an emphasis on field methods. In 2025, the course will be held in New Zealand, which will give us the opportunity to study a variety of topics in Earth and environmental sciences: magmatism, eruptions, and volcanoes, including natural hazards and resources derived from them; earthquakes and their impacts on society; surface landscapes and the processes that modify them over time. We will do so while travelling through various regions of New Zealand. The course will start in Christchurch on Wednesday, May 7 and finish in Auckland on Friday, May 30, 2025. We will visit both the South and North Islands of New Zealand over the length of the course, and the topical focus will change accordingly. Course evaluation will be based on participation, field exercises (outcrop descriptions, geologic cross-sections and maps), and oral presentations. Students with all levels of expertise in Earth and environmental sciences are encouraged to apply. Activities will be adjusted to take into account prior experience and coursework.

Approximate total cost: $14,014*

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MAYMESTER IN FRANCE AND ITALY

EUS 2260 - Fashion Forward: The Intersection of Business, Historical Elegance, and Sustainability in French and Italian Fashion

Embark on an unparalleled journey into the fashion capitals of the world—Paris, Florence and Milan, with special excursions to Versailles and Prato (Tuscany) . The course is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of fashion from a historical, business, and sustainability perspective. It features a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with exclusive museum visits followed by discussions, on-site lectures from industry experts, and workshops planned in the fashion capitals of the world. Thanks to the special learning and culturally rich experience, you will understand the historical development of fashion in France and Italy, gain insight into the business aspects of the fashion industry, examine the impact of sustainability on luxury fashion and develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of fashion trends, history, and business models.

Approximate total cost: $13,159*

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MAYMESTER IN THE UK AND IRELAND

FREN 3230 - History and Economics of French Film

In 1895, the Lumière brothers showcased the first moving pictures in a Paris café. Today, France is the second-largest film exporter after the US and remains a key player in the global movie market. Every May, the world cinema community returns to the birthplace of film to celebrate at the Cannes Film Festival. This ten-day event, featuring film screenings, star sightings, and awards, is considered the most prestigious film festival globally since its inception in 1946.

This Maymester class begins on May 5 (arriving the evening of May 4) in Paris, where we will spend six days exploring the history and current state of the French film industry. Students will engage in an accelerated course covering French film history from its beginnings, through the Golden Age, the New Wave, and up to the present day. After gaining a comprehensive understanding of French film history and economics, we will travel to Cannes for the film festival. On our way, we will stop in Lyon for three days to visit the Lumière brothers’ museum. We will also take a day trip to Monaco and/or other Mediterranean locations with ties to European cinema.

After the festival is over on May 24, students can either return home (leaving May 25) or continue their travels in Europe. The final week of class, from May 26-30, will be dedicated to completing group projects inspired by the pioneering filmmaker Alice Guy Blaché. On May 30, students will meet virtually for a mini class film festival to showcase their final projects.

Some details may change. For more information: https://my.vanderbilt.edu/maymestercannes.

Approximate total cost: $12,909*

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MAYMESTER IN EUROPE

GSS 3505 - Queer Collectives in Europe

Dive into the dynamic world of queer collectives in our course that uncovers the vibrant histories and modern-day impact of LGBTQIA+ communities in London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. These cities have long been epicenters of queer culture, art, and activism. Discover how local collectives have shaped and supported marginalized identities, sparking creativity and driving social change. Join us as we explore these dynamic spaces that celebrate diversity and provide crucial support, immersing yourself in the heart of queer empowerment and creative expression.

Queer collectives—whether through political action, artistic endeavors, communal living, or non-profit organizing—create sacred spaces for community-building and cultural expression. These collectives play a crucial role in centering marginalized identities within the global fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, offering members of the community a shared sense of belonging, solidarity, and empowerment.

Historically, these collectives have been pivotal in establishing queer kinship and serving as platforms for activism. From the emergence of the first gay and lesbian bars in the nineteenth century to the development of thriving queer neighborhoods and art scenes, London, Amsterdam, and Berlin offer students a transhistorical perspective on queer culture spanning over two centuries.

Throughout the course, students will analyze the historical origins of queer collectives by examining LGBTQIA+ histories in each city. We will explore significant events and figures, such as the legal battles over gay intimacy in Oscar Wilde's London, the role of Dutch resistance fighters during WWII, and the pioneering work in gender-affirming care at Magnus Hirschfeld’s Berlin institute. Our study will be complemented by tours of iconic queer neighborhoods, museums, heritage sites, and landmarks.

The course will also bring historical narratives to life through immersive experiences. Students will engage with contemporary queer collectives via site visits to local organizations and hands-on workshops, gaining a dynamic understanding of how historical struggles shape current activism and community-building. Collectively, these experiences will underscore the significance of queer collectives as spaces of validation, recognition, and celebration, unencumbered by discrimination and judgment. Through lectures and workshops with active queer collectives involved in art, fashion, drag, BIPOC care networks, and human rights advocacy, students will explore the diverse ways these collectives contribute to and enrich queer culture today.

Events will include (pending availability):

• LGBTQIA+ History Tours in each city
• Visit to queer collectives in each city, inclusive of: Purple Rain Collective (London), Queer Youth Art Collective (London), The Rijksmuseum Neighborhood and the Resistance Museum (Amsterdam), QueerBerg Collective (Berlin), the Schwules Museum & Research Archive (Berlin).

During free time in each destination, students will explore the city’s cultural offerings.

Note, no prerequisites required but familiarity with the core concepts of GSS is beneficial (GSS 1150 & 1160).

Approximate total cost: $14,146*

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MAYMESTER IN WASHINGTON, DC

HART 2808W - Contemporary Issues in Museums

What is a museum’s role in contemporary society? What challenges do these institutions face? What happens behind the public face of museums?

This course is a dive into contemporary controversies and challenges in museum work via three units. Through on-site visits to over 20 institutions, we will examine the shifting place of museums in societies today in light of their histories, practice, and the scholarly and public responses to them. We will look at this set of Washington, DC institutions via the course content, which will address a series of core issues within each of the unit topics and some representative case studies in each. Discussion and writing will be core to working through the (often controversial) material in this class. Topics include: collecting and display, human remains in collections, restitution and repatriation, accessibility, colonial histories, DEI/EDI concerns and efforts, economics of cultural heritage, and more. The Maymester iteration of this course will center on visiting Washington, DC museums— both exhibition spaces and behind-the-scenes (storage, labs, etc.). We will hear about current concerns and issues from a variety of professionals working with museums and collections in DC.

Approximate total cost: $14,718*

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MAYMESTER IN ITALY

ITA 3704 - Made-in-Italy: Italianness in Italy and Abroad. A Culinary Journey

Join us for a transformative journey into Italian culinary history! Come savor the flavors, stories, and traditions of Bolognese and Florentine cuisine and their heritage. In this course, Professor Anna Marra will guide students through a unique and immersive experience, delving into historical and cultural aspects of Italian diet traditions. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on experiences, tasting tours, and field trips, you will gain a profound understanding of the food culture that has made Italy a gastronomic paradise.

Highlights of the course:

1. Culinary Exploration: Experience hands-on cooking classes with local chefs and artisans. Learn to prepare classic Italian dishes and regional specialties using the freshest ingredients from local markets.
2. Food History Seminars: Engage in classroom discussions and seminars on topics such as food history, sustainability, the slow food movement, the Mediterranean diet, and the globalization of Italian cuisine. Gain a deeper understanding of Italian foodways in geographical, historical, and socio-economic contexts from the Middle Ages to today. Explore how traditional recipes, food production, and food itself have shaped cultural identities.
3. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Italy by exploring Bologna's twenty-four miles of porticoes and historic landmarks like Piazza Maggiore, the world's oldest university, and the Two Towers. Then wander through Florence's iconic streets to discover the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and savor local delicacies at the Mercato.
4. Gastronomic Tours: Embark on guided tours to local trattorias and osterias, where you'll savor authentic dishes and regional recipes and learn about their cultural significance.
5. Field Trips: Explore the surrounding Emilia-Romagna and Tuscan regions by tasting the renowned prosciutto in Parma, learning the art of producing the world’s most expensive balsamic vinegar in Modena, savoring traditional and innovative flavors of ice cream at the Gelato Museum Carpigiani, and visiting the prestigious Ferrari Museum in Maranello. These trips offer firsthand exposure to the production of the celebrated Made in Italy brand.
6. Enjoy free weekends to explore Italy and Europe on your own. 

Whether you have questions, doubts, concerns, or simply wish to learn more about the program, please don't hesitate to send an email to anna.marra@vanderbilt.edu.

Approximate total cost: $14,550*

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MAYMESTER IN SPAIN

SPAN 3302 - Spanish for Oral Communication through Cultural Topics

This Maymester course is taught in Alicante, Spain. This coastal city is the capital city of the beautiful Costa Blanca, located on the eastern coast of Spain. Few other cities can boast such exciting and famous festivals, beautiful miles of sunny beaches, quaint old- world Spanish boroughs, and a richness of early architecture. As a native of Spain, I cannot imagine a better and more exciting place to host this intermediate conversational Spanish course.

The objective of this course is to increase your level of oral proficiency in Spanish through the study of cultural, political, and historical events in an immersion environment, through living, speaking and studying solely in Spanish for four weeks. Students will be actively engaged in communicative activities designed and structured to maximize their use of the target language. These hands-on projects include research, analysis, discussion, argumentation, and presentation of historic, social and political events that impact Spain in the 21st century. Through interviews of residents of Alicante, in addition to assessing journalistic sources, documentaries, and films, students will prepare their weekly presentations. By the end of this course, students will improve their oral proficiency, gain strategies for effective oral communication in Spanish and have a deeper knowledge and understanding of Spanish history and culture.

Approximate total cost: $13,107*

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MAYMESTER IN SPAIN

SPAN 3325 - The Way of Saint James. An Epic Trail to The Essence of Spain

Leave behind your everyday life, become aware of yourself, of your own limits, and go beyond them. Experience Spain!

Pilgrimage to Santiago has deeply influenced the culture and physical landscapes of Spain and has remained until today as a major heritage site that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year for very diverse reasons. Having this is mind, this course explores, from a multidisciplinary point of view, the origins, development, and influence of The Way of Saint James in the life, and culture of Spain. Through an examination of the historical, religious, economic, and political discourse, art, literature, and films, we will learn how the cult of Saint James and the route itself has contributed to shape Spanish national identity, and to dynamize Spanish modern economy.

The program will take place in Spain during 4 weeks and it will include a walking trip along several sections of the medieval route known as the French Way, specifically from Pamplona to Santo Domingo de la Calzada and from Ponferrada to Santiago, more than 200 miles of walking in which students will immerse themselves in the culture of the different regions in northern Spain. Students will visit several major cities relevant to the history of the route (Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León, and Santiago) and Madrid (4 days).

During the course, the physical route will be the classroom where we will discuss the socio-historical, geographical, religious, and cultural significance of this millenary tradition. Also, we will attend talks in cathedrals, monasteries, castles, and museums. As part of the course, students will read and discuss academic articles, watch several films, prepare presentations, keep a journal, and work in a final project.

What You’ll Do:

• Walk over 200 miles on the famous French Way, from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela, stopping at significant modern and medieval sites.
• Explore key cities like Madrid, Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León, and Santiago de Compostela—immersing yourself in the local culture, architecture, and local traditions.
• Learn about Spain's diverse regions as you hike through them, visiting cathedrals, monasteries, castles, wineries, and museums. Also, you will participate in a cooking workshop.
• Engage with guest lectures and workshops in historic settings that bring the history of Saint James and the pilgrimage to life.
• Reflect on your journey through journaling, culminating in a final project that connects your personal experience with the academic material.

How You’ll Learn:

• Participate in interactive discussions while on the trail, deepening your understanding of the history, religious, political, economic, and social dimensions of the pilgrimage.
• Read academic articles and watch films that explore the cultural significance of the pilgrimage.
• Work on group projects and presentations, where you'll connect course concepts with your own experiences.

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where the path itself becomes the classroom, and history is brought to life through your steps.

Approximate total cost: $12,498*

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MAYMESTER IN PERU

SPAN 3330 - Cultural Studies in the Andes (Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lima)

In this course students will explore different forms of cultural production in the Hispanic world, with a focus on the Andean region and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Some of the issues discussed will be the lessons of cultural anthropology and archaeology to explore the past and understand the present, popular and elite artistic production, the importance of festive culture in the region, as well as questions of gender and society. As part of the Maymester, program participants will study the festival of Corpus Christi, one of the most fascinating syncretic celebrations in the Spanish-speaking world. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage in a more experiential type of tourism that will include activities such as hiking through ancient ruins, participating in various celebrations, and visiting with traditional artisans. Students will lodge and study in the historic center of Cuzco, thus encouraging constant interaction and exploration of all the former Inca capital has to offer. The group will spend the first few days in Lima, a major cosmopolitan city and culinary capital of the Americas. 

Additional financial support based on need and merit will be available through the Pugh-Hernández Award. Preference will be given to students with declared majors/minors in Spanish.

More information: Contact Heraldo Falconi (h.falconi@vanderbilt.edu). See last year’s class blog at: https://peruvuando.wixsite.com/my-site-5. Or follow us on Instagram @ PeruVUando. 

Approximate total cost: $12,071*

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*Approximate total cost may vary based on changes to summer tuition rates.

For questions related to any of the specific Maymester courses listed above, please consult the professor for the course. If you are seeking general information about Maymester courses, you may contact Dean Roger Moore, College of Arts and Science, 350 Buttrick Hall, or the Study Abroad staff in the Student Life Center.