March 11-22, 2026
Arts, Crafts, and Culture of Vietnam
Course: Art 367 | Spring 2026
Estimated Cost: $4,470 (before $1,000 study abroad grant)
Faculty Leader: Frank Pishkur
Every year, MSSU faculty design and lead short-term trips that provide students in their courses the opportunity to enhance their learning by traveling abroad. Students enrolled in the courses listed below may be eligible to participate in these programs, pending approval from the faculty leaders and the Dean of Students.
In addition to course enrollment, students must submit program payments by the deadlines provided by the faculty leaders.
Please note that trip dates and estimated costs are subject to change as travel approaches. Faculty leaders will communicate any updates directly to their students.
For most of these trips, students with at least a 2.5 GPA and have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters are eligible for a $1,000 grant from the Office of International Education. Your faculty member will provide more information and an application form once the course begins.
For more information, please contact the faculty member associated with each course and consult your academic advisor.
Course: Art 367 | Spring 2026
Estimated Cost: $4,470 (before $1,000 study abroad grant)
Faculty Leader: Frank Pishkur
ART 367 offers students a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage and dynamic cultural landscape. Through a combination of travel, research, and creative reflection, students will engage with both contemporary and historical Vietnamese art across three major cities: Hanoi, Da Nang/Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
field Sites & Activities:
Post-Trip Exhibition
Upon returning, students will create original artwork inspired by their experiences and collaborate on a public exhibition at MSSU during the Fall 2026 Vietnam Semester. The exhibition will reflect Vietnam’s terrain, history, and cultural identity through the lens of personal reflection and artistic interpretation
Why take this trip?
This immersive experience blends travel, art, and cultural study—perfect for students seeking global perspectives and hands-on creative growth.
Course: BIO 352 | Spring 2026
Estimated Cost: $3,100 (before applicable study abroad grants)
Faculty Leaders: Dr. Jason Willand & Dr. David Penning
Join BIO 352 for a once-in-a-lifetime field experience in Belize, exploring two of the planet’s most biologically rich—and threatened—ecosystems: tropical rainforests and coral reefs. This semester-long course introduces students to Belize’s climate, geology, culture, and ecology, culminating in a 10-day immersive trip.
Field Site & Acitivites:
Blue Creek Field Station
South Water Caye Marine Reserve
Why take this trip?
Course: Honors 298/495 & HIST 210/415 | Spring 2026
Estimated Cost: $4,850
Faculty Leaders: Dr. Jody Jensen & Dr. Will Mountz
Class Meetings: MWF 10:00–10:50 a.m. (All Courses)
This interdisciplinary study abroad experience invites students to explore the power of storytelling in shaping identity, resistance, and cultural memory across West Africa. Through literature, history, and immersive travel, students will examine colonial and postcolonial narratives, oral traditions, and artistic expressions in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Field Sites & Activities:
Cultural & Historical Exploration
Why take this trip?
This journey offers a deep dive into the cultural and historical forces that have shaped West Africa. Students will gain firsthand insight into how storytelling preserves heritage, fosters resistance, and builds community—while experiencing the vibrant landscapes and voices of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Eligibility & Enrollment
Open to students enrolled in Honors 298/495 or History 210/415.
Course: Art 365/366 | Summer 2026
Estimated Cost: $8,980 (before Department of Art & Design scholarships)
Faculty Leaders: Dr. Amber Mintert & Frank Pishkur
This immersive art and photography experience takes students across Scandinavia and Spain to explore world-class museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks. Students will complete two 3-credit seminars: a Swedish Photography Seminar with renowned photographer Örjan Henriksson, and an Art of Scandinavia Seminar featuring weekend field trips to major cultural hubs.
Field Sites & Activities:
Cultural Immersion
Why take this trip?
This program offers a rare opportunity to study photography and art in the heart of Scandinavia, guided by expert faculty and artists. It’s ideal for students seeking creative inspiration, global perspective, and a portfolio-worthy international experience.