Global Education

Build bridges of understanding by studying and traveling with Bluefield University’s global education programs.

Study Abroad & Travel the World

As part of our mission to help transform the world by developing servant leaders, we dedicate ourselves to building bridges of understanding and mutual respect. One way we do this is by ensuring our undergraduate students can study abroad in exciting destinations. We design these experiences to help students develop an understanding of the commonality and familiarity of the human experience around the world. We strive to help students acquire global skills, engage in experiential learning, and partake in God’s creation.

On-campus, the Global Education Committee organizes Forming Global Citizens programs, with an international focus and presence. Activities for these events include films, speakers, and craft sessions:

  • International Day of Peace – September 21
  • World Poetry Day – March 21
  • Hispanic Awareness Week – October
  • Global Education Emphasis Week – March

The University gives travel and study abroad priority to our China, Brazil, and London summer programs. We also support and encourage students to consider our partner programs, CAPA, CGE, and BestSemester (CCCU). Along with our partner programs, Bluefield University offers students and faculty the opportunity for academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and the chance to explore the world.

Global Education Information

CAPA International Education

Consortium for Global Education

BESTSEMESTER

Student Handbook & Policy Information

Student Handbook

Bluefield University is a member of CAPA International Education, which provides semester-long study abroad opportunities in London, UK; Dublin, Ireland; Florence, Italy; Sydney, Australia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Beijing, China. Students can take a variety of courses with faculty members of cooperating institutions as well as from qualified professors from the host country.
Bluefield University is a member of the Consortium for Global Education (CGE). This program offers study abroad experiences in Jordan, Australia, Lithuania, Lebanon, Greece, and Argentina. Students can choose from a variety of interest areas, with short- and long-term opportunities, including learning Arabic or Chinese.

Our affiliation with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities’ BestSemester (CCCU) program offers students semester-long experiences in Australia, Costa Rica, and Uganda. Off-campus study programs take students to Washington, D.C. for the American Studies Program, and to Los Angeles, CA to the L.A. Film Studies Center.

Bluefield University also offers enrichment and learning opportunities through international course-related travel and cultural immersion. These opportunities are extensions of academic courses, which are completed on the main campus in Bluefield, VA, followed by travel abroad.

The China Exchange Program provides four Bluefield University students the opportunity to experience a culture, language, and society that is unique and very different from ours. As part of the program, students visit major points of interest in Beijing and Shanghai. During their time in Nanjing, they are guests of Jiangsu Second Normal University, studying modern Chinese society and history. Every fall, Chinese students and faculty participate in the Bluefield University academic community.

Policy

  • Bluefield University supports one undergraduate student per semester to travel with CAPA, CGE, and BestSemester. Please contact the Director of Global Education, Dr. Zalduondo, as soon as possible about your intention to apply to one of these programs.
  • Travel and study abroad opportunities should be sought with these programs first because we have formal partnerships with them.
  • Competitive scholarships are available for these programs.
  • Students are responsible for meeting all deadlines for each program to facilitate their selection to the program.
  • Our faculty is excited to work with students who want to pursue other programs, but priority acceptance is given to students who study abroad with CAPA, CGE, or BestSemester.
    • Students, with documented advisor approval, who wish to pursue other study-abroad programs should present all relevant information to the Chair of the Global Education Committee for consideration no later than the first Monday in October or March depending on the program’s deadline. The student is responsible for making the committee aware of all relevant deadlines. The committee chair will work with the president, director of financial aid, and registrar for approval to enter into an agreement with the proposed study abroad institution.
    • If the program is approved, the student and advisor will be notified by the Global Education Committee after their scheduled April or November meeting.

Note: A student’s enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by Bluefield University may be considered enrollment at Bluefield University to apply for assistance under the Title IV, HEA Program.

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

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