Study Religious Studies Abroad
About
Religions can answer some of the most fundamental questions we may ever ask: Why are we here? How did we get here? What is the meaning of life? They have changed the paths of many, affected the history of nations, and heavily influenced predominant philosophies and world views for thousands of years.
It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that many students are drawn to religious studies, whether a specific one like Islam, Buddhism, or Christianity or a more comparative studies model. If you’re looking to study religious studies or theology abroad, you’ve come to the right place.
Program Types
Christianity/Theology
There are several study abroad programs at Christian universities around the world. These classes are formulated in a Christian worldview and can cover all aspects of theology and the study of Christianity, from basic introductory courses about the Bible and the history of the church to in-depth classes offered by seminaries. However, if you are interested in studying Christianity from a more secular level, there are non-religious institutions that offer courses that are more history-based.
Islam/Islamic Studies
Many of the study abroad programs that offer courses about Islam or Islamic studies are more introductory in nature. History is also emphasized, as is the philosophy behind this religion. You’ll find that most of the courses are available at universities with liberal arts programs. Many of the classes are in English, but there are some universities that have classes in different languages, including Arabic.
Buddhism
The classes that are available about Buddhism can be regional, introductory, or combined with another religion. For example, you may have the option to take a course about the history of Buddhism in Japan, and it’s not uncommon to take a class about the history of Buddhism and Hinduism. These courses are usually offered by a religious studies department at local universities.
Hinduism
Like classes on Buddhism, many of the programs which offer courses about Hinduism can be rooted in the history of the country or region where the university is located. Introductions to Hinduism are the most common classes available.
Judaism/Jewish Studies
Classes in Jewish studies or Judaism are usually offered by secular universities or Jewish universities. The subject matter and tone of the courses can vary by university and focus. Some are more rooted in Jewish theology, while others are based in history or philosophy. These courses are often available in English, but sometimes are in Hebrew, too.
Comparative Religions/Religious Studies
If you’re interested in taking more of a survey course or a course which focuses on the history or philosophy of religions, have no fear: many universities that have a wide array of liberal arts courses have religious studies departments with classes that focus on religious studies from various backgrounds and points of view.
Where to Go
Depending on your area of study, the destinations that are available to you will vary. Here are some ideas to get you started based on the type of religious study you're interested in:
Christianity/Theology
Most Christian universities or other universities that offer classes about Christianity are in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The United Kingdom in particular has a few popular study abroad options if you want to study Christianity or theology abroad.
Islam/Islamic Studies
There are study abroad programs in Middle Eastern countries like Israel, Jordan, and Qatar that focus on Islam and Islamic studies. Morocco also is a popular destination to study Islam abroad -- particularly in the city of Fez. Additionally, you can also study Islamic history at some universities in India. In Europe, there are a few universities in England where you can study about Islam.
Buddhism
There are a few study abroad programs in Japan which offer classes about Buddhism. Universities in New Zealand and the UK offer courses on Buddhism as well.
Hinduism
India, of course, is probably one of the most popular places to study Hinduism abroad since it’s the heart of the Hindu religion. The UK and New Zealand have universities with classes about Hinduism, too.
Judaism
Israel is the probably the most popular destination if you’re interested in studying Judaism or Jewish studies abroad. Many programs are in Jerusalem, though there are other programs in different cities like Tel Aviv.
Comparative Religions/Religious Studies
The broad focus of religious studies is echoed in the widespread options available to study comparative religions abroad. Europe has a lot of options (e.g., the UK, the Netherlands, and Denmark), but you can also study in New Zealand, Japan, or India.
Planning Your Trip
Housing
Each study abroad program will have its own housing option(s), but you’ll discover that you generally can live with host families or in on-campus dorms with students from different countries. In other cases, you may have the opportunity to live in residential homes or apartments that are just for students in your programs, or in student apartments. Sometimes, you might have the option to find housing for yourself.
Scholarships
The great news is that the majority of available study abroad programs, regardless of the country, have financial aid and scholarships available just for study abroad students. You may be able to take out student loans to fund your study abroad adventure. We also have an extensive list of other study abroad scholarships and grants you may qualify for!
