Takeaways and Highlights From the Christian Study Abroad Conference

The annual Christian Study Abroad Conference was three days of learning, encouragement, sharing stories, fostering relationships, and ultimately a reminder that we're not alone in this meaningful work.

"There's never been a more important time for us to come and support each other, learn from each other, grow in best practices, and learn how to collaborate as the international body of Christ."

– Dr. Micah Hughes

What It Was Like To Be In The Room

A few years ago, we thought bringing together professionals across the Christian Study Abroad field might be valuable. We had in mind those who send students abroad and those who receive students to their programs and campuses worldwide.

That thought went from an idea to a plan to a reality, and is now an annual conference. We meet at a different institution each year, providing the opportunity for different professionals to attend, invite their colleagues, and network with others in the field.

Our presenters and panelists stepped on the stage ready to engage and share. Keynote speaker, Dr. Rick Langer, brought enlightening thoughts from his extensive work in the Winsome Conviction Project.

"When you hear a conviction, a moral viewpoint that you think is just crazy, stop and say, 'you know what? I've never seen that that way. Could you tell me the story of why it is that you see it that way?'"

— Dr. Rick Langer

We got to share ideas not only about how and where we send students, but the intentionality behind providing exceptional intercultural experiences. Providers with programs in similar regions or countries were able to discuss what their programs offer to students and how they differ, giving students opportunities across interests and focus areas.

Inspired to Take Action

"We want to steward this conversation around Christian Study Abroad and hope that the field is better for it. We want to set the table for everybody that wants to contribute and says 'that's what I am interested in' to come [to the table]."

— Greg Belgum, L&LI Vice President

This conference was created with the mindset that we want more students to go abroad and find excellent programs to land in when they choose to spend time, whether on a short-term trip or a full semester, away from their home campus.

To kick off the conference, our keynote speaker encouraged us to consider how our ideas are only halfway complete until we've invited someone who thinks differently from us to engage with our idea, challenge it, and ask us questions.

The conference wrapped up with a time for questions and conversation that was filled with discussing ideas and landing on an initiative to consider best practices for Christian Study Abroad.

Now, that initiative is already moving forward! A committee has been formed to work on best practices over the next year. They'll be inviting professionals in the field to speak into the best practices for Christian Study Abroad. Our first benchmark goal is to generate a first draft of best practices to share, discuss, and further develop at the 2026 Christian Study Abroad Conference.

If you'd like to be a part of the conversation, please let us know. We're excited to learn together through diversity of thought and experience as we work on this initiative.

Also on the Horizon ...

Attendees also expressed interest in the idea of having an academic journal, both as a catalogue for the incredible information shared by speakers and presenters at this year's gathering, and as a central hub for the many forms of research, ideas, studies, and more that inform the work of Christian Study Abroad.

Want to stay up to date on all of the exciting movement within the world of Christian Study Abroad? Join our newsletter!

And if you're interested in joining us for next year's conference, our newsletter is a great way to stay connected and get the earliest invitation and lowest prices for the 2026 gathering.

____________________________________________

🎧 Listen to members of the conference planning committee recap the event on this episode of the Christian Study Abroad Podcast!