Call for Papers & Presentations

Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025

Submission Methods

Individual Submission

A single participant may submit an individual proposal. The conference organizers will place individuals into panels of 3-4 speakers of similar or related topics. 

Group Submission

Participants are invited to collaborate with colleagues to develop a panel as a group of three to four panelists speaking on related or complementary topics.

Conference Papers & Presentations

We are delighted to invite scholars, educators, administrators, study abroad experts, and students to submit papers for the 3rd annual International Conference on Christian Study Abroad hosted by Living & Learning International. This conference poses the question, “How do we steward these unique opportunities well for students?” We do this by exploring the intersection of faith and education within the context of study abroad programs. Our goal is to foster a dialogue on how Christian perspectives can enrich global learning experiences, how different institutions can partner together, and how studying abroad can deepen one's faith and understanding of Christianity.

Conference Tracks

We welcome submissions within the following 7 domains: 

4. Institutional Roles and Partnerships

  • The role of Christian institutions in global education

  • Collaboration between missions offices and study abroad departments

5. Cross-Cultural Engagement and Ministry

  • Cross-cultural ministry and service learning

  • Engagement with the local church

6. Student Experiences and Outcomes

  • Student perspectives on study abroad experiences

  • How study abroad shapes faith and learning

7. Challenges and Opportunities

  • Emerging issues, obstacles, and future opportunities in Christian study abroad

1. Theological and Biblical Foundations

  • Theological reflections on study abroad

  • Biblical perspectives on travel and learning

  • Poverty through the eyes of Scripture

2. Faith Integration in Global Education

  • Integrating faith into international curricula

  • Spiritual formation and global citizenship

  • Impact of study abroad on Christian identity and faith development

3. Best Practices and Program Models

  • Best practices in Christian study abroad programs

  • Case studies of successful programs

  • Considerations of program duration (short-term, semester, year-long)

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025

Notification of Acceptance: January 15, 2026

Submission Guidelines

  • Participants are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 300 words outlining the scope and main arguments of their proposed presentation.

  • We welcome joint submissions with two speakers; they will be considered as one presentation, with a total time allotment of 20 minutes. Submit one abstract of no more than 300 words outlining the scope and main arguments of proposed joint presentation. 

  • Participants are encouraged to submit panel proposals with three or four presenters. One participant should be selected as the moderator and will be responsible for submitting the group proposal. The proposal must include a group abstract of no more than 500 words detailing the subject and scope of the included presentations. Additionally, individual abstracts of no more than 300 words for each speaker must be included. The entire submission should be compiled into a single document. While not required, we encourage panels to feature presenters from different institutions.

  • All panels will be 90 minutes in length. Each speaker (or joint presentation) will present for a maximum of 20 minutes organized in panels of three to four presentations based on common themes. There will be a time for questions and discussion following the presentations.

  • All submissions should be in English and uploaded as a .docx file.

  • Please remove any identifying information from the body of the abstract to ensure anonymity during the review process

Submission Process

Please submit your abstracts via the conference website. Ensure that your submission includes a title, author's name, affiliation, and contact information.

Review Process

All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer-review process. Accepted papers will be considered for publication in the conference proceedings and available on the conference website. 

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding the conference or the submission process, please contact the conference chair at gregbelgum@landli.org. We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming you to an enriching and inspiring conference on Christian study abroad programs.

Conference Organizers

Gregory A. Belgum, MBA - Living & Learning International
Kaitlyn Brett, MA, MAL, MLIS - Southeastern University
David J. Martínez, Ph.D. - George Fox University
Kayleigh Sommerfeldt, MBA - Bethel University