Call for Papers & Presentations

Christian Study Abroad Conference 2025

"Faith and Learning Across Borders:
Integrating Christian Perspectives in Global Education"

Conference Dates: April 2-4, 2025
Biola University, La Mirada, California
Submission Deadline: December 1, 2024

Conference Tracks

We are delighted to invite scholars, educators, administrators, study abroad experts, and students to submit papers for the 2nd annual International Conference on Christian Study Abroad hosted by Living and Learning International. Last year’s conference delved into the current state of Christian Study Abroad and posed the question, “where do we go from here?” This year’s conference aims to build on the work that was done last year and explore the intersection of faith and education in 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 Christian principles.

We welcome submissions on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Biblical Perspectives on Travel and Learning

  • Impact of Study Abroad on Christian Identity and Faith Development

  • Poverty through the eyes of Scripture

  • Engagement with the local church

  • Student Perspectives on Study Abroad Experiences

  • Considerations on the Duration of Study Abroad Experiences: short-term faculty-led trips and/or semester or year-long programs

  • How Missions Offices and Study Abroad Departments Complement and Collaborate

  • Theological Reflections on Study Abroad

  • Best Practices in Christian Study Abroad Programs

  • Integrating Faith into International Curricula

  • The Role of Christian Institutions in Global Education

  • Case Studies of Successful Christian Study Abroad Programs

  • Cross-Cultural Ministry and Service Learning

  • Spiritual Formation and Global Citizenship

  • Challenges and Opportunities in Christian Study Abroad Programs

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.

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.

  • Participants are encouraged to submit panel proposals with a maximum of 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 60 minutes in length. Each speaker will present for a maximum of 12-15 minutes organized in panels of three to four people 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. 

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: December 15, 2024

Notification of Acceptance: January 15, 2025

Conference Dates: April 2-4, 2025

Conference Location: Biola University, La Mirada

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, MA - Living & Learning International
Joshua E. Britt, Ph.D. - Southeastern University
Audrey Hammond, MA - Liberty University
David J. Martínez, Ph.D. - George Fox University
Austin Robertson, MA - Biola University