Vol. 14, May 2025

Summer abroad is in full swing, with students participating in six Harding programs—HIZ, HUF, HUG, COBA, AADI, and SURF. From hands-on engagement in Zambia and cultural immersion in Greece and Italy to business exploration across Iceland and the United Kingdom, each program offers unique opportunities for growth and discovery. The sixth group, SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research in Florence), just arrived in Italy during the final days of May, so we’ll feature their program in next month’s newsletter. Please read on below to see what the other five groups have been up to so far.

HIZ

Harding in Zambia

HIZ students have jumped right into their summer abroad, balancing meaningful service with rich cross-cultural experiences. They’re finding their rhythm through volunteer work at the Havens—a reunification home for displaced children—helping at the local hospital, and diving into Tonga language learning.

They’re also enjoying newly renovated housing, graciously completed by their hosts, Jason and Cintia Kumalo. This marks phase one of a three-phase construction project. The first completed duplex now houses up to 16 students and faculty members, with a second planned for completion by summer 2026.

In just two weeks, the group will travel to Livingstone to see Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. While there, students will have opportunities to whitewater raft the Zambezi River, feed elephants and giraffes, and unwind at the scenic Avani Resort, where zebras and impalas roam freely. HIZ continues to offer a vibrant blend of service, adventure, and cross-cultural community.

HUF

Harding University in Florence

The HUF group arrived in Florence on May 14 and quickly dove into life in Tuscany. They’ve begun exploring the city’s rich history and culture, from climbing the iconic Duomo to cheering on the local soccer team, Fiorentina. One evening, students took part in "Enlight for Pasta," where they shared English conversation with Italian families in exchange for a homemade meal. To close out May, the group ventured into the scenic and historic Casentino Valley.

HUG & One Month at HUG

Harding University in Greece

This summer marks the launch of a new option—One Month at HUG—which gives students the opportunity to join the first month of the full HUG summer semester. Both groups arrived in Greece on May 13 and have been busy ever since, making the most of every moment. They’ve visited nearby landmarks like Athens and the Sanctuary of Artemis, just down the road from campus, as well as more distant destinations across Northern Greece, including Delphi, Meteora, Philippi, and Thessaloniki. The group is closing out May with a tour of the Peloponnese region, stopping at historic sites such as Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Olympia.

College of Business Abroad

The COBA group began their tour on May 15 in Iceland, where they explored Reykjavik, soaked in the Blue Lagoon, toured the Golden Circle, and even went whale watching. They then spent a few days in Scotland, visiting Edinburgh and taking a day trip to St. Andrews—where a few students had the chance to golf. Their journey continued in London, where they’ve visited St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the Globe Theatre, and more. Each stop has offered meaningful cultural and economic insights, enriching students’ understanding of global business in real-world settings.

AADI

Art, Architecture & Design International

The AADI group started their summer in Searcy with Intersession classes before departing the U.S. on May 26. Their first international stop is Rome, where they’ve already explored iconic sites like the Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Next, they’ll travel to Florence and then on to Greece, completing the two-week version of the program. Students who opted for the full four-week experience will continue on to Spain and France, with those travels to be featured in next month’s newsletter. Blending art, architecture, and culture with a Christian worldview, this program invites students to experience design in new contexts and grow academically, creatively, and spiritually.

If you or someone you know is hoping to study abroad next year, now is the time to make a move—space is going fast! Just a few spots remain for Fall 2025, with only two spots left for HUE and one left for HUA. Fall HUF still has space available as well. Spring 2026 programs (HUG, HUF, and HULA) are already full and have waitlists, and Summer 2026 programs are starting to fill up quickly—HIZ, for example, has just one spot remaining. If you're interested, don’t wait! Stop by Holland-Waller 104 or email us at international@harding.edu with any questions. Or click the button below to apply now!

Sign Up to Study Abroad!

Photo Credit

Banner image: Atop "HUG Mountain" in Porto Rafti from Daniel Adams

HIZ

  1. At the Namwianga Mission Hospital from David Gardner
  2. Ready to help in the clinic from David Gardner
  3. HIZ group from David Gardner

HUF

  1. A view of Florence from the top of the Duomo from Sarah Sullins
  2. Cheering on the Fiorentina soccer team from Amanda Toye
  3. First gelato of the summer from Madeline Stewart

HUG & One Month at HUG

  1. Group at the Parthenon in Athens from Lacey Bortell
  2. With the Arch of Hadrian from Lacey Bortell
  3. At the stadium of Delphi from Lacey Bortell
  4. At the monasteries of Meteora from Lacey Bortell
  5. Enjoying a meal by the water in Porto Rafti from Lacey Bortell
  6. Swimming in Porto Rafti from @HardingU_Greece

College of Business Abroad

  1. At Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík from Aidan Hall
  2. Group at the Blue Lagoon from @Harding_StudyAbroad
  3. At the Kerid Crater in Iceland from Timothy Henry
  4. Exploring Edinburgh from Paris Khan

AADI

  1. At the Roman Forum from Noah Darnell
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