Vol. 14, April 2025

As April comes to a close, so do our spring study abroad programs. The HUF and HUG groups wrapped up their semesters earlier this month, while the HULA group is just days away from returning to the U.S. after one last adventure. It’s been a month full of travel, reflection, and unforgettable experiences. Keep reading to learn more about where each group has been and how they spent their final weeks abroad.

HULA

Harding University in Latin America

The HULA group has had a full and exciting April as they near the end of their semester abroad. They started the month in the Amazon rainforest, where they explored the jungle, went piranha fishing, and experienced one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. From there, they traveled to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, visiting ancient Inca sites like Ollantaytambo and the iconic Machu Picchu. After those major trips, the group returned to Arequipa for one last round of classes, an Easter celebration, and some final activities—like a volcano hike for a few adventurous students. The semester wrapped up with a final big trip to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), where students explored caves, snorkeled, and stood in awe of the island’s famous stone statues. The group is set to return to the States in just a few days, closing out a semester full of discovery and adventure.

HUG

Harding University in Greece

The HUG program came to a close on April 17 after a final group trip to the Greek islands of Crete and Santorini. Students explored the ruins of the Knossos Palace and took in the stunning views along Santorini’s cliffs and coastline. In their final days together, the group watched the sunset at Poseidon’s Temple at Cape Sounion and caught the sunrise from “the point” in Porto Rafti. These quiet moments gave students time to reflect on their time in Greece and say goodbye to a place that had come to feel like home. Some students flew back to the U.S. right after the program, while others extended their time in Europe with a few extra weeks of independent travel.

HUF

Harding University in Florence

The HUF program ended on April 12 after a semester full of travel, learning, and cultural experiences. During their final trip, the group visited the Casentino valley, where they explored castles like Porciano and Romena and enjoyed the peaceful beauty of the Italian countryside. Some students also took part in a cultural exchange night, spending time in local homes to share a meal and help children practice English. The semester wrapped up with a final banquet where students looked back on all they had experienced together. Similar to HUG, some students returned home immediately after the program ended, while others stayed in Europe to continue exploring on their own.

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 one spot left each in HUA and HUE. Fall HUF still has space available as well, and you can read more about its updated itinerary later in this email. 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!
International Programs Breakout Chapel

This month, we hosted our fourth breakout chapel of the semester. Dr. Jim Miller, Dean of the Honors College, sat down for a conversation with Professor Todd Sparks, a former HUA student and current professor of architecture. They discussed Todd’s experience at HUA and how it has shaped his life and career over the past 20 years. The conversation gave students a valuable perspective on how their own study abroad experiences can continue to influence their personal and professional paths long after returning home.

Special Opportunity to Enroll in COMM 1010 in Greece this August!

    End your summer with an unforgettable adventure in Greece! From August 3–15, 2025, you can tour Athens and Corinth, relax on beautiful Greek beaches, make new friends, and more—all while earning credit for COMM 1010 – Communication Principles. This short study abroad experience helps you get a jump start on the fall semester while exploring one of the most historic and scenic destinations in the world. The cost of the program is $1,700 plus fall tuition, with financial aid available. Space is limited to 24 students, so don’t miss your chance! Click here for more information. 

Sign Up to Enroll in This Program!
New Additions to HUF Fall 2025!

    This fall, students will not only visit the iconic sites of Italy—such as Rome, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast—but will also spend a week in Greece at our HUG campus, exploring Athens and Corinth. As the semester winds down, students will travel to the enchanting Christmas markets of Northern Italy before boarding the Bernina Express, one of the world’s most scenic train rides, which will take them across the Swiss Alps and end in Zurich, Switzerland. Don’t miss out on this adventure—spots are still available!

Sign Up to Study Abroad!

Photo Credit

Banner image from Jeremy Daggett

HULA

  1. Moai statues on Rapa Nui from Carly Madar
  2. Canoeing in the Amazon from Carly Madar
  3. Snorkeling from Ethan Ashmore
  4. Group at Machu Picchu from Jeremy Daggett
  5. Hiking a volcano from Jeremy Daggett
  6. Inside a cave from Jeremy Daggett
  7. Class at Ollantaytambo from Carly Phelps
  8. Llama from Jeremy Daggett
  9. Group in the Amazon Rainforest from Carly Madar

HUG

  1. Visiting Santorini from @HardingU_Greece
  2. Visiting Santorini from @HardingU_Greece
  3. Touring the Knossos Palace on Crete from @HardingU_Greece
  4. Sunset at Cape Sounion from @HardingU_Greece
  5.  Sunrise at "The Point" in Porto Rafti from @HardingU_Greece

HUF

  1. Visiting Romena Castle from McLane Ramsey
  2. Visiting Porciano Castle from McLane Ramsey
  3. Final Banquet Night from McLane Ramsey
  4. Final Banquet Night from Charity Rubio
  5. Final Banquet Dinner from McLane Ramsey
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    Harding University International Programs

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