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What is Veritas?
The mission of Veritas Christian Study Abroad is to provide college-level study abroad programs at international host universities, while helping students develop as ministry-minded Christian leaders as they learn to live and serve in another culture. Veritas Christian study abroad programs incorporate distinctive elements—Christian spiritual support and community, ministry opportunities, and academics—to deepen their faith during a traditional study abroad program.
Ministry Opportunities & Academics
Students work with the local church and established ministries while studying abroad, serving others in the host community. Students will get a broader understanding of the joys and challenges of cross-cultural ministry. Engaging with the local community also provides unique immersion and perspective of their host culture.
To further enrich the study abroad experience, semester and summer Veritas Christian Study Abroad students also explore faith and life abroad through an additional course taught from a Biblical worldview. In addition to being a full-time student at a host institution abroad, semester students take a 3-credit Comparative Religions or International Missions/Service-Learning Practicum course and summer students a 1-credit International Missions Service-Learning Practicum course.
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Veritas Courses
Veritas-specific courses are taught by a Christian professor who understands the mission of Veritas Christian Study Abroad. The professor encourages students spiritually and academically and helps students gain a missional perspective through their studies. The Veritas-specific academics allow students to process their experiences through research, reflection, and critical thinking as students experience first-hand the challenges and opportunities of living out their faith in a cross-cultural context.
Semester programs include the 3-credit Comparative Religions course or the 3-credit Global Ministry Practicum.
Summer programs include the 1-credit Global Ministry Practicum.
Comparative Religions (HUM 353)
This course is an introduction to the major religious traditions of the world—particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and indigenous, new, and secular religions. The historical development, key figures, as well as major doctrines and practices are explored.Global Ministry Practicum (HUM 490)
This course provides upper division credit for international ministry opportunities and an extended ministry experience designed to acquaint students with the implementation of missions principles in an international context through Veritas Christian Study Abroad programs. -
Denominational Affiliation
Veritas Christian Study Abroad is an inter-denominational study abroad program committed to helping students become culturally-aware people of faith who recognize their opportunities to live as global followers of Christ. We affirm the Apostle's Creed as a historically understood statement of basic Christian beliefs. The leadership of Veritas Christian Study Abroad and the Veritas Mentors in each of our locations identify as Protestant Evangelical Christians. We recognize that within this identification, there are a variety of denominations and doctrinal distinctions that we hope will lead to students having healthy inquiry and faith discussions as they explore the world on an ISA Veritas program. Veritas Christian Study Abroad is not a church. We strive to help students identify a church home while abroad that honors and fosters their identity as a follower of Christ.
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Accreditation
Academic Sponsor: California Baptist University
Veritas Christian Study Abroad welcomes California Baptist University as our official academic sponsor. Veritas Christian Study Abroad is a unique opportunity for students who are mission-minded to engage in cross-cultural ministry while fulfilling degree requirements. Our desire is to offer academic programs of the highest quality while supporting a student's spiritual needs. Students who study abroad with Veritas will receive course credit from fully-accredited universities abroad and from our academic sponsor, California Baptist University (CBU). CBU provides transcripts for the Veritas course (Comparative Religions) and practicum (Global Ministry Practicum). See the Veritas Statement of Faith.
About California Baptist University
Founded in 1950, CBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). Today, CBU boasts an enrollment of over 4,100 campus students in 90 undergraduate majors and 25 graduate programs. Named "2011 Best Regional University" by U.S. News and World Report, CBU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, as well as the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the National Association of Schools of Music, the State of California Board of Registered Nursing, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and the Board of Registered Nurses.
Standards of Best Practices
Additionally, Veritas Christian Study Abroad is committed to all programs adhering to the recognized standards of best practices in the field of study abroad. Therefore, all programs will be regularly assessed on the basis of the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, developed by the Forum on Education Abroad. These standards include baseline expectations regarding academic integrity, learning environments, health and safety, student conduct and advising, and student learning and development.
Summary Information Regarding Academic Transcripts
- Veritas students take courses at accredited universities in each host city
- Only the Veritas-specific courses are transcripted by CBU
- Veritas-specific course professors are approved by CBU
- Veritas students receive two transcripts on each program (one from the fully-accredited host institution and one from CBU)
- Transcripts are accompanied by a cover letter explaining credit equivalency.
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Our Values
Veritas Christian Study Abroad is an inter-denominational study abroad program committed to helping students become culturally-aware people of faith who recognize their opportunities to live as global followers of Christ. We affirm the Apostle's Creed as a historically understood statement of basic Christian beliefs. The leadership of Veritas Christian Study Abroad and the Veritas Mentors in each of our locations identify as Protestant Evangelical Christians. We recognize that within this identification, there are a variety of denominations and doctrinal distinctions that we hope will lead to students having healthy inquiry and faith discussions as they explore the world on an Veritas program. Veritas Christian Study Abroad is not a church. We strive to help students identify a church home while abroad that honors and fosters their identity as a follower of Christ.
Our Students
Students on Veritas Christian Study Abroad programs come from diverse Christian backgrounds and a variety of college experiences: some from private or Christian universities and others from secular or state universities.
Program Inclusions
On a Veritas program, students receive on-site spiritual support from a Veritas Mentor who helps make their time abroad a spiritually engaging and growing experience. Their Veritas Mentor also engages students in Christian community through connecting them with a local church and other ministry opportunities.
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.