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Italy, Ireland, England: Becoming Saints

Dates: 13 June–26 July 2025
Priority Deadline: 1 November 2024
Application Deadline: 1 December 2024

Embark on a transformative study abroad experience animated by a single question: What does it mean to be and become a saint? This program invites you to immerse yourself in the lives and lessons of both early Christians and modern Saints, creating experiences that will deepen your understanding of how believers from different cultures in both the past and present have practiced faith, experienced spirituality, and pursued discipleship.

Your journey begins in Italy, a land steeped in spiritual heritage. The program kicks off in the enchanting city of Venice, where you will explore the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica. We will also visit Florence and traverse the historic Via Francigena, reflecting on the themes of pilgrimage that have shaped the paths of countless souls. In Assisi, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order, and throughout Tuscany, you will encounter significant artistic and religious sites that have inspired generations. The heart of our Italian adventure lies in the “Eternal City” of Rome, a treasure trove of Western Christianity’s most revered sanctuaries, altarpieces, sculptures, and shrines.

Our journey continues in England, where we will explore the lives of early converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Preston and seek to understand what it meant to them to become saints. We will travel to the mystical landscapes of Northern Ireland, where ancient Celtic spirituality and early Christian traditions intertwine. We will learn from Catholics and Protestants, who have sought reconciliation in the aftermath of violent conflict, about what it means to be peacemakers. The final two weeks in London will be rich with opportunities to deepen your personal discipleship. Through interfaith experiences, including visits to a mosque and a gurdwara, as well as cultural explorations, ranging from Evensong at Westminster Abbey to contemporary theatrical performances, you will engage with the question: What does it mean to become a saint in today’s world?

Click here to apply today!

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Contact Us

John Hilton III
316 E JSB
(801) 422-7394
johnhiltoniii@byu.edu

PDF

Program Flyer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
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More Information

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Courses

Students will register for 6 credit hours during the program in the following GE-credited courses:

RELA 392—Special Topics in the New Testament (3 credit hours–religion credit)
UNIV 215R—Saints and Storytelling (3 credit hours–letters credit)

Students may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
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Cost

$7,900–8,300

Includes Latter-day-Saint undergraduate full tuition (increased cost for graduates and non–Latter-day-Saint students), all housing, travel within and between the program cities, and breakfasts. Also includes approximately two dinners each week and entry fare to all program events (e.g., The Vatican, theatrical performances, etc.).

Does not include airfare, remaining meals, or any personal expenses such as attractions visited on personal time and souvenirs.
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Funding Sources

Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to study abroad programs.


Students who submit the financial aid section of the ISP application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB) will be considered for a Study Abroad scholarship.

Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants.

Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
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Preparation

Accepted students are required to participate in an international cross-cultural preparation course (IAS 201R, 1 credit). This evening course will be held on Tuesdays from 4:00–6:00 PM during the second block of the winter semester 2025.

Students must meet all country- and program-specific COVID and health requirements for travel.

International study programs are physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing and you must be in good health to participate. These programs often take place in international locations that do not have the same level of safety and services in terms of transportation, living conditions, residential accommodations, food, public behavior, and policing that you may be used to on campus. If you have further questions or concerns on this, please see our travel policy.
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Housing

Students will be housed in a combination of monasteries, hostels and hotels.
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Travel

Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program sites. Airline reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent.

BYU Travel
280 HRCB
(801) 422-6293
travel@byu.edu
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Application Process

Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

Complete the online application here. A nonrefundable $35 application fee is required; applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete.


Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program. The first payment is due upon acceptance; please refer to the Payment Information page.

Priority deadline:  1 November 2024
Application deadline: 1 December 2024

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Program Adjustments

International Study Programs (ISP) reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost.

If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP will be refunded to the student’s BYU Financial account.

ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
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Faculty

John Hilton III is a professor of Ancient Scripture, with an emphasis on studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

316 E JSB
(801) 422-7394
johnhiltoniii@byu.edu

Jamin Rowan is a professor of English with an emphasis on urban literature and culture, as well as storytelling.

4143 JFSB
(801) 422-8968
jamin_rowan@byu.edu
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Contact Us

International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
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ISP Student Handbook

To see the student handbook, click here.
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Payment Schedule

To see the payment schedule, click here.