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Scotland and England:
Fall 2026
Study Abroad Programs
See Through the Eyes of an Artist
Explore the arts, history, and culture of Scotland and England through immersive, interdisciplinary study and creative practice.
Experience the arts and humanities in action through an interdisciplinary program spanning theatre, visual art, and history. Engage deeply in experiential learning—creating, performing, researching, and reflecting as you explore the cultural landscapes of Scotland and England.
Examine how art and literature have shaped and reflected culture across centuries, from the English Renaissance to modern-day expression. Conduct primary research using museums, historic sites, and resources like the British Library, connecting past and present through your own creative and academic work.
Throughout the semester, you’ll develop a personal creative practice across multiple disciplines, including visual art, acting, and writing. You’ll also explore how artistic expression is shaped by place—drawing inspiration from the distinct histories and identities of Scotland and England.
A central component of the program is an in-depth study of a Shakespeare play, culminating in a full theatrical production. Students take part both on stage and behind the scenes, contributing to acting, set design, costumes, and overall production.
Open to students of all majors, this program invites you to experience culture not just as an observer, but as a creator.
Program Leads
Duration
Requirements
Study Areas
- Acting
- Art/Art Studies
- European History
- Theatre/Theater
Reserve Your Spot
Program Itinerary
Follow the journey through Scotland and England, where students explore historic cities, cultural landmarks, museums, theatres, and libraries while developing a deeper understanding of how art, history, literature, and performance shape the way we see the world.
Weeks 1 - 2
Edinburgh, Scotland
The program begins in-country in Scotland in mid-August. We explore the Edinburgh International Festival, historical sites, museums, and attend many cultural events. Housing is at an exciting hostel at the top of the Royal Mile in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. There are some day trips out of Edinburgh to experience other parts of Scotland, including the historic village of Culross and Stirling Castle. During this time we begin our focus on an integrated study of history, arts, and culture, as well as initial preparation for the play.
Weeks 3 - 5
London, England
Here we engage in experiential learning with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, at cultural and historical sites, through research at the British Library, and getting to know the city. Housing is in a dormitory near the Thames River in easy walking distance and/or public transportation to all sites, restaurants, museums, and theatres. We spend a full day at the magnificent Hampton Court experiencing the history, culture, and art of the palace. We also take a day trip to the White Cliffs of Dover to explore the history, stories, and geography of this stunning location.
Weeks 6 - 7
Stratford-upon-Avon, England
We continue on to Stratford-upon-Avon in the beautiful Cotswolds where we stay in local B&Bs and get to know the people of this historic town, as well as the surrounding small towns and beautiful landscapes. We have seminars and lectures from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, continue historical research at the Trust library, take workshops from theatre professionals, and attend plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. We take day trips to Hereford and Oxford and continue our artistic and historical exploration.
Weeks 8 - 14
Principia Campus, Elsah, Illinois
After 7 ½ weeks in country, we return to Elsah. Housing on campus is as a group in one house. We continue coursework in art, history, and theatre, and dive into rehearsals for our production of a Shakespeare play. Everyone on the abroad participates in the play as an actor, as well as supporting technical, design, and dramaturgy (research and education) aspects of the production. The culminating work of the group is the public performances of the play, as well as sharing work from the Globe workshops, research, and artistic projects.
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Being immersed in Nepali culture—whether we were touring Buddhist monasteries in Pokhara or trekking through the mountains of the Mustang region—filled me with awe, wonder, and curiosity.
Principia study abroad is authentic experiential learning—students navigate unfamiliar environments and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.
