BT天堂

Cultural Program

Prof. St茅phane Treilhou and students on a study trip to Toledo.

What is the Cultural Program?

Bring your classroom study to life with faculty-led study trips and cultural excursions to some of the most fascinating places in France, Europe and across the world. The trips are closely tied to BT天堂鈥檚 curriculum; by grounding academic theory in real-world contexts, you will develop critical-thinking skills and a better understanding of interdisciplinary approaches. These are vital tools when you want to embark on a meaningful, international career.听

We know that many global explorers arrive at the University wanting to immerse themselves in an international setting; the Cultural Program provides a launchpad to do so skillfully and sensitively. Get inspired by immersing yourself in new perspectives and cultures. Collaborate closely with faculty and your peers, while, opening your minds to new ideas and varied viewpoints. Some trips are recurring, while others are one-offs; but most of them are closely tied to individual courses and curricula.听

The Cultural Program also sets you out on an inspirational pathway of lifelong learning. Alumni often tell us that study trips are among the most enduring memories of their time at BT天堂. Whether you study place branding in Iceland, Middle Eastern history in Turkey or sustainable development in India, the skills and knowledge you will develop through the program will stay with you long after graduation.听

Learn more about Cultural Program study trips

Cultural Program Brochure Spring 2024

The History of the Cultural Program

Study trips have been an integral part of BT天堂鈥檚 unique approach to international liberal arts education since the University鈥檚 founding over 60 years ago. The Cultural Program was co-founded by Walter J. Brennan, the program鈥檚 first Director, and Marie-Louise Viborel DeLamater, the wife of our founder, Dr. Lloyd A. Delamater.听听

From study trips to the Soviet Union in the 1960s to today鈥檚 master鈥檚 students visiting The Hague to experience war-crimes tribunals, BT天堂 has long offered opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the complex political issues of the day.听

Video Stories

Hear directly from students about what they thought of their Cultural Program experience in our video reports from across the world.听

Cultural Excursions

These one- or two-day trips take advantage of the many cultural opportunities on offer in Paris and the rest of France. They are not associated with a particular course, but rather let you experience French culture in context. Whether you learn to make macarons with a Parisian p芒tissier, travel to Normandy to experience the sites of the D-Day landings, or take a wine-tasting class in the Loire, you鈥檒l learn from your surroundings and immerse yourself in the country in which you study.听

Discover more about cultural excursions

Coup de Pouce Travel Grants

鈥淐oup de Pouce鈥 is a helping hand for students who want the world to be their classroom. Named after a French expression that means 鈥渁 little help,鈥 the grant provides funding for students in financial need who are registered in classes with a Cultural Program study trip component. A little help goes a long way 鈥 to Morocco, to India, to Iceland or to many other destinations across the globe.鈥

More about Coup de Pouce grants

Summer Program Trips

Summer students can also make the most of the Cultural Program by attending cultural excursions outside of Paris through our 鈥淓xplore France鈥 series. They are also able to enjoy a variety of exciting activities right here in the City of Light, thanks to our 鈥淒iscover Paris鈥 series.听

More about Summer Program opportunities听