*The application deadline is only for off-campus and abroad Maymester courses. Online course registration for on-campus Maymester and summer courses will take place March 25, 2024.

Students must submit all application materials, including personal statement and academic references, by January 31. A link to each course’s application is available in the Courses section below. Professors will accept students on a rolling basis. Additional requirements will apply after acceptance.

Once students have been accepted into a Maymester course, they must confirm their acceptance by signing a virtual “Commitment to Attend” by February 15, 2024. This commitment will appear on the student’s GEO application once she or he has been accepted into the course.

Students are strongly encouraged to sign this document as soon as possible in order to accommodate waitlisted students. If a student fails to sign this document by the February 15 deadline, his or her position in the course may be made available to waitlisted students.

Please note: Under-enrolled courses may be cancelled. Students who have applied to such courses will be notified at the earliest opportunity. Students who have financial holds or are on social or academic probation are ineligible for Maymester courses. Acceptance into a Maymester course is also contingent on the instructor's approval.

If a student withdraws from the Maymester course after the February 15 commitment deadline, he or she will forfeit a $500 deposit fee.*

The deposit fee will be assessed directly to your Student Accounts invoice, and will be billed on or around June 1. The deposit fee applies only to those who withdraw after the specified deadline. Those who withdraw before the deadline will not be assessed the fee.

Vanderbilt University charges a deposit fee in order to get an accurate count of participants to plan our programs effectively. Students who back out of a program after committing may jeopardize both the planning and the pricing of the program, which affects other students. We impose a monetary penalty on those who withdraw after the deadline as a way of ensuring that we count only those who are serious about attending.

*Vanderbilt reserves the right to bill students for any unrecoverable costs, even if these costs amount to more than the $500 base withdrawal fee.

Vanderbilt will provide, on a competitive basis, scholarships to help undergraduate students pay the costs of studying abroad during the summer, including the Maymester courses. The Global Summer Fellows Program will provide university stipends that can be used to offset the costs of Vanderbilt-approved, credit-bearing, summer study and Maymester programs. These are competitive awards based on the student's essay, major, and letters of reference, and are linked to the student's financial need.

Read more about the scholarships and access the scholarship application.

MAYMESTER IN THE CARIBBEAN

ANTH/EES 2114 - Above and Below the Surface: The Caribbean between Climate Change and Tourism

This course focuses on the under and above water ecology of the Caribbean Island of Utila, Honduras. Through a combination of above land excursions and scuba diving it seeks to provide a better understanding of ecologies as wide, and deep interrelated webs of interactions – reaching beyond the water’s surface. Students will be immersed in both, the history, culture, and the development of the contemporary Caribbean, as well as its famous underwater world and how it emerged through history.

Above the surface, we will explore the terrestrial ecology and history of the island through hikes, kayaking the mangroves, visiting freshwater caves, but also exploring the power plant and waste-treatment facilities, relating both to the history of the island occupation as well as contemporary tourism.

Students will learn how to scuba dive to explore the underwater world around the island. Through scuba diving we will explore the underwater ecology (fish and corals), but also its role for tourism – and how they are linked to the history of the island (shoreline construction, run off of waste-water, or fishing etc.), as well as broader global issues, such as global warming.

As part of this course, students will learn how to scuba dive and receive certifications as Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Fish Identification, Coral Identification, and Coral health. All certifications are based on PADI (the world’s largest (and safest) organization for professional divers) and supervised by the course instructor. 

Check out this youtube link for a past experience: https://youtu.be/SX83kSmgZ5k

Approximate total cost: $15,149*

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MAYMESTER IN FRANCE AND SPAIN

ANTH 2118 - Revolutionary Cities: Urban Uprisings in Paris and Barcelona

This course looks at the phenomenon of revolution through the history and present political traditions of two cities that have been at the heart of major political upheavals for the last two-hundred fifty years: Paris and Barcelona.

A revolution is a momentous period in which people make history by purposely changing the political balance of power. It is also a collective performance in which people who have lived lives outside of customary statecraft suddenly create rituals to refuse an old order and inaugurate a new one. Street protests aspire to embody national popular sovereignty and can claim it through surprisingly ceremonial action. A crowd moves from fighting with police to intoning the national anthem. A plaza filled with people declares itself a popular assembly representing the city, or the country. The burning down of a jail becomes the symbolic birth of a democratic nation.

The vast majority of governments worldwide trace their legitimacy to a revolution. And modern ideas of revolution can, in part, be traced to the French Revolution, led largely by metropolitan Paris. Likewise, socialist revolutionaries look back to the Paris Commune of 1871 and anarchists also to the Spanish Republic, which achieved greatest transformation in Catalunya from 1936 to 1939. Student, youth, and labor protests combined in France’s extraordinary May 1968 uprising. These diverse revolutions have shaped the meaning of political action in both cities and the countries of which they are a part. Workers, racial minorities, squatters, nationalists, and political radical continue to use revolutionary ideas, symbols, and tactics in contemporary movements in both cities.

Approximate total cost: $14,128*

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MAYMESTER IN KOREA

ASIA 1480 - Discover Korea

Discover South Korea: the home of BTS, BLACKPINK and Twice, the country behind ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Parasite’, and the origin of Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Hyundai Motors, etc.

A dynamic and innovative country, South Korea has captured the hearts of countless enthusiasts around the world with its popular culture. Superstars such as BTS, BLACKPINK and Twice are at the forefront of the K-Pop sensation, while works such as ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Parasite’ have brought K-Drama and K-Movie into the international spotlight more than ever before. Moreover, South Korea has undergone remarkable economic transformation over the past few decades, turning into one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. Today, South Korea is one of the US’s largest trading partners and is a global leader in IT technology. South Korea also has a storied history and lies at the center of one of the world’s most complex geopolitical situations. The security alliance between the US and South Korea is notable for its longevity and key role on the Korean peninsula.

This program offers one week of basic Korean language education, as well as various cultural and business excursions such as K-pop dance class, cooking class, famous site visits in Seoul, three-day overnight trip, day trips, etc. Students will be able to further develop a fresh perspective and appreciation for South Korea and its culture, history, and economy through a uniquely immersive experience.

For more information about the excursions, please visit https://sites.google.com/view/discover-korea or contact Dr. Seok Bae Jang at seok.jang@vanderbilt.edu.

Approximate total cost: $13,955*

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MAYMESTER IN GREECE

CLAS 3700: Uncovering Greek Religion: Cults, Festivals, and Sanctuaries in the Ancient World

This course introduces students to the history, archaeology, art, and architecture of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age to the end of the Roman Empire by studying these subjects through the lens of ancient Greek religion. At its very heart, this course will analyze the development and diversity of the Greek religious experience: its gods, its rituals, its temples. Nevertheless, we also will evaluate the significance of Greek religion in other aspects of ancient Greek society, including social and political themes, especially as no division between church and state existed. Thus, how did Greek religious practices influence traditional divisions within Greek society, and how did they transcend or cross these boundaries? How did rituals and cults provide stability and direction to the development of the Greek city-state?

We also will study other areas of Greek culture deeply affected by religion, including the economy, the military and athletics. Through visits to archaeological sites, we will begin our study of religion through an introduction to ancient Greek architecture, i.e. the various forms and structure of temples and sanctuaries. We also will intensively study other types of archaeological material, including pottery and sculpture, on-site and in museums to analyze the significance of visual media in Greek ritual and culture. We also will incorporate other types of source materials, including literature, epigraphy, and numismatics, to best understand religious experiences. Finally, we will study other processes, including excavation and conservation, to understand how we actively reconstruct the past through conscious and unconscious biases. We will visit many museums throughout Greece (e.g. Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum) to evaluate how museums also are a tool in presenting the past.

Approximate total cost: $13,312*

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MAYMESTER IN ITALY

CLAS 3720 - History and Art of Ancient Rome

This course, which is taught on site in Rome and in the Bay of Naples, examines the history, architecture, art and features of daily life as it was lived by the ancient Romans through a sustained engagement with the topography of these areas and their environs. While our focus will be on the period between the 2nd century BCE and the 4th century CE, we will also consider some of the long-term developments and influences of Roman culture as they manifest themselves in medieval, renaissance and modern-day Rome.

A few themes and topics that we will explore throughout the course include: the material and cultural transformation of Rome’s public spaces and civic image over time; the influence of urban life and customs on the production of Latin literature and Roman art; and especially, the monumental contexts of Roman religion and ritual practice, from the Late Republican period to the rise of Christianity.

Approximate total cost: $12,053*

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MAYMESTER IN JAPAN

CMA 3893 - Japan: Arts, Culture and the Pursuit of Otaku 

The history of otaku culture reflects its deep roots in Japanese pop culture and its ongoing adaptation to changing social and technological landscapes. Developed after World War II as Japan underwent a period of rapid economic growth and modernization, Otaku culture originated as a subculture rooted in a mix of various aspects of Japanese culture and history and American pop culture, including comics, movies, and television shows.

Initially, "otaku" referred to someone with an intense interest or obsession, often related to anime, Manga, video games, cosplay, and other forms of Japanese pop culture. Today, otaku culture has created a new space for young people to express themselves and find a sense of community and, with its complex narratives, unique art styles, and themes, continue to globally influence contemporary cinema, video games, television, music and fashion trends and production.

Through the lens of otaku, this Maymester class will explore how Japan's unique history and culture are reflected in its art, architecture, media and everyday life. Specifically, students will spend time in the metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka, renowned as cultural centers for setting trends in fashion, music, art, technology and animation, and Kyoto, the traditional capital of Japan and home to countless temples, shrines, and other historical one-of-a-kind structures and explore a wide range of styles and media, covering cinema, anime, Manga, calligraphy, fine art, design, and landscape architecture. Through these vast and diverse experiences, students will consider and evaluate how the interplay between popular culture, technology, and societal norms manifests within contemporary Japanese culture.

For more information including class details, financial aid and potential free time activities, please visit: https://vanderbiltjapan.blogspot.com/.

Approximate total cost: $13,425*

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MAYMESTER IN FRANCE AND ITALY

EUS 2260 - Fashion Forward: The Intersection of Business, Historical Elegance, and Sustainability in French and Italian Fashion

Fashion is a language that reveals stories about different time periods, traditions, and values. Influenced by cultural factors including economics, gender, class, and ethnicity, designs and fabrics convey rich information about societies and individuals.

In this course, students will delve into the history and the business of the fashion industry in France and Italy, exploring the connections between luxury fashion and sustainability. According to Jean-Noel Kapferer, a renowned French marketing professor ‘Luxury is at its essence very close to sustainable preoccupations because it is nourished by rarity and beauty and thus has an interest in preserving them.’ (1)

We will first examine the role of fashion in France and Italy between the 17th and 21st centuries, focusing on fashion trends and influencers including Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, and Queen Margherita, the first true queen of Italy. We will then take a close look at several important historical moments in French and Italian fashion including the fascist regime’s creation of an “authentic” Italian femininity and the emergence of the “new look” in France following World War II. We will also consider how cinema became an important medium for creating and disseminating fashion ideals in France and Italy. 

Our focus will then shift to the issue of the interplay between luxury fashion and sustainable fashion with a focus on the impact of consumption and labor on contemporary fashion practices. Through lectures and in-person visits to museums, fashion ateliers, and sustainable fashion organizations, students will gain a better sense of how historical and economic contexts shape the fashion industry while also gaining intercultural competencies.

Upon completing this course, students will understand how fashion communicates the economic, social, and political contexts of different time periods. They will also learn how stakeholders in the luxury fashion industry can play a key role by engaging in sustainable practices, embracing responsible approaches to labor, and committing to a more equitable and diverse workforce. 

Flyer and Poster

Approximate total cost: $15,329*

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MAYMESTER IN THE UK AND IRELAND

INDS 1599 - Spectatorship and Performance Culture in the UK and Ireland 

Listening to a Broadway musical’s overture performed in a West End theatre; joining Londoners at their National Theatre to see seasoned (often famous) actors give voice to a new British play; cheering with football fans in iconic Wembley Stadium; following costumed guides through Henry VIII’s palace on the Thames; listening to fairy stories in the upstairs room of a historic Dublin pub; gathering with Scottish families to watch their kin toss cabers at a traditional Highland Game. Students in this Maymester attend a diverse range of performance events in and around London, Dublin, and Glasgow to experience spectatorship as a practice to gain cultural knowledge and identify oneself as a global citizen.

As spectators and travelers in the UK and Ireland, we will observe the offerings of each stage/field/site alongside our fellow attendees with whom we will share space and interest. We will ask how each performance event situates its spectators as welcomed visitors, community members, and/or cultural consumers. As a community of travelers, students and faculty will collaborate to document their experiences and insights on a course blog through both word (short reviews, essays, personal reflections) and image (photo essays, videos, sketches). Both Dr. Essin and Dr. Cizmar have extensive knowledge of these performance cultures as well as experience leading Maymester programs. 

More information is available here.

Approximate total cost: $13,239*

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MAYMESTER IN ITALY

ITA 3704 - Made-in-Italy: Italianness in Italy and Abroad. A Culinary Journey

Join us for a transformative journey into Italian culinary history! Come savor the flavors, stories, and traditions of Bologna cuisine and its heritage. In this course, Professor Anna Marra will guide students through a unique and immersive experience, delving into historical, cultural aspects of Italian diet traditions. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on experiences, tastings tours, and field trips, you will gain a profound understanding of the food culture that has made Italy a gastronomic paradise. 

Highlights of the course:

1) Culinary Exploration: Experience hands-on cooking classes with local chefs and artisans. Learn to prepare classic Italian dishes and regional specialties using the freshest ingredients from local markets.

2) Food History Seminars: Engage in classroom discussions and seminars on topics such as food history, sustainability, the slow food movement, the Mediterranean diet, and the globalization of Italian cuisine. Gain a deeper understanding of Italian foodways in geographical, historical, and socio-economic contexts from the Middle Ages to today. Explore the evolution of traditional recipes, food production, and the role of food in shaping cultural identities.

3) Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Bolognese culture by walking under the 24 miles network of porticoes, visiting historical landmarks like the medieval Piazza Maggiore, the world's oldest University, the Two Towers, the Seven Churches, and the Archiginnasio.

4) Gastronomic Tours: Embark on guided tours to local trattorias and osterias, where you'll savor authentic dishes and regional recipes and learn about their cultural significance.

5) Field Trips: Explore the surrounding Emilia-Romagna region, tasting the renowned Prosciutto in Parma; learn the art of producing the world's most expensive balsamic vinegar in the world in Modena; savor traditional and new flavors of ice cream at the Gelato Museum Carpigiani; visit the prestigious Ferrari Museum in Maranello. These trips will provide firsthand exposure to the production of the renowned Made in Italy brand.

6) Enjoy Free weekends to explore Italy and Europe on your own

Approximate total cost: $13,422*

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MAYMESTER IN SPAIN

SPAN 3302 - Spanish for Oral Communication through Cultural Topics

This Maymester course is taught in Alicante, Spain. This coastal city is the capital city of the beautiful Costa Blanca, located on the eastern coast of Spain. Few other cities can boast such exciting and famous festivals, beautiful miles of sunny beaches, quaint old- world Spanish boroughs, and a richness of early architecture. As a native of Spain, I cannot imagine a better and more exciting place to host this intermediate conversational Spanish course.

The objective of this course is to increase your level of oral proficiency in Spanish through the study of cultural, political, and historical events in an immersion environment, through living, speaking and studying solely in Spanish for four weeks. Students will be actively engaged in communicative activities designed and structured to maximize their use of the target language. These hands-on projects include research, analysis, discussion, argumentation, and presentation of historic, social and political events that impact Spain in the 21st century. Through interviews of residents of Alicante, in addition to assessing journalistic sources, documentaries, and films, students will prepare their weekly presentations. By the end of this course, students will improve their oral proficiency, gain strategies for effective oral communication in Spanish and have a deeper knowledge and understanding of Spanish history and culture.

Approximate total cost: $11,051*

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MAYMESTER IN SPAIN

SPAN 3325 - The Way of Saint James

Leave behind your everyday life. Become aware of yourself, of your own limits, and go beyond them!

Pilgrimage to Santiago has deeply influenced the spiritual and physical landscapes of Spain and has remained until today as a major heritage site that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year for diverse reasons. Having this is mind, this course explores, from a multidisciplinary point of view, the origins, development, and influence of The Way of Saint James in the life, and culture of Spain. Through a close examination of the religious and political discourse, history, art, literature, and films, students will learn how the cult of Saint James and the route itself has contributed to shape Spanish national identity, and to dynamize Spanish modern economy.

The program will take place in Spain during 4 weeks and it includes a trek along several sections of the medieval route known as the French Way, more than 200 miles in which students will have to immerse themselves in the culture of the Way. Additionally, students will visit several major Spanish cities relevant to the history of the route (Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León, and Santiago) and Madrid. In total, we will cross four autonomous communities and experience first-hand the revitalization of northern Spain thanks in part to this pilgrimage route.

During the course, the physical route will be the classroom where we will discuss the socio-cultural significance of this millenary tradition. At the end of the walking route, in Santiago, students will participate in a cooking workshop with a local chef to learn how to prepare some of the local culinary traditions. 

Approximate total cost: $11,339*

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MAYMESTER IN PERU

SPANISH 3330 - Cultural Studies in the Andes

In this course students will explore different forms of cultural production in the Hispanic world, with a focus on the Andean region and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Some of the issues discussed will be the lessons of cultural anthropology and archaeology to explore the past and understand the present, popular and elite artistic production, the importance of festive culture in the region, as well as questions of gender and society. As part of the Maymester, program participants will study the festival of Corpus Christi, one of the most fascinating syncretic celebrations in the Spanish-speaking world. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage in a more experiential type of tourism that will include activities such as hiking through ancient ruins, participating in various celebrations, and visiting with traditional artisans. Students will lodge and study in the historic center of Cuzco, thus encouraging constant interaction and exploration of all the former Inca capital has to offer. The group will spend the first few days in Lima, a major cosmopolitan city and culinary capital of the Americas. 

Approximate total cost: $10,952*

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*Approximate total cost may vary based on changes to summer tuition rates.

For questions related to any of the specific Maymester courses listed above, please consult the professor for the course. If you are seeking general information about Maymester courses, you may contact Dean Roger Moore, College of Arts and Science, 350 Buttrick Hall, or the GEO staff in the Student Life Center.