Maymester

Course Information

Course Title: PHL 306/Business Ethics in Costa Rica (3 credits)

Course Description: An emerging country that lies at the intersection of innovation and tradition, of economic prosperity and wealth inequality, a country equally rooted in Catholic spirituality and environmentalism, Costa Rica is a perfect site to apply traditional and modern ethical considerations. This course will study fundamental ethical theories while home at Providence College and then apply them to specific ethical issues on site in Costa Rica. It will involve a fundamental study of ethical decision making, a reflection on the good, and a focus on the historical positions of virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, and Catholic social thought. These theories will be applied to specific issues involving Costa Rican businesses, through immersive field visits, interactive workshops, and guest lectures by industry experts. Students will gain firsthand insights into the real-world application of ethical principles while forging meaningful connections with local businesses and organizations.

Faculty Leader(s): Dr. Robert Camp (rcamp@providence.edu) and Dr. Anthony Jensen (rcamp@providence.edu)

Travel Dates: May 17, 2026 to May 26, 2026

Application and Deadlines

Application Deadline: TBD

Deposit Amount and Deadline: TBD

Total Program Fee: TBD

Link to application

Course Information

Course Title: THL392 Theology and the Arts (3 credits)

Course Description: Core Foundation/Proficiency: Theology 300-level Investigates the intersection of theology with the arts in the Burgundy region of France to present a comprehensive picture of theological aesthetics. Special attention will be given to developing a theological lens through which to engage the visual, auditive, literary, liturgical and architectural arts through an exploration of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Catholicism in this part of Europe. The course culminates with a study of how the interplay of theology and the arts can be personally and socially transformative, with a special focus on the distinctive contributions of monasticism and the Dominican tradition. Prerequisite : completion of 200-level theology core course.

Faculty Leader(s): Sandra Keating (skeating@providence.edu) and Robert White (rwhite7@providence.edu)

Travel Dates: May 20, 2026 to June 10, 2026 (The group departs on May 20 and arrives in France on May 21.)

Application and Deadlines

Application Deadline: December 15, 2026

Deposit Amount and Deadline: $1500 due March 1, 2026

Total Program Fee: TBD ASAP

Program Fee Balance Due: April 1, 2026

Link to application

Course Information

Course Title: HUM 370 – Ambition and Beauty in the Eternal City (3 credits)

Course Description: Rome has stood at the center of the Western world for over 2,000 years-first as republic, then as empire, then as Church. It is a city which inspires our wonder at the heights of human achievement. “Ambition and Beauty in the Eternal City” invites you to encounter Roman political greatness and artistic beauty. We’ll first examine how Rome’s political transformations shaped the virtues of its citizens. Then we’ll behold firsthand the greatness and beauty of its ancient ruins, imperial artifacts, and sacred masterpieces. This interdisciplinary course offers you an unforgettable experience: immersion in Rome’s architecture and churches, evening strolls down cobblestone streets, dinners and discussions in piazzas and gardens. Our two weeks in Rome will also include day trips to Florence, Orvieto, and Pompeii.

Faculty Leader(s): Iain Bernhoft (ibernhof@providence.edu) and Jiyoon Im (jim@providence.edu)

Travel Dates: May 17, 2026 through May 30, 2026

Application and Deadlines

Application Deadline: October 3, 2025

Deposit Amount and Deadline: $500 due October 15, 2025 – make check payable to Providence College

Total Program Fee: $4,500

Program Fee Balance Due: TBD

Link to application

Course Information

Course Titles: HIS 370 (Taiwan: Imperialism, Migration, and Identity); CHN 101 (Elementary Chinese) – 6 credits total for both courses

Course Description:
Our proposed program, “Chinese History & Culture in Taiwan,” is a three-week, six-credit, in situ Maymester that will take students to Taipei, Taiwan. The first part of the program will be a three-credit course on history of Taiwan that situates the island in the broader history of the region. The second part of the program is an intensive introductory Mandarin Chinese language course (three credits) taught by faculty at the Mandarin Learning Center at Chinese Culture University in Taipei. 

Faculty Leader(s): Colin Jaundrill (jaundrill@providence.edu) and Guolin Yi (gyi@providence.edu)

Travel Dates: May 18, 2026 through June 5, 2026 (Group departs on May 18 and arrives in Taiwan on June 19.)

Application and Deadlines

Application Deadline: November 7, 2025

Deposit Amount and Deadline: $500 due December 5, 2025 – make check payable to Providence College

Total Program Fee: $5,000

Program Fee Balance Due ($4500): March 1, 2026

Link to application