Study Abroad
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  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

  • HULA

    Harding University in Latin America

Harding University in Latin America (HULA) has its home base in a restored, 19th-century mansion, “El Castillo,” in the beautiful, historic colonial city of Arequipa, Peru. Located in a valley at 7,000-foot elevation, Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes, many of which students have the opportunity to climb during the semester. 

The program focuses on Latin American culture, history and the Spanish language, and the group immerses in the culture by visiting many places in Peru, Argentina and Chile, such as Easter Island, Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, Patagonia, Lima, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, the Nazca Lines, Paracas and more. 

All students are required to enroll in a Spanish class, but no previous Spanish experience is required. Spanish majors and minors have the opportunity to enroll in upper-level Spanish classes to progress in their degree plan and improve their language proficiency while experiencing Latin America firsthand. The HULA program takes place during Spring semesters only and travels with a maximum of 40 students each semester.

Course Offerings & Cost

Program Requirements

No student is eligible to attend HULA who is currently on academic, chapel or disciplinary probation on the Searcy campus. Any student who has applied and/or been accepted will automatically become ineligible if placed on any type of probation up until time to depart. Such individuals will be placed on a waiting list and may go only if there are openings after probation has been removed. In addition, a student must have an overall 2.0 GPA.

A minimum of 12 credit hours must be maintained throughout the semester, and are included in the cost of the program. If you enroll in more than 12 credit hours, you will be charged for those hours.

The following are required courses: a Spanish Course, BOLD 3005, and HUM 2730. Successful completion of a second Bible course during a full semester International Program will permit a student to apply this course to the Bible requirement for a future semester, provided that the second Bible class is taught by a College of Bible and Ministry instructor. The student may apply this benefit in the future semester of their choice.

Spring 2024 Course Offerings

While it is our intention to offer the courses listed, changes are sometimes necessary.

A minimum of 12 credit hours must be maintained throughout the semester, and are included in the cost of the program. If you enroll in more than 12 credit hours, you will be charged for those hours.

The following are required courses: a Spanish Course, BOLD 3005, and HUM 2730. Successful completion of a second Bible course during a full semester International Program will permit a student to apply this course to the Bible requirement for a future semester, provided that the second Bible class is taught by a College of Bible and Ministry instructor. The student may apply this benefit in the future semester of their choice.


SPAN 1000– Spanish for Travelers (2) Kristi Bond: Elements of Spanish for students with no background in the language. Emphasis is given to oral communication in everyday situations. Fulfills 2 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 1040 – Accelerated Elementary Spanish II (3) Kristi Bond: A continuation of SPAN 1030 that continues to focus on oral and written communication, grammar, and culture. Credit may not be earned in both SPAN 1010/SPAN 1020 and SPAN 1030/SPAN 1040 sequences. This course may not be taken for credit by a native speaker or if the student has received a C or better in SPAN 2010 or SPAN 2020 at Harding. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1030 or consent of department chair. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 2020 – Intermediate Spanish II (3) Kristi Bond: A continuation of SPAN 2010 with additional emphasis on readings in literature and culture. Three class periods and one half-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: SPAN 2010 or equivalent. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 3250 – Regional Language and Culture (3) Kristi Bond: Linguistic variations of the chosen region. An in depth cultural study of the country with special attention to the contemporary period. May be repeated for credit in a different region. Prerequisite: SPAN 2020 or equivalent. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

BOLD 3005 – Lord and Land (2-3) Jeremy Daggett: REQUIRED. This course examines the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, introducing students to relevant historical, geographical, and cultural backgrounds, Old Testament theology, biblical exegesis, and applications to contemporary contexts. As part of the curriculum for International Programs at Harding University, this course surveys the Hebrew Bible through the visual/virtual exploration of the land of Israel. This course is offered to sophomore students in study abroad (IP) programs for 2 credit hours and satisfies the requirement for either BOLD 2010 or BOLD 2030 in the Liberal Arts program. Upperclassman may take this course for 2 or 3 credit hours (even if they have already received credit for BOLD 2010 or BOLD 2030). 

HUM 2730 - World Civilization/Humanities (2-6) Jeremy Daggett: REQUIRED. An integration of the disciplines of art, drama, history, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and science, and their influence in shaping ideas and values in the selected area of the world. The course content will reflect the context in which it will be taught. Required of all students participating in an international program. May count for up to 6 hours selected from the following: ART 1010, THEA 1010, ENG 2010 or ENG 2020, HIST 2100 or HIST 2110, MUS 1010-1015, PHIL 3010, or global perspectives. This course may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 12 hours, provided the course is taken at different locations.

This course may not be taken as a repeat for a completed liberal arts course or to satisfy an additional liberal arts requirement. Determine how you intend to apply the credits, then enroll in the appropriate number of hours. (Example: Student wants credit for ENG 2010 and MUS 1010; therefore, will enroll in 6 credit hours.) Credit may not be increased after the semester begins. Prior to the semester abroad, students must apply the credits to the appropriate course(s).

HUM 2010 - International Studies (1) Jeremy Daggett: Preparation for international experience in living and studying abroad. Enhancement in cultural sensitivity and practical matters of survival in a different cultural setting. Approximately 30 hours of classroom instruction. Research on the host country.

COMM 1010 – Communication Principles (3) Katie Daggett: Instruction and practice in the theory and skills of public and interpersonal communication. Research, organization, and delivery of speeches. Development of critical listening skills for evaluative purposes. Emphasis on nonverbal, small group, and multicultural communication in a digitally connected world.

KINS 1190 – Conditioning Activities (1) Katie Daggett: Participation in exercises in order to improve physical fitness.

BIOL 1200 – Human Structure and Function (3) Katie Daggett: Structure and function of selected human organ systems and the cellular mechanisms and processes upon which they are based. Circulatory, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. Designed for majors in communication disorders, dietetics, nursing, physical education, and others who need an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Satisfies the liberal arts requirement in biology, but does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

BUS 2510 – Personal Finance for College Students (1) Katie Daggett: An overview of key and essential elements of personal finance that a college student needs to understand even before they leave college. This seminar course is designed to familiarize the student with issues of personal finances that will have long-lasting benefits once the student graduates. All six modules are intricately tied to the Biblical concept of stewardship.

BMIS 3000- The World Christian (online) (3) Tim Westbrook: This course may be taken only as a second Bible class. This course seeks to lead students to become World Christians by focusing on the theological, cultural, and contextual aspects of what God is doing in this world and by discovering how to participate strategically with God in his work. The course tackles tough questions about God and the lost. It also surveys a history of missionary heroes to discover personalities who exemplified missiological principles. This course satisfies the global perspectives requirement in the Liberal Arts program.

 ECON 2010 – Macroeconomics (online) (3) Tyler Knight: The overall workings of the economy and its major subdivisions; our economic system, business cycles, money and banking, national income accounts, and stabilization policy.

*Students may enroll in online courses offered through Harding's Searcy campus.

Spring 2025 Course Offerings

While it is our intention to offer the courses listed, changes are sometimes necessary.

A minimum of 12 credit hours must be maintained throughout the semester, and are included in the cost of the program. If you enroll in more than 12 credit hours, you will be charged for those hours.

The following are required courses: a Spanish Course, BOLD 3005, and HUM 2730. Successful completion of a second Bible course during a full semester International Program will permit a student to apply this course to the Bible requirement for a future semester, provided that the second Bible class is taught by a College of Bible and Ministry instructor. The student may apply this benefit in the future semester of their choice.


SPAN 1000– Spanish for Travelers (2): Elements of Spanish for students with no background in the language. Emphasis is given to oral communication in everyday situations. Fulfills 2 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 1040 – Accelerated Elementary Spanish II (3): A continuation of SPAN 1030 that continues to focus on oral and written communication, grammar, and culture. Credit may not be earned in both SPAN 1010/SPAN 1020 and SPAN 1030/SPAN 1040 sequences. This course may not be taken for credit by a native speaker or if the student has received a C or better in SPAN 2010 or SPAN 2020 at Harding. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1030 or consent of department chair. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 2020 – Intermediate Spanish II (3): A continuation of SPAN 2010 with additional emphasis on readings in literature and culture. Three class periods and one half-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: SPAN 2010 or equivalent. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 3250 – Regional Language and Culture (3): Linguistic variations of the chosen region. An in depth cultural study of the country with special attention to the contemporary period. May be repeated for credit in a different region. Prerequisite: SPAN 2020 or equivalent. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

BOLD 3005 – Lord and Land (2-3) Jeremy Daggett: REQUIRED. This course examines the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, introducing students to relevant historical, geographical, and cultural backgrounds, Old Testament theology, biblical exegesis, and applications to contemporary contexts. As part of the curriculum for International Programs at Harding University, this course surveys the Hebrew Bible through the visual/virtual exploration of the land of Israel. This course is offered to sophomore students in study abroad (IP) programs for 2 credit hours and satisfies the requirement for either BOLD 2010 or BOLD 2030 in the Liberal Arts program. Upperclassman may take this course for 2 or 3 credit hours (even if they have already received credit for BOLD 2010 or BOLD 2030). 

HUM 2730 - World Civilization/Humanities (2-6) Jeremy Daggett: REQUIRED. An integration of the disciplines of art, drama, history, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and science, and their influence in shaping ideas and values in the selected area of the world. The course content will reflect the context in which it will be taught. Required of all students participating in an international program. May count for up to 6 hours selected from the following: ART 1010, THEA 1010, ENG 2010 or ENG 2020, HIST 2100 or HIST 2110, MUS 1010-1015, PHIL 3010, or global perspectives. This course may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 12 hours, provided the course is taken at different locations.

This course may not be taken as a repeat for a completed liberal arts course or to satisfy an additional liberal arts requirement. Determine how you intend to apply the credits, then enroll in the appropriate number of hours. (Example: Student wants credit for ENG 2010 and MUS 1010; therefore, will enroll in 6 credit hours.) Credit may not be increased after the semester begins. Prior to the semester abroad, students must apply the credits to the appropriate course(s).

HUM 2010 - International Studies (1) Jeremy Daggett: Preparation for international experience in living and studying abroad. Enhancement in cultural sensitivity and practical matters of survival in a different cultural setting. Approximately 30 hours of classroom instruction. Research on the host country.

COMM 1010 – Communication Principles (3): Instruction and practice in the theory and skills of public and interpersonal communication. Research, organization, and delivery of speeches. Development of critical listening skills for evaluative purposes. Emphasis on nonverbal, small group, and multicultural communication in a digitally connected world.

BIOL 1200 – Human Structure and Function (3) Katie Daggett: Structure and function of selected human organ systems and the cellular mechanisms and processes upon which they are based. Circulatory, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. Designed for majors in communication disorders, dietetics, nursing, physical education, and others who need an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Satisfies the liberal arts requirement in biology, but does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

BUS 2510 – Personal Finance for College Students (1) Katie Daggett: An overview of key and essential elements of personal finance that a college student needs to understand even before they leave college. This seminar course is designed to familiarize the student with issues of personal finances that will have long-lasting benefits once the student graduates. All six modules are intricately tied to the Biblical concept of stewardship.

BMIS 3000- The World Christian (online) (3) Tim Westbrook: This course may be taken only as a second Bible class. This course seeks to lead students to become World Christians by focusing on the theological, cultural, and contextual aspects of what God is doing in this world and by discovering how to participate strategically with God in his work. The course tackles tough questions about God and the lost. It also surveys a history of missionary heroes to discover personalities who exemplified missiological principles. This course satisfies the global perspectives requirement in the Liberal Arts program.

 ECON 2010 – Macroeconomics (online) (3) Tyler Knight: The overall workings of the economy and its major subdivisions; our economic system, business cycles, money and banking, national income accounts, and stabilization policy.

*Students may enroll in online courses offered through Harding's Searcy campus.

Standard Course Offerings

While it is our intention to offer the courses listed, changes are sometimes necessary.

A minimum of 12 credit hours must be maintained throughout the semester, and are included in the cost of the program. If you enroll in more than 12 credit hours, you will be charged for those hours.

The following are required courses: a Spanish Course, BOLD 3005, and HUM 2730. Successful completion of a second Bible course during a full semester International Program will permit a student to apply this course to the Bible requirement for a future semester, provided that the second Bible class is taught by a College of Bible and Ministry instructor. The student may apply this benefit in the future semester of their choice.


SPAN 1000– Spanish for Travelers (2): Elements of Spanish for students with no background in the language. Emphasis is given to oral communication in everyday situations. Fulfills 2 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 1040 – Accelerated Elementary Spanish II (3): A continuation of SPAN 1030 that continues to focus on oral and written communication, grammar, and culture. Credit may not be earned in both SPAN 1010/SPAN 1020 and SPAN 1030/SPAN 1040 sequences. This course may not be taken for credit by a native speaker or if the student has received a C or better in SPAN 2010 or SPAN 2020 at Harding. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1030 or consent of department chair. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 2020 – Intermediate Spanish II (3): A continuation of SPAN 2010 with additional emphasis on readings in literature and culture. Three class periods and one half-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: SPAN 2010 or equivalent. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

SPAN 3250 – Regional Language and Culture (3): Linguistic variations of the chosen region. An in depth cultural study of the country with special attention to the contemporary period. May be repeated for credit in a different region. Prerequisite: SPAN 2020 or equivalent. Fulfills 3 of the 6 credit hours required for Global Perspectives.

BOLD 3005 – Lord and Land (2 or 3): REQUIRED. This course examines the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, introducing students to relevant historical, geographical, and cultural backgrounds, Old Testament theology, biblical exegesis, and applications to contemporary contexts. As part of the curriculum for International Programs at Harding University, this course surveys the Hebrew Bible through the visual/virtual exploration of the land of Israel. This course is offered to sophomore students in study abroad (IP) programs for 2 credit hours and satisfies the requirement for either BOLD 2010 or BOLD 2030 in the Liberal Arts program. Upperclassman may take this course for 2 or 3 credit hours (even if they have already received credit for BOLD 2010 or BOLD 2030). 

HUM 2730 - World Civilization/Humanities (2-6): REQUIRED. An integration of the disciplines of art, drama, history, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and science, and their influence in shaping ideas and values in the selected area of the world. The course content will reflect the context in which it will be taught. Required of all students participating in an international program. May count for up to 6 hours selected from the following: ART 1010, THEA 1010, ENG 2010 or ENG 2020, HIST 2100 or HIST 2110, MUS 1010-1015, PHIL 3010, or global perspectives. This course may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 12 hours, provided the course is taken at different locations.

This course may not be taken as a repeat for a completed liberal arts course or to satisfy an additional liberal arts requirement. Determine how you intend to apply the credits, then enroll in the appropriate number of hours. (Example: Student wants credit for ENG 2010 and MUS 1010; therefore, will enroll in 6 credit hours.) Credit may not be increased after the semester begins. Prior to the semester abroad, students must apply the credits to the appropriate course(s).

HUM 2010 - International Studies (1): Preparation for international experience in living and studying abroad. Enhancement in cultural sensitivity and practical matters of survival in a different cultural setting. Approximately 30 hours of classroom instruction. Research on the host country.

COMM 1010 – Communication Principles (3): Instruction and practice in the theory and skills of public and interpersonal communication. Research, organization, and delivery of speeches. Development of critical listening skills for evaluative purposes. Emphasis on nonverbal, small group, and multicultural communication in a digitally connected world.

KINS 1190 – Conditioning Activities (1): Participation in exercises in order to improve physical fitness.

BIOL 1200 – Human Structure and Function (3): Structure and function of selected human organ systems and the cellular mechanisms and processes upon which they are based. Circulatory, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. Designed for majors in communication disorders, dietetics, nursing, physical education, and others who need an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Satisfies the liberal arts requirement in biology, but does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

BUS 2510 – Personal Finance for College Students (1): An overview of key and essential elements of personal finance that a college student needs to understand even before they leave college. This seminar course is designed to familiarize the student with issues of personal finances that will have long-lasting benefits once the student graduates. All six modules are intricately tied to the Biblical concept of stewardship.

BMIS 3000- The World Christian (online) (3): This course may be taken only as a second Bible class. This course seeks to lead students to become World Christians by focusing on the theological, cultural, and contextual aspects of what God is doing in this world and by discovering how to participate strategically with God in his work. The course tackles tough questions about God and the lost. It also surveys a history of missionary heroes to discover personalities who exemplified missiological principles. This course satisfies the global perspectives requirement in the Liberal Arts program.

ECON 2010 – Macroeconomics (online) (3): The overall workings of the economy and its major subdivisions; our economic system, business cycles, money and banking, national income accounts, and stabilization policy.

*Students may enroll in online courses offered through Harding's Searcy campus.

2023-24 Cost Breakdown

2023-2024 Cost Breakdown for full-semester programs

Final cost and charges are subject to change.

PaymentFall 2023 ProgramSpring 2024 ProgramSummer 2024 Program
$500with applicationwith applicationwith application
$3,000June 15, 2023Nov. 1, 2023March 1, 2024
$22,207Sept. 1, 2023Feb. 1, 2024May 1, 2024
Total Cost: $25,707

Application Fee ($500) paid at the time of application and refundable up until the $3,000 travel payment deadline for each program (see above). If the program is canceled before or after these dates, students will receive a refund of all fees paid.

Travel Payment ($3,000) includes prepayment for required deposits associated with reservations during your program, as well as roundtrip airfare from your home city*. Airline frequent flyer miles may be accumulated; however, no personal frequent flier miles or points may be used to acquire the flight(s). All travel arrangements are made by the International Programs office. A fuel surcharge, imposed by the airlines, may be added, typically not exceeding $500. *Round-trip airfare is typically based on travel from Little Rock. If your home city exceeds this fare, you may be charged accordingly.

Final Payment ($22,207) includes tuition for 12 hours, room and board, program fee, technology fee, transportation, accommodation, local travel, tour guides, museums and art galleries, facility cleaning, and linen/laundry. Most financial aid will apply to your semester abroad.

Spending money: You will need to provide your own spending money. We recommend that you allow up to $85-$100 per day for all independent travel for those programs that allow or mandate it.

For information regarding finances, loans, scholarships, and billing, please contact: Angie Shafer at ashafer@harding.edu or 501-279-4338 (Office Location: Ezell Basement #18).

Those who cancel after airline tickets have been purchased and land travel arrangements have been paid will be liable for any penalties assessed by the airlines and land travel companies. Funds that can be recovered will be returned to the student’s account as soon as possible. If you are enrolling in a future semester not indicated on this cost sheet, you may estimate the payment increase at 4-5% per school year.

Costs and charges are subject to change.

2024-25 Cost Breakdown

2024-2025 Cost Breakdown for full-semester programs

Final cost and charges are subject to change.

Payment Fall 2024 Program Spring 2025 Program Summer 2025 Program
$500 with application with application with application
$3,000 June 1, 2024 Nov. 1, 2024 March 1, 2025
$22,382 Sept. 1, 2024 Feb. 1, 2025 May 1, 2025
Total Cost: $25,882

Application Fee ($500) paid at the time of application and refundable up until the $3,000 travel payment deadline for each program (see above). If the program is canceled before or after these dates, students will receive a refund of all fees paid.

Travel Payment ($3,000) includes prepayment for required deposits associated with reservations during your program, as well as roundtrip airfare from your home city*. Airline frequent flyer miles may be accumulated; however, no personal frequent flier miles or points may be used to acquire the flight(s). All travel arrangements are made by the International Programs office. A fuel surcharge, imposed by the airlines, may be added, typically not exceeding $500. *Round-trip airfare is typically based on travel from Little Rock. If your home city exceeds this fare, you may be charged accordingly.

Final Payment ($22,382) includes tuition for 12 hours, room and board, program fee, technology fee, transportation, accommodation, local travel, tour guides, museums and art galleries, facility cleaning, and linen/laundry. Most financial aid will apply to your semester abroad.

Spending money: You will need to provide your own spending money.

For information regarding finances, loans, scholarships, and billing, please contact: Angie Shafer at ashafer@harding.edu or 501-279-4338 (Office Location: Ezell Basement #18).

Those who cancel after airline tickets have been purchased and land travel arrangements have been paid will be liable for any penalties assessed by the airlines and land travel companies. Funds that can be recovered will be returned to the student’s account as soon as possible. If you are enrolling in a future semester not indicated on this cost sheet, you may estimate the payment increase at 4-5% per school year.

Costs and charges are subject to change.

HULA at a glance

Check out the remaining videos in the HULA documentary to learn more about students' experiences visiting Easter Island, the Amazon jungle, the Atacama desert, Patagonia and Peru

We believe in the importance of a global education because we are citizens of the world. No matter which program you choose to attend, you will return home with a new outlook on the world.

I filled out the application to HULA before I filled out my application to go to Harding.

Emma Williams,
HULA Spring 2019

Emma's story

I learned, to a much greater extent, what it means to be human.

Easton Davis,
HULA Spring 2019

Easton's Story
The HULA program takes place during Spring semesters only and travels with a maximum of 40 students each semester.
  • “Trying something new is risky. So is not trying.”

    Jeremy & Katie Daggett,
    Harding University in Latin America

    Meet the Daggetts

Contact Us

Study Abroad is managed by the Office of International Programs

501-279-4529

international@harding.edu

Mailing address:
Harding University
International Programs
HU 10838
Searcy AR 72149-5615