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BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students
Our Mission is Peace and Justice
Mission Statement:
"Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange."
Since its beginnings, BCA has infused its programs with values of peace and justice. Today, we are delving even deeper and offer the study of peace and justice issues in context at locations such as Brussles, Belgium and Dunedin, New Zealand, where issues have shaped society, politics, economics and daily life. In addition, several other BCA programs also offer courses related to peace and justice.
Why Study with BCA?
- Cultural immersion with home stays in most locations
- Academic excellence from partner universities
- On-site orientations
- Cultural excursions to notable sites
- Full-time resident directors available 24/7
- Access to service learning opportunities and internships
- Off the beaten path locations for best immersion experience
45 Years and Counting
Founded in 1962 as Brethren Colleges Abroad, BCA was created by a consortium of seven institutions with historic ties to the Church of the Brethren.
Like most U.S. study abroad participants at the time, BCA's students were mostly foreign language and social science majors and were required to study abroad for a full academic year. Europe was the destination of choice for more than 80 percent of students and - just like today - Germany was one of the most popular countries. Indeed BCA's first group of students traveled (by boat and train!) to study in Marburg, Germany.
In 1962, just 16,000 U.S. undergraduates studied overseas, but today that number topples 210,000. Not only has the number of students studying abroad increased each year, but so has the choices of destinations available.
Today, BCA is an independent study abroad provider with more than a dozen programs around the world serving more than 100 U.S. colleges and universities. Although Europe is still popular, BCA students now have a wider array of options including India, Japan, China and Ecuador.
BCA also offers international seminars for faculty and administrators, as well as opportunities for foreign students to study in the United States.
We welcome questions. Please contact us.
E-mail us with your questions
Questions? Please call:
1-866-222-6188
