Published on October 16, 2025  

Study abroad programs at Samford University are opening doors for students of every major, blending professional development with unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether it’s exploring arts and society in Europe, experiencing cultural differences in Hawaii or walking through the world of C.S. Lewis in the UK, these programs are designed to expand learning far beyond the classroom.

Behind The Scenes: Experiences in Los Angeles Media Markets

This summer, students in associate professor Virginia Johnson’s mass communications course discovered how powerful hands-on experiences can be. A small group traveled to Los Angeles for an opportunity that placed them inside some of the world’s most influential media organizations. They toured Warner Bros. Studios, received a glimpse behind the scenes of a boutique public relations firm and heard directly from the creative teams behind franchises like Superman and Barbie. During their free time, they toured the Rose Bowl and experienced the unique culture of Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive.Lainey Pritchett

For junior journalism and mass communication major Lainey Pritchett, the experience was life changing.

“I got to sit in meetings with each individual person at the companies we visited and ask them questions about their roles,” Pritchett said. “Touring Warner Brothers was one of my favorite parts of the whole program. I talked with the executive director of HBO Max and even the team that worked on Superman and Barbie. They shared how they use public relations and advertising, and it helped me understand what those jobs really look like. Honestly, I left feeling more equipped to step into the field.”

The course now expands even further. In summer 2026, Johnson will lead the same program abroad to Australia, where students will meet top professionals in Sydney’s media market, tour the iconic Sydney Opera House and explore the Great Barrier Reef.

JMC Students“We can’t always bring industry leaders to Birmingham,” Johnson explained, “but by traveling to places like Los Angeles or Sydney, we can put our students in front of the people shaping media today. The chance to compare domestic and international industries is invaluable.”

But the experience wasn’t only about professional growth. The program also fostered deep friendships and meaningful mentorship, creating community that carried back onto Samford’s campus.

“I got really close with the girls on the program, and Dr. Johnson is just such a wonderful professor,” Pritchett added. “She understands the craft of public relations and journalism, and through this experience, I feel like I now have a better understanding, too.”

These bonds are a crucial piece of what makes study abroad such a transformative part of the Samford journey.

Apply for Summer and Fall 2026

Applications for Samford Abroad opportunities for summer and fall 2026 open Friday, Oct. 17, at 7 a.m. Students can apply for both affiliate programs and Samford faculty-led courses. Programs operate on rolling admission, so mark your calendar, spots fill quickly!

GO: Apply for Samford Abroad opportunities for summer and fall 2026

Go Farther

Whether walking the sets of Warner Brothers Studios, diving into the Caribbean, walking past the pyramids of Egypt or sketching in Europe’s greatest museums, Samford Abroad programs offer every student the chance to merge cultural exploration with academic growth.

As Pritchett reflects, “It was the best academic and personal experience I’ve had at Samford, and I’d encourage anyone to take the opportunity.”

No matter your major, there’s a place for you. Don’t just study, go further. Your Samford story could take you farther than you ever imagined.

 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second-highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.