The European Religious History Academics Tour is taking off this fall. The tour promises to take students to explore religion, history, art, and culture in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, England and Scotland.
“This is a travel study program where students engage in not only book learning, but also on-site learning,” said Nathan Williams, tour director and religion department professor.
Williams said the tour focuses on three main religious topics in Europe: apostacy, reformation and restoration.
He said the tour provides a little flexibility in which historic sites the groups get to see.
“So one teacher might spend some time with the Lutheran movement and maybe even focus and go more up towards Denmark and look at things there,” said Williams.
“Another one might want to spend those same days and be in Scotland and deal a little bit with the founding of Presbyterianism from John Knox as well as Orson Pratt and the mission of the 12. So there are slight deviations,” said Williams.
According to the tour’s website, “the program combines independent study, a focused on-campus preparation week, a three-week European study tour, and a post-travel reflection,” said Williams.
Each day on the tour students will have structured activities as well as free time for exploration.
Here’s how the 2026 Fall semester will look for students who participate in the program:
From September 15th through the 20th students will have on-campus classes and the actual tour will run from the 22nd through October 17th. After students return, they’ll have three days of reflection, then the rest of the semester they’ll have post-travel assessments online.
Although, for now, these dates are subject to change if circumstances change.
The program has 43 spots, and acceptance is not guaranteed. The metrics for being chosen to go on this tour are based on academic relevance, diversity, standing, and prior participation. After applicants put in a $500 dollar deposit, candidates are interviewed, and a selection committee makes the final decision on who comes. Deposits are fully refunded if an applicant is not selected.
Williams said he’s always impressed by how many students are excited about visiting temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in different countries.
“I’m touched by the goodness of students and their love for the Savior and His restored gospel and that they, when it’s possible, they also want to experience temples in all of those different areas and cultures,” said Williams.
Williams says he’s inspired by past students who have put in hard work to be able to attend the excursion.
“I think there’s something about being a seeker and one who sacrifices—that you’re willing to sacrifice, you’re willing to work, you’re willing to set aside and you just want to know more about what’s going on in the world, and what’s gone on in the world in the past and also to see it and to experience it. Those students have really inspired me. And my guess is they probably get more out of it—more life changing to them because just of their effort and their openness to it,” said Williams.
The application deadline for students is September 15th.
For more information about course requirements, pricing, and additional questions, look up the European Religious History Academics Tour.