About Our Religious History Tour
This Fall 2026 Travel-Study Program takes you beyond the classroom to explore the religion, history, art, and culture of Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, England, and Scotland. The program combines independent study, a focused on-campus preparation week, a three-week European study tour, and a post-travel reflection.
Program Structure
- Independent Preparation
Complete preliminary readings and learning exercises online before the on-campus week to build foundational knowledge. - Intensive On-Campus Week
Sept 15-20, 2026 at BYU-I in Rexburg. This week of immersive instruction will cover key topics in history, religion, and humanities, preparing you for the European tour. - Three-Week European Study Tour
Sept 22 - Oct 17, 2026. Travel to Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, Germany, France, and England. Each day will begin with structured group activities, followed by free time for exploration. Students must remain in groups for safety. - Post-Travel Assessment
After returning, complete an online reflection to assess your learning and personal growth from the trip.
Spiritual and Historical Focus
This overview traces the Lord’s influence through history, moving from Peter and Paul in Rome, through the Catholic Reformation and the Renaissance in Florence, and into the Protestant Reformation with leaders like Martin Luther, Jan Huss, and John Calvin. It then highlights major English figures such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, William Tyndale, and John Wesley, before following Heber C. Kimball and Wilford Woodruff as they helped bring the restored gospel back to Europe. The study progresses from Apostasy → Reformation → Restoration.
Cultural and Learning Experience
This experience features iconic architecture, art, sculpture, and music from masters like Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Christopher Wren, Handel, and Mozart. Along the way, you’ll enjoy cultural favorites such as Italian gelato, German schnitzel, French crêpes, and English pasties. Rich and educational, the program turns Western Europe into an unforgettable, immersive classroom where nearly everything connects to your studies.
On-Campus Classes: September 15–20
European Tour: September 22–October 17
Reflection: October 18-20
Post-travel assessments: October 21- December 1st (Online)
(Subject to change)
European Tour: September 22–October 17
Reflection: October 18-20
Post-travel assessments: October 21- December 1st (Online)
(Subject to change)
The program has 43 spots, and acceptance is not guaranteed. Priority is based on academic relevance, diversity, standing, and prior participation. After applying with a $500 deposit, candidates are interviewed, and a selection committee makes final decisions. Notifications are sent by email, and deposits are fully refunded if not accepted.
Course Enrollment and Credit Requirements
Students must enroll in at least 3 credits on the first day of on-campus classes, selecting courses for credit (auditing is not allowed). The director will handle official registration, and courses cannot be dropped after registration. All students must complete the Preliminary Independent Study, On-campus Intensive Study, Onsite Travel Study, and Post-travel Assessments, regardless of the number of credits. One overall grade will be assigned for all enrolled courses.
Possible courses for the Fall Tour include:
Possible courses for the Fall Tour include:
- REL 211-12
- REL 212-07
- REL 341-02
- REL 352-03
- REL 390R-05 (required)
- HUM 201-03
- ART 201-05
- ART 395D-02
Purpose of Our Religious History Tour
- Build testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage the living of its principles
- Develop greater knowledge and deeper convictions of the Lord's hand in bringing to pass the salvation of his children in the period of the Old Testament, New Testament, early Christianity, the Apostasy, Reformation, and Restoration
- Prepare students for lifelong learning
- Give them firsthand knowledge and experience with the religious history, art, architecture, music, culture, and language of God's children in Europe
European Religious Tour Cost: $5,500
Included:
- Round-trip airfare from Salt Lake City
- Transportation in Europe for required events and excursions
- All lodging in Europe
- Nearly all breakfasts in Europe
- The total cost is $5,500, which includes an estimated $750 allocated for food in Europe. You can’t deduct this amount, but if you spend less on food, the leftover money will remain in your school account after the trip. The purpose of this allocation is to ensure everyone has enough to eat and can enjoy European cuisine.
- Entrance fees to required events and attractions
Not Included:
- Tuition for classes
- The cost of room and board during the on-campus instruction (approximately 1 weeks)
- Required books and materials (Estimated $30)
- Radio and batteries (Estimated $20)
- Passport application fees (Estimated $130)
- Trip from Rexburg to Salt Lake City
- Lodging in Salt Lake City the night before the outbound flight to Europe (can stay with family or friends)
- Personal expenses, such as post cards, souvenirs, etc.
- Transportation and/or entrance fees to optional events and attractions
- Trip from Salt Lake City back to Rexburg (or on to home destination).
- Personal Insurance
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
The same financial aid programs available to on-campus students are available to travel-study participants. Application should be made through BYU-Idaho Financial Aid, Kimball 100, (208) 496-1411. Scholarships are administered through the Scholarship office at Kimball 100 scholarships@byui.edu
Travel Study Fee Payment:
After submitting your application, a non-refundable $500 deposit is due immediately. The remaining $5,000 can be paid in full upon acceptance or by using the following payment schedule:
- $1,600 due May 1, 2026
- $1,700 due July 15, 2026
- $1,700 due August 30, 2026
Note
Students can make payments in person at the Cashier’s Office (130 Kimball Building) or online through their student account. They may also call the Cashier’s Office at 496-1080 to pay with a MasterCard, noting that a 2% fee applies. If sending a check, mail it to the BYU-Idaho Cashier’s Office, KIM 130, Rexburg, ID 83460-1625, make it payable to Brigham Young University–Idaho, and clearly indicate that it is for the European Religious History Travel Study Program for 2025.
Travel Requirements and Policies
Students are responsible for obtaining and completing their passport applications. The process can take up to three months, so it is important to start as soon as you are accepted.
How to Apply:
- Online Application: Visit the official site to start your passport application process: Apply for Passport
- Pick Up Forms: Passport application forms can also be picked up at many post offices.
You must have health insurance to participate in a BYU-Idaho Travel Study Program. In addition, you may want to consider purchasing life insurance and/or a basic travel insurance policy.
Important Considerations:
- Brigham Young University-Idaho Travel Study Programs do not have funds available to compensate for:
- Loss, damage, or theft of luggage and personal belongings
- Hospitalization or other medical expenses
Therefore, it is the responsibility of each participant to acquire adequate health and/or travel insurance to cover potential expenses, or to assume personal responsibility for any such costs.
Due to space constraints, participants are limited to the following baggage allowances:
Carry-On Bag
- Maximum Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21 x 15 x 7 inches)
- Maximum Weight: 18 kg (40 pounds)
- Liquid Restrictions:
- Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml (3 ounces) each.
- All containers must fit into a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (1 liter / 1 quart), measuring 20 x 20 cm.
- The plastic bag should be presented separately at security.
Checked Luggage
- Maximum Dimensions: 157 cm (62 inches) total (height + width + depth).
- Maximum Weight: 20 kg (44 pounds)
- Excess weight will incur a fee, which is paid at the airport prior to departure.
- Students should ensure their luggage meets the weight specifications to avoid delays during check-in.
- If luggage exceeds the weight limit, the student will be responsible for reducing the contents before the next flight.
Important Note
- Please pack so that you can carry all of your belongings yourself—there will be no porters available.
Lost Luggage
The Travel Study Program is not responsible for lost luggage. Students are advised to travel with sufficient cash or a credit card to replace essential items if necessary.
Brigham Young University-Idaho Travel Study Programs reserve the right to make changes or substitutions to the tour due to the following circumstances:
- Increases in fares, hotel costs, currency rates, or other unforeseen factors prior to departure.
We also reserve the right to cancel the tour if necessary due to situations beyond our control, including but not limited to:
- Strikes
- Riots
- Wars
- Acts of God (e.g., natural disasters)
Refunds in Case of Cancellation
In the event of a tour cancellation, Brigham Young University-Idaho Travel Study Programs or its agents will have no responsibility beyond refunding all deposits and moneys paid.
- Refunds will be processed within 30 days.
Tour Directors
Religious History Tour FAQs
We seek students, not tourists. This program is about academic study while traveling, specifically focusing on European religious history. We are looking for students who are genuinely interested in studying the history, culture, and religious significance of the sites we visit—not just sightseeing or shopping.
We value students who are:
We value students who are:
- Fun-loving and enthusiastic: Enjoying the trip while engaging in serious academic study.
- Able to cooperate: Being able to get along with others, especially in close quarters for five weeks.
- Self-governing and responsible: Following instructions, rules, and maintaining self-discipline.
- Physically prepared: The tour involves a lot of walking, so participants must be able to handle the physical demands of the program.
Eligible Students: Students on any track are eligible to participate and earn college credit.
Academic Standing: Applicants must not be on academic or honor code probation.
Academic Standing: Applicants must not be on academic or honor code probation.
BYU-Idaho Students: Continuing full-time students need not reapply when accepted into the program.
Students from Other Institutions: Those accepted into the program must apply to BYU-Idaho as full-time students for the semester. If they later wish to continue their studies at BYU-Idaho, they may need to reapply or request regular admission status. All participants will receive regular BYU-Idaho credit on a standard transcript.
Students from Other Institutions: Those accepted into the program must apply to BYU-Idaho as full-time students for the semester. If they later wish to continue their studies at BYU-Idaho, they may need to reapply or request regular admission status. All participants will receive regular BYU-Idaho credit on a standard transcript.
Students must uphold the moral standards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and follow BYU-Idaho’s behavior, dress, and grooming codes. Additionally, participants must:
- Follow the tour director's decisions.
- Be in a group of 3 or more at all times while in Europe.
- Accept the will of the majority when group decisions are made.
- Meet payment deadlines as outlined.
Travel Study Fee: In addition to the program fee, participants will need to pay the regular tuition for the semester.
Credit Enrollment: If your track includes the semester of the program, your regular tuition covers both the Travel Study credits and any additional courses taken after returning.
Non-Spring Semester Students: If your track does not include the Spring semester, the director will enroll you in the tour classes via Continuing Education, with the credits counting as BYU-Idaho credits.
Credit Enrollment: If your track includes the semester of the program, your regular tuition covers both the Travel Study credits and any additional courses taken after returning.
Non-Spring Semester Students: If your track does not include the Spring semester, the director will enroll you in the tour classes via Continuing Education, with the credits counting as BYU-Idaho credits.
Standby/Waiting List: Students who are initially not accepted can be placed on a standby list. If a position opens due to a withdrawal, a standby candidate will be invited to take the spot.
Cancellations: If you decide to cancel after being accepted, notify the director in writing (Brother Williams). There will be no refund for the $500 deposit, and any additional expenses incurred will be charged to your account.
Cancellations: If you decide to cancel after being accepted, notify the director in writing (Brother Williams). There will be no refund for the $500 deposit, and any additional expenses incurred will be charged to your account.
The program requires students to be in good physical and emotional health to meet the demands of a rigorous travel schedule.
- We recommend a physical check-up before registering.
- The program involves walking long distances, including around 10 miles on the first day in Rome. Unhealthy students are more likely to get sick or tire easily, which can affect the experience.
- Tired or sick students will struggle to fully enjoy the tour, so we strongly recommend a fitness routine before traveling.
The program’s itinerary is physically demanding and may not be suitable for students with severe physical limitations. If you have a disability, please contact the program director (Brother Williams) before applying. It’s also advisable to consult with your doctor about the rigors of international travel.
Boyfriend/Girlfriend Relationships: These are discouraged during the program, as they often cause problems in group dynamics.
Group Requirements: You must always be in a group of 3-5 students, and romantic relationships tend to make this awkward for others.
Romances on the Tour: We also discourage new relationships developing during the tour, as feelings in romantic cities like Paris or Rome may be affected by the unique setting.
Group Requirements: You must always be in a group of 3-5 students, and romantic relationships tend to make this awkward for others.
Romances on the Tour: We also discourage new relationships developing during the tour, as feelings in romantic cities like Paris or Rome may be affected by the unique setting.
The program is best suited for single young adults, but we have had married students participate in the past, either as a couple or individually.
- Couples: If accepted, they may incur additional housing costs and may need to split up for rooming arrangements at times (e.g., girls and guys separate in hostels).
- Behavior Expectations: Married students must avoid public displays of affection during the trip, whether in group time or free time.