University of Mary Washington students are stepping into the scenes of their favorite films and TV shows through innovative faculty-led study abroad programs. These immersive itineraries, combining academic rigor with cultural exploration, are held in England, Spain and Iceland, providing trip-takers with unforgettable experiences that sync education with entertainment.
Volcanic lakes, sparkling waterfalls, zigzagging island staircases and other incredible sites bring to life the sets of favorite onscreen stories like Bridgerton, Game of Thrones and Star Wars.
“Visiting filming locations serves as a great entry point to a deeper experience abroad,” said UMW Study Abroad Coordinator Sarah Moran. “Students are able to visit locations they may have only seen in photos or on TV and understand that these are real places.”
As UMW International Education Week prepares to kick off – with activities, from student panels to passport parties, planned throughout the first week of October – here’s a look back at a few recent trips that made the cut.
‘Bridgerton’ Comes to Life in Bath, England
The “UMW in England: Advanced Studies in England” program, a month-long summer course, takes students to the historic city of Bath. Known for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, the city, located in the valley of the River Avon, has also gained recent fame as a primary filming location for the Netflix series Bridgerton.
Students explored the very streets and grand houses featured in the Netflix series, connecting historical studies with contemporary popular culture.
“I’m a movie person through and through; do not get me wrong,” said UMW student Lia Fowler, who joined a recent Bath trip. “But I have never been near a pinnacle filming location until I got to England.”
Exploring Dragonstone in Spain
Meanwhile, students participating in the “UMW in Spain: Spain for All” program spent six weeks in Bilbao, with a highlight excursion to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Known as Dragonstone from HBO’s Game of Thrones, the islet is connected to mainland by a manmade footbridge, and a 241-step stone staircase zigzags its way to the top of the island, captivating students with its dramatic beauty and historical significance.
Iceland: A Cinematic Journey
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes have long been a favorite for filmmakers, and students in the “UMW in Iceland: Digital Storytelling” program have visited several renowned filming sites.
The most recent tour included Lake Mývatn from Star Wars; the Skógafoss waterfall from Thor: The Dark World; captivating Kirkjufell Mountain from Game of Thrones; and Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village, featured in Captain America: Civil War.
“When there’s an understanding of somewhere ‘else’ being real, students often realize that the people who live in these locations bring a different and valuable perspective to the world,” said Moran, who joined the Iceland trip. “And that can help challenge their own assumptions and beliefs for personal growth.”
This year, the program will shift to Chile, bringing new adventures and cinematic experiences.
Bridging Education and Popular Culture
These faculty-led programs are designed to enrich students’ academic experiences while providing a unique cultural perspective.
“Visiting these filming locations allows students to see the intersection of history, culture and media,” said Education Abroad Coordinator Catie Cavalier, who will present “The Art of Solo Female Travel” as part of UMW International Education Week. “It’s an innovative way to engage students and make their learning experience more memorable and relevant.”
As UMW continues to expand its study abroad offerings, the integration of popular culture and education provides a compelling draw for students eager to explore the world beyond the classroom. See where this year’s programs will go!
