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.
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