Polk State Announces 2017 Study Abroad Schedule

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Polk State student Rebekah Hall stands on the cliffs of Sliabh Liag during a study-abroad trip to Ireland in summer 2016. Ireland is also on Polk State's list of 2017 study-abroad destinations.

Polk State student Rebekah Hall stands on the cliffs of Sliabh Liag during a study-abroad trip to Ireland in summer 2016. Ireland is also on Polk State's list of 2017 study-abroad destinations.

 

Polk State’s Institute for Global Initiatives has announced its 2017 study-abroad schedule, and students interested in participating are encouraged to begin making their travel plans now.

“The itineraries we’re putting together for the 2017 spring and summer terms are some of the most exciting we’ve had yet,” said Program Coordinator Kim Simpson.

“If you’ve ever thought about studying abroad, this is the year to do it. From a criminal justice course taught in Ireland, site of many violent conflicts throughout history, to an aerospace course taught in Paris during the Paris Air Show, one of the biggest aviation events in the world, to a course in business taught in the Caribbean, there is a trip to align with practically any area of study or student interest.”

While the 2017 study-abroad trips are all over the map — literally, as well as in terms of the courses that will be taught in each destination — they are also all short-term and affordable.

“Our international internship program in Mexico is three weeks, but all our other study-abroad trips are two weeks or less,” Simpson said. “This is done intentionally because we know that so many Polk State students are also working and raising families.”

Additionally, Polk State’s study abroad programs generally cost less than $3,000, including airfare, accommodations, tour guides, and some meals.

Financial aid can be used to help cover the costs of studying abroad.

“Students who qualify for financial aid can use their excess financial aid for a study-abroad program if they take the course with the trip and it counts toward their degree. When planning to study abroad, students should contact me first to set up an appointment with financial aid to determine the amount they have available. Planning early will allow students to maximize their financial aid packages,” Simpson said.

What students will gain from arranging their schedules — and finances — to allow for international travel, Simpson said, are unforgettable and life-changing experiences.

“Students are exposed to different cultures in the countries they are visiting, while also experiencing course material firsthand. These programs serve as confirmation of their studies, or sometimes a new direction of study. Many students who participate in a study-abroad program have never traveled out of the state or been on an airplane. Studying abroad helps students to be more independent and confident. It’s a rewarding and transformational experience,” she said.

Trips planned for 2017 include:

St. Maarten/St. Martin
Business
March 19-26
Estimated cost: $2,100
$500 deposit due: Dec. 1, 2016
Courses: GEB 1101 Intro to Business/GEB4376 Entrepreneurial Management

Mexico
International Internship
March 5-26
Estimated cost: $2,000
50% deposit due: Dec. 1, 2016
Courses: Associate in Science Practicum/SLS 2941 Internship/MAN4940 Management Internship
Students will complete at least 75 internship hours, and will reside with a host family in Merida, Mexico.

Panama
Healthcare Administration
March 19-26
Estimated cost: $2,500
$500 deposit due: Dec. 1, 2016
Courses: HSA1100 Intro to U.S. Healthcare System/HSC 3624 Foundations of Global Health

Marseille & Paris, France
Humanities
May 8-19
Estimated cost: $3,000 (partial scholarships available)
50% deposit due: Feb. 1, 2017
Course: HUM 2930 Special Topics in Humanities

Italy
Literature
May 15-23
Estimated cost: $3,255-$3,435
Payment due dates: TBD by EF Tours
Course:  LIT 2120 World Literature: Renaissance to Present

China
Humanities
May 16-27
Estimated cost: $4,405 – $4,705
Payment due dates: TBD by EF Tours
Course: HUM 2930 Special Topics in Humanities

Ireland
Criminal Justice
May 28–June 5
Estimated cost: $2,900
50% deposit due: Feb. 1, 2017
Course: CCJ 2932 Issues in Criminal Justice

Ontario, Canada
Theater/Shakespeare Festival
May 18-22
Estimated cost: $1,600 (partial scholarships available)
50% deposit due: TBD
Course: THE 1000 Theater Appreciation and HUM 2930 Special Topics in Humanities

Beijing, China
Business
May 18–June 1
Estimated cost: $3,700
50% deposit due: Feb. 1, 2017
Course: GEB 1101 Intro to Business

Paris, France
Aerospace/Paris Air Show
June 18-25
Estimated cost: $3,600
$1,000 deposit due: Nov. 1, 2016
Course: ASC 1310 U.S. and International Aviation Operations
This trip will coincide with the Paris Air Show, which participants will attend.

Bahamas
Science
Date: June/July 2017 (exact dates TBD)
Estimated cost: $1,800
50% deposit due: TBD
Courses: ANT 1000 General Anthropology, BSC 1311C Intro to Marine Biology

Scotland & Ireland
Art and Photography
June 2017 (exact dates TBD)
Estimated cost: TBD
50% deposit due: TBD
Course: ART 1511C Landscape Painting, PGY 2801C Digital Photography

 All trips are open to the public. To register or for more information, contact Simpson at ksimpson@ polk.edu or 863.669.4917.

Polk State’s Institute for Global Initiatives offers students study-abroad opportunities and courses designed to foster international awareness.