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Freshman Seminars Abroad (FSA)
The Programs

An Irish dinner in Dublin

The following programs are expected to be offered in summer 2008. The programs typically are between 10 and 18 days in length and take place between early/mid July to mid-August.

Program details may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

Montreal & Quebec City, Canada

This program is closed

On-campus Orientation: July 18 - July 19, 2008
In-country: July 20 - July 31, 2008

Don't miss this opportunity to experience first-hand Montreal's cosmopolitan style and the French flair of Quebec City in a bilingual setting. The program begins in Montreal with visits to provincial government buildings, museums, and cultural and historic sites, including a tour of the Bell Centre, home of the 24-time Stanley Cup Champion Montreal Canadiens. The program moves to Quebec City, celebrating its 400th anniversary, for artistic, cultural and community visits, and the Feast of Ste. Anne. The thematic tracks, focused on psychological perspectives on social and individual change and a comparative look at work, leisure and employment relations, will assist students to improve academic skills in friendly personalized learning environments.

Read more about the exciting 400th anniversary on CNN.com

Kyoto, Japan

This program is closed

On-campus Orientation: July 9 - July 11, 2008
In-country: July 12 - July 25, 2008

Using modern Japan as our classroom we will examine the theme of "Reading Culture" and develop skills to allow us to interpret and understand Japanese society. Specifically, we will examine Japanese society through various manifestations of culture. Additionally, we will explore Japanese language and culture through discussions and course-related field trips to Hiroshima, Hikone, Osaka and Kyoto.

Oaxaca, Mexico

This program is closed

On-campus Orientation: July 21 - July 22, 2008
In-country: July 23 - August 3, 2008

The Mexico seminar will focus on art, Mexican society, and the ethnic variety of Oaxaca. Students can choose to examine art and social justice or ethnography, writing about culture and ethnicity in Mexico. While Spanish language is not a requirement for the program, it is recommended. Students with knowledge of Spanish will have lots of opportunities to practice.

Cork & Galway, Ireland

This program is closed

On-campus Orientation: July 21 - July 23, 2008
In-country: July 24 - August 5, 2008

Spend time on the Western side of Emerald Isle and experience the vibrant cultural cities, friendly people, historic castles, and beautiful national parks of the Republic of Ireland. This exciting seminar takes place in the cities of Cork and Galway, the home of Irish youth and artistic culture. This seminar offers coursework designed specifically for first-year students, with two themes:"Health and Healthcare in Ireland: How health practices impact individuals and communities" and "From Womb to Tomb in Ireland”. Students will engage in experiential activities that transform Ireland into a classroom, as they think about issues facing an increasingly interconnected world.

Dublin & Cork, Ireland

This program is closed

On-campus Orientation: July 27 - July 29, 2008
In-country: July 30 - August 10, 2008

"Go Green!" on the Emerald Isle and explore the impact of the "Celtic Tiger" phenomenon on the Irish countryside and Irish identity by appreciating the beauty of the land, getting to know its friendly people, learning about contemporary culture, and visiting historic sites. This exciting program takes place in the cities of Cork and Dublin and offers course work designed specifically for first-year students. Two thematic tracks will be offered: "Globally You!" focuses on the topics of globalization, culture, and identity. "The Lexus and the Leprechaun:  Progress and Cultural Identity in the Emerald Isle" will take a look at the socio-economic implications of the clash between progress and tradition in modern Ireland. Participation in this seminar will allow students to hit the ground running once fall semester begins! Students will be exposed to college-level academic expectations and skills while they explore a culturally, historically, and socially fascinating region.

Tuscania & Florence, Italy

This program is closed

On-campus Orientation: July 8 - July 10, 2008
In-country: July 11 - July 23, 2008

More than seven centuries ago the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri called one of his works "Convivio" which translated into English means "Banquet". Dante invited to this banquet all those who desired to learn. He felt that learning should go hand-in-hand with the pleasure of sharing food. Italy's history and art are intertwined with the development of its celebrated cuisine. We invite you to a banquet of learning about civilization and art and food in Tuscania, in the center of the ancient home of the Etruscans, the first great Italian cooks. We will experience first-hand their little known civilization and their important contribution to Roman civilization and to the Renaissance. The history of food, its importance in the lives of people, its place and production in today's global economy, will be a part of the total experience we want to offer you in one of the loveliest hill towns of central Italy.

New Zealand

This program is closed

On-campus Orientation: July 23 - July 25, 2008
In-country: July 26 - August 11, 2008

New Zealand has captured the world's attention with its natural beauty as highlighted in the Lord of the Rings trilogy; however, like the rest of the world, New Zealand faces challenges that threaten its environmental resources and cultural heritage. This program will visit important environmental and historic sites on New Zealand's North Island, including volcanoes, geysers, wildlife sanctuaries, and museums. Students may choose between two academic tracks: one emphasizing biological and environmental sciences and one emphasizing sustainability and social science. As the entire program has an environmental theme, many field visits will occur as a full group and students should be prepared to be active and be outside throughout their stay.

Cape Town, South Africa

This program is full but continues to accept applications for the wait-list.

On-campus Orientation: July 29 - July 31, 2008
In-country: August 1 - August 15, 2008

South Africa, like the United States, is a country of rich diversity-cultural, social, religious, and geographical. Moreover, in the past decade South Africa has experienced one of the most dramatic peaceful transformations in modern history as it emerged from centuries of severe racial discrimination into a vibrant multicultural democracy. This Freshman seminar will provide participants with the opportunity to engage this transformation and South Africa 's rich diversity in the context of Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

 


Program details may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

 

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