Study abroad opportunities to London, England and Florence, Italy for the summer 2016 were discussed at college hour on Thursday.
American River College History and Psychology professors Bill Wrightson and Mark Stewart shared with students the breakdown of the programs and the benefits of studying abroad.
“Studying abroad changes who students are as a person and they are very happy to know who they have become,” said Wrightson.
A 5-week program for Italy and a 4-week program for England are offered to students who are interested in studying abroad over the summer.
ARC student Jasmine Jones shared her interest on studying abroad.
“I have never studied abroad before. I’m really in love with traveling so I came to see if costs and studying abroad would be right for me,” Jones said.
Each professor spoke about what their program consisted of and what the cost would be like.
Wrightson, head of the Florence program in Italy, shared his passion for Italian Renaissance and culture with students and what studying in Florence is all about.
“What most students don’t realize is that you’re actually living in Florence,” said Wrightson.
Wrightson explained how his program is organized.
“At first I front load students in their first initial weeks, but as the program goes on students will have more free time to do things on their own,” said Wrightson. “Part of being in my class is not being in my class and being able to walk freely and explore on your own.”
Stewart then discussed what he loves about his program in London.
In 2003, Stewart went to London and taught for a full semester for the first time.
“I loved it so much and wanted to go back regularly,” said Stewart.
Stewart explained how this led him to creating his summer program.
“We meet twice a week in class, and the remainder of the trip is spent on excursions and museums and weekends are free time,” said Stewart.
The trip will consist of tours throughout London, where students will visit historical sights such as the Freud museum and also see plays like “Les Miserables.”
“London is such a happening city that is so diverse,” said Stewart.
Wrightson will be teaching History 399: Italian History and Culture during the trip so students can gain an understanding of the Italian historical context and appreciation for the Italian Renaissance.
History 399 is 4 units and is transferable as general education to a CSU.
The Italy program includes an apartment in Florence, Italian language class, guided field trips to museums in Florence, a wine tasting trip in Chianti and day trips to Rome, Siena and San Gimignano.
The dates for the program are May 22 through June 26, 2016.
The fee for the program is $3,995 excluding airfare and other external fees that may be included on the trip. The group option for airfare is approximately $945 plus taxes and fees.
There is financial aid and scholarships for students who qualify, for both trips and any fee not covered by financial aid will need to be paid for by the student.
The deadline to send in an application for the Italy program and pay the $450 deposit is Feb. 25, 2016.
Stewart will teach Psychology 415: Psychological Elements of British Life and Culture during the trip so students can obtain an understanding of how elements in British history and culture have influenced the science of Psychology.
Psychology 415 is 3 units and is transferrable as general education to a CSU.
The England trip includes an apartment in London, London Transport travel pass valid for unlimited use on the buses and underground trains, museum visits throughout the city, day trips to Stonehenge, Salisbury, home of Charles Darwin, and Globe Theater.
The dates for the London trip are from June 4 through July 3, 2016.
The fee for the program is $4,465 excluding airfare and other external fees that may be included on the trip. The group option for airfare is approximated at $1,540 plus taxes and fees.
Unlike the Italy trip, the London trip also allows a home stay option for students to stay with a host family in London for $500 less.
The deadline to send in an application and pay $450 deposit for the program is March 11, 2016.
Students who would like to enroll in either program and would like to find more information can contact Stewart by email at StewarM@arc.losrios.edu or in his office, Davies Hall 357. Wrightson can also be contacted by email at WrightB@arc.losrios.edu or in his office, Davies Hall 306.
