On Friday, April 12, nearly 100 students, parents, and faculty gathered for the Study Away Student Pre-Departure Orientation. This orientation provides information around overall safety to those leading and participating in our 5 Study Away trips this summer.
This summer’s trips represents the 8th year GRCC has offered these travel experiences for students. We processed over 150 applications for 5 trips – a record number. This year, nearly 80 students will be participating in these trips (another record!).
Summer 2019 Trips:
- Costa Rica (Sherry Knoppers/Laura Moody)
- France (Hillery Haney/Katie Budden)
- France/Germany (Sasha Ahmed/Audrey Heckwolf)
- Italy (Kimberly OverdeVest/Audrey Heckwolf)
- Spain (Sean Mackey/Megan Lockard)
Context:
- Development of these trips began over 16 months ago, were vetted and approved 12 months ago.
- All trips are short-term (roughly 2-weeks).
- All trips are a part of a course and faculty-led as well as having a Support Person (an additional GRCC employee).
- Most of these faculty have led these trips for several years (borderline veterans).
- Students are required to apply and pass a criminal background check, a code of conduct review as well as other vetting criteria.
- All students will have submitted all required travel paperwork and have been paid-in-full prior to departure.
- Many students will be flying for the first time, and will have received their very first Passport.
Pre-Departure Agenda:
Information is presented in a way that allows the speakers to share from their level of expertise while also providing leeway for other speakers to interject when appropriate:
- Welcome – Michael Schavey
- Faculty Trip Introduction – Faculty Leaders
- General Safety – Chief Whitman
- Overall Conduct – Kimberly DeVries
- Personal Health – Katie Hughes
- Student Issues and Removal – Michael Schavey
- Collect Forms and Conduct/Safety Agreement – Michael Schavey
- Trip Swag – Michael Schavey
- Group Photo – Michael Schavey
![Eligibility: All degree-seeking students with a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and no money owed to the institution. Date: June 29-July 15, 2018 (17 days). Course: HU 219 Global Studies through International Travel (three credits). Housing: Program participants will be housed with host families. Excursions and Highlights: Two-week Spanish language classes at student proficiency level. Host family stay. Daily afternoon excursions. Guided visit to Segovia and Avila. Excursion to Aveiro Beach (Portugal) – weather permitting. 800-year celebration of the University of Salamanca. Service learning project with Puente Ladrillo. Ruta de Tapas (exploring Tapas’ restaurants). Castanet lesson. 4th of July celebration—Spanish style. City tour of Madrid. Contact: Department of Experiential Learning, Main Building, Level G2, Room 59. traceylacy@grcc.edu. (616) 234-4162 grcc.edu/studyaway. Costs* Program fee (paid to GRCC): $3,850. What is included: Round trip airfare. Accommodations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner while in country. Field trips, excursions and entrance fees. Criminal background check. Travel insurance. Deposit – Due upon acceptance into program: $500. Tuition [plus fees (in-district) paid to GRCC]: $339. What is included: Three (3) credits (based on residential rate) and fees. Potential Additional Expenses: Items listed below may or may not apply to all participants: Passport. Personal expenses. Additional meals beyond what is offered. Travel provider phone (in country use only). How to pay for study abroad? Students are encouraged to pursue financial aid, scholarships and grants to fund Study Abroad. In addition, they may consider personal funds and alternative loans to fund Study Abroad. For more information on funding, visit grcc.edu/studyaway. Contact program directors for more information: Carmela Zapata, Department of Language and Thought, czapata@grcc.edu (616) 234-4666. Anna Maria Clark, TRIO/Student Support Services, aclark@grcc.edu, (616)234-4131. Applications are taken on a first come first serve basis. Apply through February 1, 2018 at grcc.edu/studyaway. *All program information, including courses, duration of program, dates and other logistics are subject to change. Fee subject to adjustment based on actual exchange rates and international airfare. Programs may be canceled due to extenuating circumstances. GRCC Grand Rapids Community College. All participants are welcome. Those in need of accommodations, please contact the Department of Experiential Learning at (616) 234-4162. GRCC is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.](https://grcctoday.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/80992-study-away-flyer-spain2.jpg?w=558)
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