Guilford College

Study Abroad (International)

Australian Summer, The Power of: Integrating Sport, Culture, Health & Wellbeing. 3 credits. Graded. 50005 SPST 250 001
Location: Sidney, Melbourne, and Canberra, Australia
No Guilford faculty presence

Arcadia University’s College of Global Studies has designed the experience for students who wish to gain an understanding of the significance of sport and recreation in Australian culture. The course includes lectures, guest speakers, field trips and activities that focus on a range of sporting/recreation pursuits in society while exploring the dimensions of health and wellbeing. A critical analysis of the practice and meaning of sport and health in Australian culture provides an understanding of not only the unique nature of Australian sport, health & wellbeing, but also of Australian culture and society. Includes experience of the Australian bush and natural landscapes. Required minimum 2.5 GPA. TENTATIVE DATES: January 2-23. Estimated cost: $4590, plus airfare and food. $500 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Bali: Religion, Healing Arts, and the Environment. 4 credits. Graded. 50006 GST 250 002
Location: Bedulu, Bali and Yogyakarta, Java
Austin College faculty leader: Dr. Ivette Vargas-O’Bryan

This collaboration between Austin College and the School for International Training (SIT), a pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, will expose students to the dynamic relationships between religion, the healing arts and the environment in the local traditions of Bali. Bali is a province of Indonesia with an amalgamation of diverse traditions, such as Indian Hinduism, Buddhism, and local animistic beliefs. Local traditions are closely connected with the natural environment and its healing properties. The course will explore how environmental concerns are interwoven with art, ritual and traditional healing by engaging students in the history of Javanese and Balinese culture, theoretical and ethical concerns, and the practices of medical and local healers, artists and conservation experts. This course will also immerse students in Balinese culture through homestays and hands-on activities such as engaging in yoga and local healing traditions and conservation projects alongside training in field methods.

TENTATIVE DATES: December 30-January 21. Estimated Cost: $4300-$4900 including airfare and some meals. Non-refundable $250 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Dublin, Ireland: Actor Training Intensive at the Gaiety School of Acting. 3 credits. Graded. 50007 THEA 250 001
Location: Dublin, Ireland
No Guilford faculty presence

IES Abroad sponsors this conservatory-style training at Dublin’s Gaiety School of Acting. This intensive program is open to students at all levels of training and consists of intensive, practical rehearsal workshops, supplemented by elements of voice, movement and improvisation. Students read the plays of Samuel Beckett, Brian Friel, Sean O’Casey and John Synge and work in intensive rehearsals of scene work toward a final presentation. Includes visits to other cultural attractions, such as the James Joyce Museum, the National Museum of Ireland, and the Book of Kells in the historic library of Trinity College Dublin. Students will live in an apartment in a residential area of Dublin. Required minimum 3.0 GPA. TENTATIVE DATES: January 4-26.

Estimated cost: $3090, plus airfare and meals. $500 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Caribbean Sailing and Leadership. 2 credits. Graded. 50008 GST 250 003
Locations: Dominica, Grenada, Ile des Saintes, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Martin, Statia, Trinidad and Tobago
No Guilford faculty presence

Broadreach College provides a 50-foot boat for endless opportunities to lead, bond, master new skills, and achieve. This course puts students at the helm – of the boat, the journey, the crew and most of all, the overall experience. Learn basic seamanship, navigation and more as you sail 500 nautical miles, past fifteen Caribbean islands. Sail through the night on 80-mile, 15-hour jaunts. Learn and practice Theories of Risk Management, effective leadership, group dynamics, problem solving and decision-making. A large portion of the program lies in the hands of the students themselves. Each student leads a segment, plans passages, maintains a budget, and guides discussion. Required minimum 2.5 GPA. TENTATIVE DATES: December 27-January 20.

Estimated cost: $5480 (including lodging and food), plus airfare. $1000 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Caribbean Tropical Marine Biology. 3 credits. Graded. 50009 GST 250 004
Location: Leeward Islands: Ile Fourche, Saba, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Martin, Statia
No Guilford faculty presence

This Broadreach College program is an eye-opening exploration of the biology and ecology of marine communities. Living aboard a 45-foot yacht and hopping from one diverse island to another, gives students the freedom and flexibility to discover the unparalleled diversity of ecosystems found in this tropical region of the world. Learn under the guidance of professional marine biologists. Tackle marine conservation. Understand the biochemical nature of marine environments. Learning is always active, experiential and enlightening — never boring. Required minimum 2.5 GPA. TENTATIVE DATES: December 27-January 20. Estimated cost: $5680 (including lodging and food), plus airfare. $1000 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Chile: Clinical Observation and the Cultural Aspects of Health Care. 3 credits. Graded. 50010 GST 250 005
Location: Santiago, Chile
No Guilford faculty presence

IES Abroad offers this project (ideal for students considering careers in health-related fields), which offers the opportunity to learn about health care policy and delivery systems in the context of Chile’s community-centered public health care system. An important component of the program introduces students to historical, social, and cultural aspects of health care specific to Chile, including the treatment of illness and patients’ rights. The project is one course divided into two components: Clinical Observation (examines the epidemiology and prevalence of frequent health deviations) and Intensive Spanish, designed for students who do not have any previous training in Spanish. Required minimum 3.0 GPA. TENTATIVE DATES: January 3-25.Estimated cost: $3175 (including homestay and food) plus airfare. $500 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Costa Rica Cultural Connections. 4 credits. Graded. 50011 GST 250 006
Location: On campus and Costa Rica

Staff Leaders: Barbara Boyette and Georgiann Bodgan
Students explore the history, economy, and culture of Costa Rica with initial preparation on campus before the international study abroad. As part of the first week on campus, students read and study about the political history of Coast Rica and the impact on the social and economic development, as well as the influence of the Quakers within Costa Rica.  Thereafter, students travel and gain a direct understanding of the Costa Rican people, culture, and economy as well as an appreciation for its biodiversity. A bilingual excursion manager accompanies the group 24/7.  Students will engage in daily journaling to reflect on their experiences and synthesize what they learn about Costa Rica and themselves.  This international study will culminate with time on campus for presentations of their final project.  Estimated cost: $2791-$3070 including airfare, lodging, breakfast and dinner. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

El Salvador Service Project. 3 credits. Credit/No Credit. 50012 GST 250 007
Locations: San Salvador and El Roble
No Guilford faculty presence

Join a service learning project to rebuild a village school in El Salvador, executed in partnership with Companion Community Development Alternatives Ltd. (CoCoDA) and DePauw University. Under the direction of Ivan Villasboa, executive director of CoCoDA, students begin with an orientation in the capital, San Salvador, and then move to the countryside village of El Roble, where they gain a broad understanding of El Salvador’s history, culture, challenges, and potential. Students meet local officials, government representatives, business leaders, and interview former political prisoners that were tortured during the Salvadoran civil war. You will also connect with a Salvadoran comunidad as you live and work alongside local families out in the fields.  Change the way you see the world—and how you see yourself.  Spanish language skills recommended, but not required. TENTATIVE DATES: January 3-21. Estimated cost: $1650 (including food), plus airfare and $10 airport entry fee. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

European Choir Tour. 1 credit. Credit/No Credit. 50013 MUS 250 001
Locations: Prague, Salzburg, and Vienna
Faculty leader: Wendy Looker

Singers in this touring ensemble will rehearse on campus for a week and a half before departing on a 10-day performing tour of Prague, Salzburg and Vienna. Cost includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations abroad, breakfast daily, 4 group dinners, travel by motor coach, and sightseeing per the itinerary. In between our 5 performances, we will experience “The Sound of Music” tour, Mozart’s Birthhouse, a guided music tour of Vienna, Esterházy Palace, Haydn Haus, the Musikverein of Vienna and much more! Estimated Cost: $3166 including airfare, daily breakfast and 4 dinners. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Florence, Italy: Arts, Business, and Italian Language. 3 credits. Graded. 50014 GST 250 008
Location: Florence, Italy
No Guilford faculty presence

This program offered in partnership with ISA Studies Abroad gives students the opportunity to select from a range of classes in English (with the exception of language, which is taught in Italian) at Florence University of the Arts and Apicius International School of Hospitality. Courses at the College of Business include: “Strategic Luxury Brand Management” and “International Marketing,” at the College of Imaging and Visual Art: “Introduction to Digital Photography,” at the College for Food and Wine: “Food, Culture, & Society in Italy,” at the College of Interior Design: “Historical Building Restoration and Conservation,” at the College of Italian Studies: “Italian Language,” at the College of Liberal Arts: “Art and Architecture in Florence and Tuscany,” and at the College of Sports/Heath Studies: “The Italian Soccer Experience.” Courses will be taught by local and international faculty. For more information and before making your initial application to Guilford College, visit http://studiesabroad.com/programs/country/italy/city/florence.

Required minimum 2.75 GPA. TENTATIVE DATES: January 4-January 23. Estimated cost: $4400-$4840 plus airfare and food. $200 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

France, Spain and Morocco: Cultural Exploration. 3 credits. Graded. 50026 GST 250 012
Locations: Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Algeciras, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Toledo, and Madrid

No Guilford faculty presence

This multi-country cultural exploration is sponsored by CIS Abroad and hosted by IAU College (Institute for American Universities). Dr. Carl Jurban, the president of IAU, travels with you throughout a three-week study trip. Experience everything from the markets of Morocco to the museums of Madrid with guest lectures by leading experts in the field. Particular attention will be paid to the importance of North African immigration to Europe and its current socio-cultural implications. Students register for the experience as either Art History 395: Classical Islam and the European Renaissance, Cross Cultural Studies 395: Jews, Muslims and Christians in Europe and the Islamic World, French 395: Cultural History of France and the Islamic World, History 395: Cultural History of Europe and the Islamic World, Political Science 395: European Politics and the Islamic World, and Spanish 395: Cultural History of Spain and the Islamic World. Students are advised to get pre-approval from the appropriate Guilford department chair before they go. For more information and before making your initial application to Guilford College, visit http://www.cisabroad.com/january-study-abroad/multi-country/january-in-france-spain-morocco/program#anchor.

Required minimum 2.5 GPA. TENTATIVE DATES: TBD (early January)-TBD (late January). Estimated cost: $4,890 plus airfare and some meals. $200 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Israeli/Palestinian Conflict: Understanding Competing Narratives. 4 credits. Credit/No credit. 50015 GST 250 009
Location: Ramallah, Ibillin, Jerusalem – Israel/Palestine
Faculty leader: Max Carter

A repeat of the successful 2013 January term program, this three-week experience explores the religious, historical, political, and social narratives of Israelis and Palestinians. Students examine the conflict through the lenses of direct experience and those personally involved on both sides, especially individuals actively engaged in work toward a just peace. This project helps students develop an understanding of the complexity of a conflict in which there are at least two narratives that are both true – but don’t meet.  Estimated cost: $2700 (including most meals), plus airfare. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

London: Comparative Criminal Justice. 4 credits. Graded. 50016 JPS 350 001
Location: On campus and London, England
Faculty Leader: Will Pizio

After a week of evening classes on campus that provide conceptual grounding, the group travels to London, England with the goal of understanding the English criminal justice system while comparing it to the system in the U.S. There will be a significant experiential component requiring students to visit prisons, observe court proceedings, and interact with police officers.  Discussions and written work will help students reflect on their observations, reaching a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between two judicial systems. Practitioner guest speakers will also be arranged.  Estimated cost: $3258 including airfare. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.\

Myanmar/Burma: The Experience of Theravada Buddhism. 4 credits. Graded. 50017 REL 250 001
Location: Myanmar
Faculty leader: Eric Mortensen

In this course we read about the Theravada Buddhist traditions of Myanmar/Burma, visit religious sites, speak with religious practitioners, and explore relationships between the historical and current practices of wisdom traditions in the area. We begin in Yangon, journey to ruins of the spectacular Buddhist cities of Bagan and Mrauk U, and conclude with a meditation retreat on Ngapali beach. This course is both academic and experiential. Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA, application, & permission of instructor. Fulfills the Intercultural requirement. TENTATIVE DATES: January 3-24.  Estimated cost: $3240 (including food) plus airfare and visa (approximately $2050 more). $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Netherlands: Economics of European Integration–challenges, policies, and practices in the European business environment. 4 Credits. Graded. 50018 BUS 250 001
Location: Center for European Studies (CES), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
No Guilford faculty presence. 

The course examines the key economic policy areas of the European Union and offers an analysis of the different approaches to regional economic integration throughout the history of the European Union. The course analyzes the economic bases for the rise of the European Union from its origins in the post-World war II recovery to its historic enlargement in 2004 and 2007. The theory of the economic integration process will be applied to a business setting, with a series of business cases illustrating how a variety of firms are responding strategically to the establishment of the Economic and Monetary Union and the accession of new Member-States. Students are given advice and guidance on using case studies and how to evaluate the strategies choices made by firms. CES staff also takes students to important institutions that will deepen an understanding of the topic. They also take students on cultural excursions and fun activities during two 3-day weekend trips to Belgium and the Netherlands. Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA. Estimated cost: $3795-$4175, plus airfare, food and city bus pass. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Netherlands: International Environmental Law. 4 Credits. Graded. 50019 ENVS 250 001
Location: Center for European Studies (CES), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
No Guilford faculty presence. 

This course examines the role of international law in protecting the environment. It takes a fundamental approach which means that we will examine environmental law from the perspective of principles, environmental rights, and the choice and design of regulatory instruments. Both strengths and, unfortunately, weaknesses will be discussed. As far as international law is falling short, the importance of national approaches will be addressed. Some specific attention will go to the European Union as an regional international organization addressing, inter alia, environmental problems. The world-wide problem of climate change serves as the leading case of this course. Includes a paper, presentation, and final exam. Students are also taken on excursions to important institutions that will deepen an understanding of the topic. CES staff takes students to The Hague and Amsterdam, where they visit the ‘Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment’, the ‘International Court of Justice’ and ‘Greenpeace International Office’. We will also visit Brussels (Belgium), where we will go to the European Parliament and European Commission. During both study trips, you will be able to experience more of Europe via interesting cultural excursions and fun activities. Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA. Estimated cost: $4515-$4967, plus airfare, food and city bus pass. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Netherlands: International Relations and Politics in the EU. 4 credits. Graded. 50020 PSCI 250 001
Location: Center for European Studies (CES), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
No Guilford faculty presence.

Comprehensive coverage of the key political and economic policies of the European Union with analysis of the different approaches to regional integration throughout the history of the European Union. Analyzes the historical, political and economic bases for the rise of the EU from its origins in the post-World war II recovery to its historic enlargement in 2004 and 2007. Also examines human rights with a comparison between the European and UN-framework for the protection of human rights applied to specific cases. This course will be highly interactive and engaging. Students are also taken on excursions to important institutions that will deepen an understanding of the EU and its political and legal processes: Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the EU, where we will visit the European Parliament and the European Commission. The second weekend students go to The Hague and Amsterdam to visit the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Court. During both study trips, you will be able to experience more of Europe via interesting cultural excursions and fun activities. Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA. Estimated cost: $3535-$3885, plus airfare, food and city bus pass. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Netherlands: Positive Psychology. 4 credits. Graded. 50021 PSY 250 001
Location: Center for European Studies (CES), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
No Guilford faculty presence.

In this course, students will get acquainted with the field of positive psychology, gaining insight in different theories, scientific findings, experiments and measurement tools. As an applied science, the results of positive psychology lead to the creation of real-world interventions that can improve school, businesses, governments, and other aspects of individual and social life. Throughout workshops and interactive meetings, students will be provided not only with tools to be able to evaluate and design research in the area of positive psychology, but also with the skills to apply some (basic) intervention techniques. During two weekends, CES staff takes students around different European cities for cultural excursions and activities. Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA. Estimated cost: $4515-$4967, plus airfare, food and city bus pass. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Oxford Fantasy Writers. 4 credits. Graded. 50022 ENGL 250 001
Location: Oxford, England
Faculty leader: Caroline McAlister

Students will explore the relationship between place and imagination in the writings of the four British fantasists, Lewis Carroll, C. S. Lewis, J.R.R.Tolkien, and Philip Pullman. These writers all spent most of their adult lives living and working in Oxford. While their fictional works are set in alternate fantastical worlds, they all found their inspiration in the physical reality of Oxford’s libraries, living quarters, churches, pubs, and parks. Students will visit sites frequented by the authors and sites referenced in their works and compose journals reflecting on those visits.

Prerequisite: ENGL 102 and HP. Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA. Estimated cost: $$2065-$2272 (including most breakfasts) plus airfare. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Panama & Costa Rica Primate Behavior and Conservation. 3 credits. Graded. 50023 GST 250 010
Locations: Bocas del Toro, Cariari, Pacuare River, Quepos, San Jose
No Guilford faculty presence

Work with Broadreach College to learn everything you ever wanted to know about monkeys, in a place where your hands-on work can further their survival and preserve their endangered habitats. Learn about primate biology, behavior, natural history and ecology in a spectacular rainforest setting. Participate in ongoing monkey research alongside primatologists. Then assist local organizations with animal rehabilitation, reforestation, conservation and education efforts. The White-faced capuchins, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys and mantled howler monkeys need you.  TENTATIVE DATES: December 27-January 20. Estimated cost: $4980 (including food), plus airfare. $1000 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Peru: Service and Social Issues in Latin America. 4 credits. Credit/No Credit. 50024 GST 250 011
Location: Lima, Peru
Staff leader: Jorge Zeballos

This service trip is specifically designed for students that are pursuing a Latin American studies degree and for those that are just interested in that part of the world. Students will participate in service opportunities in Lima. The most common needs include assisting with the growth and development of children, improving education for children, and improving health and a sense of dignity for the elderly. Students will stay together at a host house, a safe, comfortable place to reflect on the experience and enjoy the company of fellow volunteers. The project also includes opportunities to learn about Peruvian culture and history through visits to local sites and lectures by local experts. TENTATIVE DATES: January 4-23. Estimated Cost: $3473.25 (including food) plus airfare. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Seville: The Legacy of Spain’s Multicultural Formation. 4 credits. Graded. 50025 SPAN 250 001
Location: Seville, Spain
Faculty Leader: Sylvia Trelles

Experience Spanish culture today while studying the Spanish language and learning about the cultures that thrived in Spain during the Middle Ages and form the basis of the modern nation where you will live for a few weeks. Students will study Spanish at the intermediate level or above and will explore the legacy of the Romans, Christians, Jews and Muslims by visiting World Heritage sites such as the Mezquita in Cordoba, the Alhambra in Granada and the impressive cathedral of Seville. Costs include room and board in a family, language course, culture lectures, and trips to Ronda, Cordoba and Granada as well as sites in and near Seville. Prerequisite: SPAN 102, 112, or instructor consent. Estimated cost: $3505 (including food), plus airfare. $300 non-refundable deposit required. APPLY for this experience.

Shanghai, China: Business Abroad. 4 credits. Graded. 50026 BUS 250 002
Location: On campus and Shanghai, China.
Faculty leader: Deena Burris

Students explore international business in this project focused on Shanghai, one of the most important economic business hubs in China and the world. Students spend the term’s first week on campus preparing for the trip by examining the basics of global business, the Chinese business environment and economy, and the various types of international business organizational and management structures.  On a the following 9 days and 8 nights, student travel to experience the cultural excitement of Shanghai and visit the foreign owned companies of Coca Cola, Volkswagen, and Bayer China. They will also visit a US/Chinese joint venture company, a Chinese wholly owned subsidiary, and Chinese state owned company. Additional highlights of the trip include guest lectures on the growth of the Chinese economy as well as several cultural excursions, such as the Jade Buddha Temple, a Chinese acrobatic show, the Pearl Tower, and the Shanghai Museum. This trip is open to all students. Counts towards the International Business minor. Approval pending for the Business and Policy Studies general education requirement. Estimated cost: $3326 including airfare, plus food. $150 deposit required. APPLY for this experience.