HCC students at the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus, June 2017
Housatonic Community College (HCC) in partnership with Education First announced today its upcoming study abroad course offering will include destinations to Barcelona, France and Italy.
The study abroad program, which begins June 2018, offers students a unique blend of classroom instruction combined with foreign travel in what alums of the class have called a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Associate Professor of Spanish, Jamilet Ortiz, teaches the accompanying Humanitaries (HUM 119) course and says the pre-departure classes give students cultural context for their travel.
“Every week of the class we focus on a different aspect of the culture,” Ortiz said. “Language, history, economics, points of historical interest, so that when students visit the actual places they’re less like tourists and more engaged in what they’re experiencing.”
Students are required to keep a blog or journal with daily entries to reflect on their interactions with the local population and environments. Ortiz communicates with students through an app, and maintains a Shutterfly account that enables her to ask questions of students as well as share photos and information pertaining to their trip. While visiting Greece in June, students were tasked with interviewing cab drivers on a myriad of topical subjects, each being shared and commented on in real time via the group’s Shutterfly page.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity that not a lot of students know about.” Ortiz said. “It’s a great way to earn college credit doing something many people don’t get to do.”
The total cost of the 2018 study abroad course is $4474, which covers tuition, round-trip airfare, hotels, food and entrances to attractions. Students also have the option of a customizable payment plan as well as financial aid.
For more information on HCC’s study abroad program visit: http://www.housatonic.edu/degrees-and-certificates/studyabroad
Link to 2017’s study abroad blog:
https://hccgreece2017.shutterfly.com