ESU offers summer sessions overseas

Emporia State University will offer four short study-abroad programs this summer in China, Costa Rica, France and Germany.

“Living in any culture for a short period of time is wonderful,” said Marianne Curtis, a Chinese language instructor who will be guiding a group of students in Beijing.

Each program offers students a chance to improve their language skills, learn about local customs, and go sightseeing.

Students in the Chinese program will study language and live in residence halls at Beijing Union University. Sightseeing trips will include the Great Wall of China, the Palace Museum, Ming Dynasty tombs, and shopping in open air markets.

The program will be held May 16 through June 2. The estimated cost is $2,000 which includes Chinese university fees, room and board, cultural activities, excursions, airfare and three ESU credit hours at Emporia State. There is no prior language requirement, but enrollment is limited to 15 students.

In Costa Rica, housing is with host families in the cities of Flamingo, Heredia and San Jose. Travel begins May 29, and students may study for up to four weeks or longer, changing schools and location each week, if they choose.

“Students really appreciate the unconditional Latino warmth and family values they receive. They really get to know and love all the members of their host families. They call them dad, mom, brothers and sisters,” said assistant professor Luisa Perez, who will be traveling with the group.

Classes are held for three hours each morning, with the afternoon and weekends reserved for sightseeing. A total cost of $1,800 includes airfare, tuition, a private room in a family house, two meals a day, and credits transferred to ESU. The cost will vary depending on the duration of the stay.

Up to 25 students may attend, but they must be enrolled in a summer Spanish course at ESU.
The ESU School of Business offers a six weeks summer program at L’Universite D’Auvergne, a business school in Clermont, France. This program is in its tenth year, making it one of ESU’s oldest study abroad programs.

“Globally, students become more aware of our European trading partners and gain an understanding of the culture,” said Raffaele DeVito, professor of management.

Students will be staying in university residence halls and will visit businesses in the area. They will earn three credit hours through the School of Business, with courses including business, French language and cultural studies. There is no prior language requirement to attend. Enrollment is limited to six students.
Unlike the other summer programs, students will not be traveling with an ESU faculty member. They will be joining other U.S. college students and L’Universite D’Auvergne’s designated ambassadors. The program cost is $2,544, which includes airfare, housing, meals, local travel expenses, and ESU tuition and fees.

Through a partnership with Hillsdale College in Michigan, ESU students may also earn four German language credits at the University of Wurzberg.

The program consists of intensive classroom instruction and cultural excursions in Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Munich and Berlin, with free time for independent travel. If five or more students enroll, then the approximate cost will be $2,350 for tuition, airfare, meals, books, housing and local transportation. Students must have completed GR111 or have permission of the instructor to attend.

“Study abroad is something everyone should do,” said Rick Chamberlin, assistant professor of German and French. “Summer study abroad is the minimum, but ideally people should go for at least a semester or even a year.”

Last Updated July 2, 2007>