Study abroad opportunities for RWC students are expanding. For 2005, there will be four different programs. The Summer British Study Program, which began in 1997, is the oldest, annually taking students to places in Ireland, Great Britain, and occasionally France. For information, contact Professor Mike Roos at 745-5764 or by email at michael.roos@uc.edu.
A German Program in Ilmenau, Germany, is in now its fourth year. In odd numbered years, it sends students to Germany. In even numbered years, it hosts German students on the RWC campus. RWC participants must have the equivalent of at least one year of German to be eligible for the program. For more information, contact Professor Deborah Page at 745-5679 or by email at deborah.page@uc.edu.
Two new programs will be offered for the first time in 2005. A Spanish language program in Costa Rica next summer will be led by Professor Deborah Themudo. For more information, contact her at 936-7140 or by email at themuddm@ucrwcu.rwc.uc.edu.
In March, professors Cynthia Stegeman and Ruth Benander will be offering a week of study in Canada. Professor Stegeman will offer a course for Dental Hygiene students, while Professor Benander will be covering Canadian literature in conjunction with her Canadian literature courses that she is teaching during fall and winter quarters. For more information, contact Professor Stegeman at 792-8628 or by email at cynthia.stegeman@uc.edu.
This past summer Professor Mike Roos led seven students to Ireland and England for a study of James Joyce’s Ulysses. The group was in Dublin for the 100th Anniversary of Bloomsday, June 16, 1904, the date of the action of Joyce’s classic novel.
After a week in Dublin and Galway, the group rode a ferry across the Irish Sea to England, where they spent two weeks at exotic Harlaxton Manor, before concluding the program with a three-day weekend in London.
Along the way, they were able to study new cultures, make new friends, and most of all have fun. According to the students who participated, it was a great experience.
“It’s my second time going to abroad,” Liz Phillips said. “I really like being there. Then first time I went abroad, I just wanted to get out of the country on my own. In Europe people are so nice to Americans. There was no discrimination against Americans at all. I loved being in Ireland. I met so many new people, and many of them are now my friends. We had classes, took trips, took part in many activities. Usually after classes we would hang out with our Irish friends.
Another student commented, “RWC offers an amazing study abroad program. We had so many activities, including a trip to London, and all of this was really cheap!”
What is their advice to students who are thinking about going?
“Pack your bags and go! You have no idea what you are missing!”
The 2005 Summer British Study Abroad program promises to be one of the most exciting yet. According to Professor Mike Roos (who coordinates the RWC’s British Study Abroad program), students in the 2005 program will have the opportunity to visit not one, but three countries. The program will begin in Paris, France, then move on to Belgium. Harlaxton Manor in England will be the last stop.
Three classes will be offered:
* Literature For Study Abroad: Reconstructing Trauma in WWI (to be taught by Professor Sue Sipple)
* Writing For Study Abroad: Writing Like Picasso (to be taught by Professor Rhonda Pettit)
* An International History of WWI (to be taught by Professor John McNay).
All three classes offer three undergraduate credits. The program cost is low, just $2990, which will be reduced by $500 for UC students, if the program gets a grant from UC’s Institute of Global Studies.
The cost includes room and board, airfare, ferry and other transportation.
The program begins June 11. However, applications with an application fee of $100 is due February 1, 2005. Only 24 students will be accepted to the program. For more information about the British study abroad program, contact Profesor Mike Roos at 745-5764 or by e-mail at Michael.Roos@uc.edu.