Planning For the Winter and Summer

By Broadside Correspondent Lana Sieg

As final exams approach, students are preparing for the coming breaks. Emily Kral, a senior and communication major, said, “For winter break, I am not picking up any extra shifts at work. Instead, I'm going to Tampa for Christmas, then London to learn about Public Relations for two weeks.”

During the upcoming winter break, the study abroad program is offering a wide range of opportunities to learn in foreign countries and receive credits toward classes at George Mason University. Some of the language programs offered in January 2009 are Italian studied in Sicily, Spanish studied in Mexico and French in the Caribbean. All of these programs are about two weeks long during the month of January and students who participate will receive three credits towards the approved courses listed.

Another program to consider is the faculty-led study tours. Faculty members offer excursions around the world every year, such as Ecology in Ecuador, geographic features of Egypt and great cities: Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Israel and Palestine. A London Theater Tour, Philosophical Thought in Greece and Turkey, Public Relations in London and International Organizations in Switzerland are also offered this winter break. Just like the language programs mentioned, the faculty-led study tours take place in a two-week period during winter break, and students will receive three credits.

If any of these places seem interesting, Kevin Stoy, Marketing Coordinator for the Center for Global Education said, “Students don’t necessarily register to study abroad. They apply online through our Web site and part of the application process gives them the option to list what course they will take the program for, although this information doesn’t need to be complete in order to submit the application.”

Deciding which program to choose can be difficult given the variety, so Stoy offers some assistance. “Right now our most popular programs are those in Spanish-speaking countries (Spanish language study in Granada, Spain or Guanajuato, Mexico) and our summer internship in Israel and Palestine,” said Stoy.

Given that winter break is only a few weeks away, there’s still time to plan for summer. The difference between the winter and summer programs are the number of credits offered. The summer programs offer more credits because of the longer trips. Alex Pfeuffer a junior and communication major said, “Next semester, I will be studying in Marseille, France.”

Also there are internships being offered in the summer in foreign countries, which are not offered during winter break. Some of the countries the internships are offered in are Beijing, China, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Israel and Palestine and London, England. The language programs and faculty led study tours are also offered in the summer and have even more locations offered such as international summer school in Ireland or at the University of Oxford.
The study abroad program always encourages students to study abroad whether in winter or summer. Learning in a different country and culture may enrich students’ education and can be a great experience.

If you want to find out more on studying abroad and all the programs they’re offering, check out globaled.gmu.edu/programs. The Web site has detailed information on cost, credits received, housing, excursions and contact numbers for questions.

As for other students at Mason, their winter break will be pretty much low-key and relaxing. Jennifer Green, English major and senior, said, “Winter break, I am working on my wedding and applying to Mason’s graduate school.”