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Freshman Seminars Abroad (FSA)
The Programs
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The following programs are expected to be offered in summer 2009. The programs typically are between 10 and 18 days in length and take place between early/mid July to mid-August. Program details may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances. |
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada (program cancelled for 2009)
Icebergs, Whales, Puffins, Caribou, Archeology, WWII History, Fishing, Hiking, Music, and the First Sunrise in North America… What do these things have in common? Newfoundland. This program travels to the remote north eastern coast of North America to the isolated island of Newfoundland situated in the Iceberg Alley near the site of the Titanic's collision. Students on this program will experience the music, military and maritime heritage, and Irish culture of the Avalon Peninsula in eastern Newfoundland, one of the oldest inhabited areas in North America. Students will also explore the area's many hiking trails, ecological reserves, and geological parks. Newfoundland also features a parade of puffins, whales, and icebergs around its shores, all of which students will have an opportunity to see first-hand as they consider environmental and sustainability issues. If you care about the environment and like to be outside, then this program is sure to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because if it keeps getting warmer, soon the icebergs will be gone! **Please note, as an environmentally-based program, this program will involve hiking and boating as activities. Students should be prepared for being outside.
Tokyo, Kyoto and Beppu, Japan (program cancelled for 2009)
Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Japan provides a unique location to learn about environmental science. Japan offers diverse geographic features including breathtaking scenery, volcanoes, geysers, thrust-fault mountains, geothermal hot springs, coastal zones, marine and fresh water ecosystems, alpine tundra, and grasslands. Japan even has bears, monkeys and other animals not usually associated with this island nation. Beyond the wonderful environment, Japan has a long cultural history that influences people's interaction with and thinking about the environment. In addition, the country's large population, limited natural resources, and geographical isolation interact in ways that affect, sometimes negatively, the environment. This program will focus on the environmental issues facing the Japanese people, with an emphasis on sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to explore the environmental issues currently faced by the Japanese Come, explore Japan and its many beautiful islands.
Oaxaca, Mexico (program cancelled for 2009)
The seminar features immersion in and interactive exploration of Mexican social diversity and cultural heritage in the unique setting of Oaxaca. Classroom experiences before, during and after travel to Mexico will be enhanced with excursions to museums, community organizations, and culturally and historically important sites. Academic work will consist of written assignments on course topics and readings in the course pack. Round-trip group transportation from East Lansing to Oaxaca is included.
On-campus Orientation: July 21 - July 23, 2009
In-country: July 24 - August 5, 2009
Spend time on the Western side of Emerald Isle and experience the vibrant cultural cities, friendly people, historic castles, and beautiful national parks of the Republic of Ireland. This exciting seminar takes place in the cities of Cork and Galway, the home of Irish youth and artistic culture. This seminar offers coursework designed specifically for first-year students, with two themes:"Health and Healthcare in Ireland: How health practices impact individuals and communities" and "From Womb to Tomb in Ireland”. Students will engage in experiential activities that transform Ireland into a classroom, as they think about issues facing an increasingly interconnected world.
Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, Scotland (UK)
On-campus Orientation: July 10 - July 12, 2009
In-country: July 13 - July 24, 2009
Edinburgh, Scotland is a city steeped in history and dominated by a picture-perfect medieval castle, where even the “new town” dates from the 19th century. Edinburgh is also a vibrant modern city, and as Scotland's capital, it is home to the new Scottish Parliament, a major university, museums, and entertainment opportunities.
During this program, students will explore the city and its surroundings, visiting sites old and new. They will also experience the stunning beauty of the Highlands on a tour that includes visits to Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye.
Bologna, Florence & Venice, Italy (program cancelled for 2009)
On-campus Orientation: July 11 - July 13, 2009
In-country: July 14 - July 25, 2009
The 2009 Italian Summer Program for entering first-year students takes place in Bologna, the city universally known as "la dotta”, the learned, for its famous University-- the oldest in the Western World-- and "la grassa", the fat, for its rich and tasty cuisine. But the interests of this city do not end here. Bologna is like an open book that tells the story of this prosperous and cultured city through its 27 centuries of life.
See photos and information from the 2008 Italy program here.
On-campus Orientation: July 22 - July 24, 2009
In-country: July 25 - August 8, 2009
New Zealand has captured the world's attention with its natural beauty as highlighted in the Lord of the Rings trilogy; however, like the rest of the world, New Zealand faces challenges that threaten its environmental resources and cultural heritage. This program will visit important environmental and historic sites on New Zealand's North Island, including volcanoes, geysers, rainforests, wildlife sanctuaries, and museums. Students may choose between two academic tracks: one emphasizing the natural and human environment and another emphasizing sustainability and agriculture. As the entire program has an environmental/sustainability theme, most field visits will occur as a full group and students should be prepared to be active and be outside throughout their stay.
Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, South Africa
On-campus Orientation: July 27 - July 29, 2009
In-country: July 30 - August 13, 2009
South Africa, like the United States, is a country of rich diversity-cultural, social, religious, and geographical. Moreover, in the past decade South Africa has experienced one of the most dramatic peaceful transformations in modern history as it emerged from centuries of severe racial discrimination into a vibrant multicultural democracy. This Freshman seminar will provide participants with the opportunity to engage this transformation and South Africa 's rich diversity in the context of Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
- Introduction to Freshman Seminars Abroad
- Programs
- Information for Students
- Information for Parents
- Contact Us
Program details may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances. |
