Tash Mahnokaren
Staff Writer
We see them all the time: advertisements on the Internet, within magazines and papers about affordable vacations with the promise of an amazing experience.
Travel itself is an enriching and wholesome experience but what if you could book your travel through Idaho State University?
The ISU short-term study program was recently launched through the international studies department.
In this program, students have the option of taking a general studies course about the destination of their choice.
In their recent travel abroad, participants of the short-term study program got the opportunity to visit Costa Rica.
“It was a unique experience; the turtle tour was unbelievable,” said Alex Cortez, ISU student and participant of the trip about the experience of watching leatherback turtles laying eggs on the beach.
The participants had the opportunity to stay in a remote village surrounded by water and experience the natural wildlife within.
“We were in the jungle amongst crocodiles, alligators, caiman, exotic birds, monkeys and big bugs of five to six inches long,” said Lori Warren, study abroad instructor and affiliate of the international studies faculty at ISU.
Students are taught about the food, customs, history, culture, art and language of the location they choose in their general studies courses, which are designed to be taken months prior to the actual travel date.
While the general studies course for the trip is offered for three credits, students have the option of taking up to another three credits as a special project coinciding with their travel experience and major.
“Right now we are trying to collaborate with different departments on campus in which students can incorporate their study experience with their field of study,” said Warren. “These kinds of projects are wonderful because they are able to take their field of study and incorporate things globally.”
“I had a nursing student who did her project on what the healthcare was like in other countries,” continued Warren. “She had planned to see different hospitals while we were in Switzerland and Germany so she could have a global view of her major.”
While the cost of the trip covers airfare, meals and accommodation, the International Studies and Travel Association also organizes supplemental fundraising events and sponsorships to help fund trips for students who are not able to afford them.
“We hope to hold two fundraisers a year,” said Warren.
This academic year the group will hold the Chelsea Blair memorial at Texas Roadhouse in November and in the spring they will be bringing in a comedy improv group to help raise funds.
The club is currently planning their next trip to Belize in January and spots are filling up fast so don’t miss out on an opportunity to book your trip to one of ISU’s travel abroad destinations.
Contact Lori Warren at ude.usinull@irolrraw for more information.
