Short Term Programs

We offer a variety of short-term trips that usually take place after graduation in May and last anywhere between 1-2 weeks.  These faculty-led trips are offered in conjunction with a specific spring semester course, so opportunities vary from year to year. Feel free to reach out to our office to hear what courses/short-term trips may be available in the future or talk to your advisor about what the department may be planning. 

Upcoming Programs - May 2024


Apply Now to Short Term Programs

Irish Culture and Identity in Tullycross, Ireland

Ireland Short Term ProgramTentative dates: May 12 - May 27

Estimated cost: $4,000
Includes airfare, in-country transportation, excursions/entrance fees, housing, some meals and insurance. Scholarship available!!

Eligibility: completed 2 semesters of college (spring 2024 semester can count towards meeting this requirement), GPA 2.5+, not on academic probation or have recent, serious, or repetitive behavioral citations from the Dean of Students 

Course Details: IRST 210 - Irish Culture and Identity (humanities gen. ed. credit)
Register and complete coursework during the Spring 2024 semester, then spend about 2 weeks experiencing Irish culture in Tullycross - a town we have had a relationship with for over 50 years! The 2 weeks in Ireland will be spent engaging with the local community, participating in service projects, and touring some key cultural locations.

Faculty leader: Dr. Stefani Boutelier, Education

Last year Dr. Boutelier led the education short-term experience to Finland and Sweden and visited Tullycross as part of the 50th Ireland Reunion. She is so excited to explore Irish culture and identity with students in class, but especially in the wonderful community of Tullycross!

 

Iceland

AQ in IcelandTentative dates: May 13 - May 24

Estimated cost: $4,000
Includes airfare, in-country transportation, excursions/entrance fees, housing, some meals and insurance. 

Eligibility: completed 2 semesters of college (spring 2024 semester can count towards meeting this requirement), GPA 2.5+, not on academic probation or have recent, serious, or repetitive behavioral citations from the Dean of Students 

Course Details: Register and complete coursework during the Spring 2024 semester, then spend about 2 weeks experiencing what you learned about in Iceland!

While the classes are team-taught, and most assignments are the same for everyone, you will need to register for the class that you want to receive credit for or that you want to have as your focus. The course is listed as follows:
ENV 396 - Special Topics in Environmental Science: Iceland
ENGL 266 - Studies in English Literature (humanities gen. ed. credit)
HIST 314 - Variable Topics (European History): Iceland

Faculty leaders: 
Dr. Chad Gunnoe, History
Dr. Jim Rassmussen, Environmental Studies
Dr. Jennifer Dawson, English

This will be the 3rd time Dr. Gunnoe and Dr. Rassmussen have taken students to Iceland and will be Dr. Dawson’s 2nd time joining them. They love exposing students to the dynamic landscapes, unique history, and fascinating mythology of Iceland so hope you’ll join them!

 

Apply Now to Short Term Programs

Past Programs

Listed below are just some of the short term programs that have been offered in recent years to give you an idea of what might be possible!
 

Education students and faculty had the unique opportunity to learn about the progressive educational practices Finnish and Swedish school systems have put in place while also maintaining excellent educational quality. This 10-day trip included visiting local schools and libraries, workshops to learn about educational practices, and some special cultural experiences.

After studying sustainable business practices during the spring semester in Prof. Deb Stekee’s class, students had the opportunity to visit and experience them firsthand at various businesses in Costa Rica. Student Lauren Kovach had this to say about the experience, “I would tell any student (sustainable business or not) to go on this trip or study abroad. It’s so rewarding to learn about something new and experience a literal whole new world. Makes you appreciate what you have and then want to take action on certain things as well.”

After taking the Geography and Culture of Iceland course through the spring semester, students had the opportunity to explore the landscape and culture of Iceland for themselves. Student Adeline Steele shared, “A highlight for me was seeing the Arctic Ocean and all of the waterfalls! It was so awesome to finally see the features in person instead of on a PowerPoint slide! Iceland is a beautiful country and I think it’s so important to experience different countries and cultures other than our own.”

After taking a Studio Art or German Art History course, students had the option of visiting Germany to encounter the various artworks and architecture in-person. Student Danielle Paganelli said, “Being able to see the art and architecture of Hamburg and Berlin was definitely a highlight. It’s an amazing experience to be able to leave your culture and travel to see and learn about another. There’s so much more than just my life, everyone is on their own timeline and doing their own thing.

 

Testimonials

CONTACT INFO

International Programs
(616) 632-2067
bechtoldh@aquinas.edu
Academic Building, Room 359