International Perspectives on Communication • Switzerland • Summer 1 2023
Location & Travel Q: Where exactly is the study abroad program?
Riva San Vitale, Switzerland Q: Where will we be staying? The Steger Center, a Virginia Tech-owned campus in Riva San Vitale Q: How long will we be there? We will be in Switzerland June 3-14. The remainder of the course will be completed online from anywhere in the world. Q: Can I arrive early or stay late? Of course! Students are encouraged to arrive in Europe several days early and/or stay several days after the conclusion of the program to continue their travel. However, you may only stay at Steger Center during our defined class dates. But don't worry -- Europe's transport system is one of the finest in the world. Lugano's location in Switzerland is central to many high-speed train lines that can take you as far as Poland or Portugal with ease. Milan's international airport is an hour away from Riva San Vitale, putting you a quick flight to many amazing European locales. Q: Will we travel at all during our two-week program? Absolutely. We will spend Thursday night (June 8) in Geneva, Switzerland, and the following day (Friday, June 9) we will visit the United Nations and a global public relations agency. We will also take afternoon trips to places near Lugano like Riva San Vitale and Bellinzona. Also, there is one "free" weekend where you are free to travel and explore other parts of Europe. As stated above, the Swiss rail system puts many wonderful European locales a short train ride away. Just be sure you are back in time for class on Monday! Q: Do I need a passport? Yes! You need a passport that expires NO SOONER than January 1, 2024. If you need to get a passport or renew an expiring one, start now, as the process usually takes several weeks. Visit the US Passport website to get started and visit the Virginia Tech passport office in Squires for more information Q: What else do I need to know? You will take a 1-3-credit hour course in the Spring 2023 semester. During that time, we will talk more about travel details and help prepare you for your time abroad. Upon your acceptance into the program, you will be automatically registered for this course. |
CourseworkQ: What courses are being offered? For the 2024 program, we are offering JMC 4244: Travel Reporting and JMC 4044: International Communication. More info can be found here. Q: Do I have to take both courses? Yes. Q: So, are these courses only two-weeks? No, the courses will run during the entire 6 weeks of the Summer 1 session. We will start classes online, then travel to Switzerland for two weeks, then complete the remainder of the courses online. The benefit is that you can complete the courses from anywhere in the world. Q: Do I have to take the spring course? Yes. Q: What is the course for the Spring? Upon being accepted to study abroad, you will be enrolled in a 1-3-credit hour course for Spring 2024. We will use this time to get to know each other as well as make travel arrangements, plan your time abroad, and learn about cultural norms. Q: Who's teaching our classes and leading us on our trip? Scout Stinson and Jared Woolly are your teachers for the 2024 program. This is Jared's fourth time teaching in this program and he's excited to do it again! Though this is Scout's first study abroad adventure in Switzerland, she has traveled in Europe extensively and is thrilled to be a part of this program. Q: I have more questions about the classes, where can I get answers? Email either of us anytime ([email protected] and [email protected]) or come say hi in Shanks Hall! Are there any videos I can watch about the program? Yes! Click here for a video from the 2019 program. |
Program InfoQ: I want to come! How do I apply? Applications are available on the Global Education Office website. Click here for a direct link. Q: When's the application deadline? Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Q: How much does the program cost? Click here and then choose the "Financial Matters" tab for a breakdown of the 2024 fees. Note that you will buy airfare on your own, and with a bit of research, great deals are out there on plane tickets. Q: Are there any scholarships? Yes! See this page for more information. Note: the Communication Department scholarship will not open for applications until the Spring semester. Stay tuned! Q: Is there a GPA or standing requirement? You need to have at least a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for our program. Q: How can I learn more before I make my decision? Stay tuned to this website, follow us on Facebook, and keep your ears open around Shanks Hall. Scout and Jared would love to hear your questions and concerns by email or in person in our offices in Shanks Hall. |
|
Download the study_abroad_fact_sheet for more information about the program.
|