CES Study Abroad Information Session

by Ena Barisic

The Center for European Studies held a summer study abroad informational session for students interested in visiting either Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, or Belgium. These programs can count for the required summer term, and as classes for Political Science, European Union Studies, Eastern-Central European Studies and International Studies. The purpose for the session was to informally give information regarding each individual program, with regards to important details such as costs, transportation, classes offered, housing, and entertainment. Each program’s advisor joined the group of students in order to further explain the program. The general gist of applying is similar to all four programs: send an application, letter(s) of recommendation, said college application, minimum of 2.0/2.5 GPA and a non-refundable fee. Scholarships are offered for students to apply in order to fund the costs.

UF in Salzburg (Austria) offers programs in Music and European Studies and is open to all majors. It is available in Summer A, from May 15^th to June 21^st. The cost of this program is $6,485 for European Studies, $6,665 for Music, and $8,490 total for either program with the addition of an internship. While in Salzburg, the students have the option of living in dorms or Austrian homes with one or two students per home. Music majors and minors may take private lessons, music history and arranging. The European Studies program provides major credit for History and Political Science majors. The students can also be in an internship program that allows students to spend 12 weeks in the heart of Europe. The internship field includes majors from Business, Communications, and Service and Cultural Learning. All courses are offered through Salzburg College. Students can take trips to places such as Munich and Vienna.

UF in Krakow (Poland) is a six week program in which students can take up to four courses on Polish culture and society. It is during Summer B, from July 3^rd to August 14^th.  The cost of the program is $4,744. Course offerings include Polish history, film, literature, and politics. Students are required to take EUS4950 (Polish Cities, European Cities), a class that counts toward their UF GPA. Students will be living in dormitories in double rooms in which students will have a shared bathroom per two rooms. There is full accept to Internet and WIFI. There is an excursion to the Auschwitz concentration camp and the Wieliczka salt mine.

 

UF in Prague (Czech Republic) offers programs and courses for students interested in Czech culture, history, and myths. It is during Summer B, from June 22th to July 31^st for this specific program. The cost of the program is $4,546. Students will take EUS 4950 (Prague in Context) that will toward their UF GPA and another course offered at the Anglo American University in Prague. The excursions and trips have not been released yet, but students are able to travel on the weekends when they have free time. The students will be housed in shared bedrooms within the city that has easy access to restaurants, shops, and stores. There is access to Internet, WIFI, a kitchen and laundry.

Lastly, UF in Brussels is a qualifying study abroad program for the European Union Studies Minor, as well as the International Studies major. It is during Summer C, from May 24^th to July 11^th.  The program costs $4,546 and scholarships are available. Students will take courses that deal with the European Union, since it is in the headquarters, Brussels, along with NATO and other international organizations. The students are required to take EUS4905 (The European Union in the World) that will count for their UF GPA. Also, competitive students have the option of replacing the second class with an internship. Past excursions have included: EU Parliament, Brugges, NATO headquarters, the EU Council, and the EU Commission. There are also opportunities for students to travel on their own.