WWU spring and summer faculty-led travel programs are open to all

Western Washington University is offering a variety of educational travel programs this spring and summer. Feed the traveler within and interact with a new culture or learn a foreign language. Stimulate the learner within and take your degree to new heights with field research, hands-on experiences and more.

The following destinations are scheduled for 2011, and most programs are open to the public:

Athens, Greece: Athens: Myth or History Immerse yourself in a hands-on study of Athens. Visit archaeological sites and then trace the historical development of the city from the Acropolis through to the modern metropolis. Bellingham (WWU campus): Aug. 15-19; Athens: Aug. 25-Sept. 16.

Canada: A Capital View of Canada: Nations within a Nation Study Canada Summer Institute for K-12 Educators invites teachers to earn three university quarter credits (C/AM 410 - WWU) or 40 clock hours as they learn about Canada, its capital, and the distinct cultures that have formed the second largest nation in the world; July 3 – 8.

Costa Rica: Rainforest Immersion and Conservation Action Discover the Pura Vida, “Pure Life,” of one of the world’s leading ecological conservationist countries. Gain field research experience, and participate in community service projects and ecotourism excursions. June 21 – July 22.

Dominican Republic: Exploring Race and Gender in Latin Caribbean Contemporary Art Participate in studio art and art history workshops conducted by local Dominican guest lecturers and artists. Improve your Spanish while you work and study alongside locals and take weekend cultural excursions. WWU: March 29-April 7; Dominican Republic: April 10-May 29.

Italy: Art Workshop in Italy This four-week program visits Florence, Siena, Sant' Anna, Venice and Padua. Study classical and contemporary art while working on a studio-focused project and learning portable art methods involving mixed media – great for the traveling artist! June 17 – July 2

Ithaca, Greece: Applied Studies in Mediterranean Sustainable Development Explore Mediterranean architecture and culture while performing fieldwork on a small coastal Kioni Village in Ithaca. Gather research and create plans for sustainable economies, tourism practices, and community development. Greece: Aug. 27 - Sept. 11; WWU: Sept. 20-30.

Kenya: Field Studies and Collaborative International Service-Learning Spend six weeks in Kenya learning from local experts and WWU faculty about the culture, politics and issues facing rural Kenya, while engaging in meaningful service projects. Tailor your learning through the development of an individualized study or research project. June 21 – Aug. 19

Mexico: TESOL, A certificate to travel the world: start in Mexico! Earn a certificate that will qualify you to teach English around the world. Start this summer in TESOL courses at WWU and complete the program with a 4- or 8-week cultural immersion and teaching experience in Queretaro. WWU: July 19-23; Mexico: July 28-Sept. 15.

New Brunswick: Immerse yourself in Acadian French Culture Discover the uniqueness of the Acadia and the Acadians, a vibrant French-speaking culture of Eastern Canada. Broaden your knowledge and develop your French language skills. Participate in Acadian activities and field research, and visit museums and historical sites. July 17-Aug. 17.

New Orleans: Exploring Great Cities: The Nature, Culture and Future Immerse yourself in the ecology and culture of New Orleans where you will study the consequences of human activities. Find out about the city’s “21st Century Plan” and its vision for livability, opportunity, sustainability, and becoming a "green" city; June 24 – July 2.

Peru: Exploration Seminar, The Potential and Pitfalls of Ecotourism: Ecotourism as a Cultural Survival and Conservation Strategy Investigate the impact of tourism and eco-tourism on culture and environment in Peru's White Mountains, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Amazon Rainforest; Aug. 28 – Sept. 18.

Senegal, Africa: Religion and Postcolonial Literature Examine the impacts of European colonialism upon African peoples and how it has shaped or inspired development of folklore, language politics, and revolutionary or resistance literatures. Explore the role of religious belief and how it influences aspects of daily life; Aug. 20 – Sept. 12.

Switzerland and Italy: Study Food in Europe Immerse yourself in a study of two emerging areas of agroecology, biodynamic agriculture and agro-biodiversity conservation. These two programs provide unique learning opportunities linking old and new traditions and ideas in agriculture; June 18 – Sept. 3.

Tanzania, Africa: Explore Tanzanian Environments Multiple options are available for this program, which takes students to various locales within Africa. Students can spend up to four weeks on the continent learning about sustainable development, the geography of Mount Kilimanjaro, the national parks and other protected areas; June 22 – July 21.

Travel program applications are being accepted now. Each program is open to a limited number of participants, and prompt registration is encouraged to reserve your space.