Faculty-Led Travel Courses
Faculty-led short term travel courses are an exciting, enriching way to study abroad. You will meet with faculty throughout the semester to prepare for travel through readings, lectures and coursework; then you'll travel during a semester break or during the summer to enhance your learning.
Fall 2022
Belize
BIO 422/422L: Coral Biology
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Jeri Fox, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2022
Belize Course Description
This fall semester course presents an in-depth study of the biology and taxonomy of corals while examining the ecology of the coral reef system and the future of reefs, concluding with a field lab. You will snorkel in the beautiful lagoons of Ambergris Caye, the Hol Chan and Bacalar Chico Marine Reserves. The group is housed in a field station on the northern tip of Ambergris Caye with access to the reef ecosystem, mangroves, seagrass beds, and jungle.
Cuba
CIT 420: Global Citizenship
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Sam McReynolds, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2022
Cuba Course Description
Travel to Cuba to explore an exciting new era of U.S.-Cuba relations, while simultaneously fulfilling the Citizenship graduation requirement. During the course, you will learn about Cuban history, society and culture with a focus on the impacts of the Cuban Revolution. Highlights of your time in Cuba include engaging in cultural learning through discussions with Cuban people, visiting an organic farming cooperative and a local elementary school, and sharing in popular Cuban pastimes of music, dance, and dominoes.
Morocco, Physical Therapy
PTH 725: DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY CULTURAL COMPETENCY EXPERIENCE
- Open to: Doctor of Physical Therapy students
- Faculty: Tara Paradie, PT, M.S.
Morocco, Physical Therapy Course Description
This fall semester course will provide PT graduate students with knowledge regarding cultural competency and sensitivity through classroom learning and learning experiences within the community in Tangier, Morocco. Students will begin by researching and examining some of the differences between the U.S. and Morocco in the areas of public health, health care, and culture while on campus in Portland. As the course progresses, it will move the study of cultural competence beyond the classroom into the world around us. Students will travel to the University of New England campus in Tangier, Morocco, in mid-May in order to further experience the different cultures through learning activities. These experiences will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate cultural sensitivity with a variety of populations and in a variety of settings.
Spring 2023
Costa Rica
BIO 257/257L OR BIO 455/455L: TROPICAL FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Greg Zogg, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
Costa Rica Course Description
This is a spring semester course that includes travel to Costa Rica for nine days over spring break, where you will explore the amazing biodiversity of both tropical rainforests and so-called dry forests. You will conduct fieldwork examining how human-induced changes in the environment — such as defaunation, invasive species, and global warming — impact these two forest types. In addition, you will have the opportunity to zipline through the forest canopy, spend some time at the beach, and simply enjoy the sights and sounds of tropical forests. Upon return to the U.S., you will spend the rest of the semester drawing upon your travel experience to help identify strategies to protect these natural systems from further human disturbance. Note that this course can be taken at either the 200- or 400-level, with students enrolling at the 400 level having greater expectations in terms of both depth of study and workload, and serving as research team leaders on group projects before, during, and after travel to Costa Rica.
Guatemala, Occupational Therapy
OTR 699: Occupational Science in Guatemala
- Open to: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Students
- Faculty: Kristin Winston, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
- Application Deadline: January 1, 2023
Occupational Science in Guatemala Sample Itinerary
Occupational Science in Guatemala Course Description
This spring course will provide you with knowledge regarding cultural competency and sensitivity through classroom learning and clinical observations in Guatemala. You will begin by researching and examining some of the differences between the US and Guatemala in the areas of OT education, health care, and culture while on campus in Portland. As the course progresses, it will move the study of cultural competence beyond the classroom into the world around you. You will travel to Guatemala for 12 days in late April and early May to visit hospitals, rehab settings, and non-governmental healthcare related organizations and local OT programs. These experiences will provide you with opportunities to demonstrate cultural sensitivity with a variety of populations.
Guatemala, Physical Therapy
PTH 699: Rehabilitation in Guatemala
- Open to: Doctor of Physical Therapy students
- Faculty: Jennifer Audette, PT, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
Guatemala, Physical Therapy Course Description
Students will spend one week in Guatemala assisting in running a sports camp and PT clinic for children with disabilities at Transitions Foundation in Antigua, Guatemala and will visit programs serving people with physical disabilities and discussing disability issues with local healthcare providers. An overnight trip to Lake Atitlan and other cultural experiences will be included. Preparatory class meetings will take place and will include assigned readings, discussions, and planning.
Iceland, Arctic Adventure Tourism
ORM 275/275L: Arctic Adventure Tourism
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Aimee Vlachos, M.S., Ed.D., CPRP
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
Arctic Adventure Tourism Info Description
Tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the world, thus the demand for proficient workers is increasing continuously. In its 2017 Global Economic Impact Report, the World Travel and Tourism Council reported that, "Over the next 10 years, the sector will support 23% of new jobs created." This course will focus on Arctic marketing, management and communication relevant to the adventure tourism industry. You will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to design and produce sustainable nature-and culture based experiences. The program's values are based on respect and concern for nature and culture. This course has a travel component which includes travel to Iceland in May where you will participate in activities related to Arctic adventure tourism and meet with local business owners in this field.
Iceland, Natural History
MAR 436/436L: NATURAL HISTORY OF ICELAND
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Markus Frederich, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
Natural History of Iceland Course Description
This spring semester course provides an in-depth study of the unique ecosystems for marine and terrestrial organisms, as well as the unique human history and culture of Iceland. You will explore geological features like volcanic craters and geysers, hike in the fault line between the American and the European plate and learn about adaptations to a subarctic climate. You will also explore the Viking history of Iceland, which is tightly related to the discovery of America, and Iceland's sustainable energy production.
Ireland
EDU 242/242L: COMPARATIVE EDUCATION IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Lane Clarke, Ed.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
Ireland Course Description
This spring semester course will investigate comparative education theories and philosophy to examine education in different contexts. By investigating contexts locally, nationally and globally, you will extend your knowledge about society and how this is enacted through the institution of its schools. In Ireland, students will visit schools and learn about Irish culture by touring castles, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands. Other highlights may include the Ring of Kerry and the areas of Galway, Cork, Kinsale, and Killarney.
Italy, Physical Therapy
PTH 799: PT and Rehabilitation in Italy
- Open to: Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
- Faculty: Jennifer Audette, PT, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
ITALY, Physical Therapy Course Description
Students will spend two weeks in Italy visiting unique programs serving people with physical disabilities and discussing disability issues with Italian health professionals, clients, and students. Cultural experiences will be included in all aspects of the course. Preparatory class meetings will take place and will include assigned readings, discussions, and planning.
Morocco, Occupational Therapy
OTR 699: Occupational Science in Morocco
- Open to: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Students
- Faculty: Kristin Winston, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Apply for Morocco, Occupational Therapy
Morocco, Occupational Therapy Sample Itinerary
Morocco, Occupational Therapy Course Description
This spring semester elective course for second-year Occupational Therapy (OT) graduate students provides advanced study in occupational science, occupational therapy without borders, and interprofessional practice with emphasis on the cultural context of occupation. Students will explore the transaction of place, objects, and people as they engage in everyday occupation and service to expand occupational participation in Morocco. Occupational experiences with agencies and organizations in Morocco will provide population-based reflection and hands-on experiences. This course includes the development of a sustainable project with outcome measurement based in ecological theory. This course, designed to immerse the student in a new culture, will facilitate renewed perspectives of occupation, occupational therapy, interprofessional practice, and global understanding of the value of occupation in society. Students will travel to the University of New England campus in Tangier, Morocco in early to mid-January.
Panama
BIO 459/459L: CONSERVATION & ECOLOGY OF A CARIBBEAN ISLAND
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Jeri Fox, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
Panama Course Description
This spring semester course covers topics in history and geology of the Caribbean with an emphasis on the island of Boca del Toros in Panama. You will study topics such as terrestrial, island, and marine biodiversity, and the ecology and evolution of populations.
Summer 2023
Ireland and/or Iceland, Physical Therapy
PTH 799: CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
- Open to: Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
- Faculty: Erin Hartigan, PT, D.P.T., Ph.D., LAT, ATC
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2023
NOTE: If you are planning on going to Ireland and Iceland, please fill out both applications.
Apply for Ireland, Physical Therapy
Apply for Iceland, Physical Therapy
Ireland and/or Iceland, Physical Therapy Course Description
This summer course will provide you with knowledge regarding cultural competency and sensitivity through classroom learning and clinical observations in Ireland and/or Iceland. You will begin on campus in Portland by researching and examining some of the differences between the U.S. and Ireland/Iceland in the areas of PT education, health care, and culture. You will then travel to either Ireland or Iceland or both. The Ireland travel component will run for 7 days in mid-August and include clinical visits and meetings with PT leaders. You will also travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Immediately after, the Iceland component will run for 8 days in late August. You will visit the University of Iceland and attend a classroom learning activity, a PT clinic, ÖSSUR Motion Lab, and other clinical and cultural sites as available.
Spain
PHP 405: GLOBAL HEALTH
- Open to: Doctor of Pharmacy students, fourth year
Spain Course Description
This Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) provides you with a Spanish language and cultural immersion experience, as well as two courses at the University of Granada. Through lectures and experiential learning, you will examine the Spanish healthcare system within the European and U.S. context and reflect upon the changing healthcare landscape in the U.S. and abroad.
Fall 2023
Belize
BIO 422/422L: Coral Biology
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Jeri Fox, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2023
Belize Course Description
This fall semester course presents an in-depth study of the biology and taxonomy of corals while examining the ecology of the coral reef system and the future of reefs, concluding with a field lab. You will snorkel in the beautiful lagoons of Ambergris Caye, the Hol Chan and Bacalar Chico Marine Reserves. The group is housed in a field station on the northern tip of Ambergris Caye with access to the reef ecosystem, mangroves, seagrass beds, and jungle.
Egypt, Physical Therapy
PTH 799, Physical Therapy in Egypt
- Open to: Doctor of Physical Therapy students
- Faculty: Adrienne McAuley, PT, DPT
- Application Deadline: June 15, 2023
Egypt, Physical Therapy Course Description
This will be a fall enrollment course and students will learn about Egyptian culture including history, government, economics, customs, and religion. The trip itself will be for two weeks in early January. Students will spend roughly 5 days in Assiut (a city of 400,000 that is approximately a 5h drive south of Cairo) at Assiut University. Assiut University is home to 75,000 undergraduate and nearly 20,000 graduate students as well as two hospitals. Physical therapists in Egypt work predominately with patients who have musculoskeletal impairments. Students will be able to engage with physical therapists and patients in the hospital and private PT clinics, as well as attend orthopaedic rounds and observe surgeries. Bookending the trip will be visits to historic and cultural sites such as pyramids, tombs, temples, museums, and of course, the Nile River.
Spring 2024
Galápagos Course Description
This is a spring semester course offered every other year that includes traveling to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands for 11 days at the end of the semester. Throughout the semester, students participate in lectures, discussions, research and presentations focusing on endemic species and the natural history, ecology, behavior and evolution of the animals and plants that inhabit the islands. The laboratory portion of the course consists of visiting the Galápagos Islands aboard a private yacht. Highlights of the trip include exploring the Otavalos Market (Ecuador’s largest indigenous market), walking in Darwin’s footsteps to explore the sites that inspired his legendary theory of evolution, up close encounters with species such as flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, Galápagos tortoises and marine iguanas, observing and discussing the effects of development on the islands, hiking on the islands, stargazing aboard the boat and snorkeling with Galápagos sea lions, turtles and other marine wildlife. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore one of the world’s most inspiring ecosystems.
Greece & Italy
BIO 241/241L: Anatomy and Art in Greece & Italy
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Kaushik Dutta, M.S.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
Greece & Italy Course Description
In this spring semester course discover the intriguing connections between human anatomy and the art of the Renaissance masters, including Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Bernini. During your 10-day trip to Italy and Greece in May, you will tour historic sites in Athens, Rome, Florence, and Bologna, representing the birthplace of modern anatomical science in some of Europe’s oldest universities.
Ireland
EDU 242/242L: COMPARATIVE EDUCATION IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Lane Clarke, Ed.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
Ireland Course Description
This spring semester course will investigate comparative education theories and philosophy to examine education in different contexts. By investigating contexts locally, nationally and globally, you will extend your knowledge about society and how this is enacted through the institution of its schools. In Ireland, students will visit schools and learn about Irish culture by touring castles, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands. Other highlights may include the Ring of Kerry and the areas of Galway, Cork, Kinsale, and Killarney.
Kenya
ENV 349/349L: ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN EAST AFRICA
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Richard Peterson, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
Kenya Course Description
This is a spring semester course offered every other year with a 22-day field experience in Kenya in late May/June. Semester studies focus on understanding Kenya’s contemporary environmental, health and community development issues within East Africa’s political, cultural, and historical contexts. The field experience features visits to leading universities, museums, and national parks, an overland journey from Nairobi to Kisumu through the Great Rift Valley, homestays with Kenyan families, hiking in the Kakamega Rainforest, boating, and birding on Lake Victoria, working with local partner organizations on soil conservation projects, and learning from and with community-based conservation researchers at a Maasai-owned educational resource center and conservancy in Kenya’s South Rift.
Mexico
CIT 420: Global Citizenship
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Sam McReynolds, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
Mexico Course Description
This spring semester travel course fulfills the Citizenship graduation requirement and includes a nine-day trip to Mexico during spring break. You will spend their first few days in Cuernavaca, an important cultural center in Central Mexico, where you will live with host families and immerse yourself in the community. You will then travel to the nearby village of Amatlán, where you will stay at an ecotourism center, teach English in a local school, and learn about Amatlán’s unique cultural heritage.
Panama
BIO 459/459L: CONSERVATION & ECOLOGY OF A CARIBBEAN ISLAND
- Open to: Undergraduate Students
- Faculty: Jeri Fox, Ph.D.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
Panama Course Description
This spring semester course covers topics in history and geology of the Caribbean with an emphasis on the island of Boca del Toros in Panama. You will study topics such as terrestrial, island, and marine biodiversity, and the ecology and evolution of populations.
