Hungary: Comparative Education
Course Description:
Faculty Leader
Dr. Frank Kline, Professor of Instructional Development and Leadership, 253-535-7272 or klinefm@plu.edu
Individuals must learn to embrace a culturally responsive approach as our society becomes more and more diverse. This experience will provide students an opportunity to deepen knowledge of their own biases and to cultivate an authentic multi-ethnic frame of reference while developing an understanding of how culture impacts development and learning.
Set in beautiful Budapest and Hungary, this four-week course is designed to build cultural competence. Special attention will be given to minority educational issues, as well as Hungarian Roma and Jewish culture. Home and school visits along with cultural excursions will provide opportunity for a deep understanding of the reality of life in central Europe for these important cultural and ethnic groups. More intensive interactions will be developed as students provide opportunities for Hungarian English language learners to converse with native English speakers. In addition, by visiting selected sites and interviewing first hand witnesses, students will have opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of recent European history including the fall of the "Iron Curtain," the 1956 Revolution, and the holocaust.
Course Highlights:
- Engage in participant / observation experiences in a variety of Hungarian schools and/or civic institutions.
- See rural and urban Hungary.
- Visit in typical urban and rural Hungarian homes.
- Tour various sights in Buda and Pest -- Jewish quarter, thermal baths, Roman ruins.
- Cruise the Danube.
- Engage in various cultural experiences -- opera, art museums, folk music.
Course Objectives:
- Have an understanding of the historical, cultural, and social issues within Hungary.
- Increase their global literacy and their ability to relate effectively across cultures.
- Be able to articulate a personal understanding of the educational system in Hungary.
- Be able to identify cultural strengths that they have observed in various Hungarian cultures.
- Gain an understanding of multiple perspectives as they pertain to various ethnic groups in Hungary.
- Have an understanding of some of the contemporary educational reforms, social problems including issues such as poverty, religion and social class and how they compare with similar issues in the United States.
- Be able to challenge their own stereotypes and assumptions about people in their own society and in Central/Eastern Europe.
- Demonstrate that they are able to grow and learn and teach in community with others.
- Develop an enhanced understanding of their own culture as they encounter one another.
- Learn about their sense of self as they encounter adults and children in Hungary
- Increase their ability to incorporate multi-cultural instruction into their own life / professional experiences.
Course Credit:
EDUC 385 (4 credits). Department credit; GUR/Gen Ed, Cross Cultural Perspectives.
Program Fee:
$4,850. Includes airfare, lodging, supplemental study abroad insurance, and program related transportation. PLU reserves the right to add a surcharge in response to unanticipated price increase.
These estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses may vary according to student interests, individual needs, and spending habits:
- Passport (new) = $110 / Passport (renewal) = $135
- Visa fees (required for some non-US passport holders) = varies
- Pre-travel evaluation at the PLU Health Center = $45 *All students are required to visit either the PLU Health Center or a personal healthcare provider to achieve the proper medical clearance. Be aware that other medical providers may charge additional fees that may result in a higher cost than the PLU Health Center.
- Immunizations = $0 to several hundred dollars **Vaccination needs vary on destination and individual medical history, and may be costly.
- Airline baggage fees = approximately $25 for each checked bag
- Books, supplies, course materials = varies
- Cell phone and cell usage = varies
- Personal Expenses = approximately $600. Check with your faculty leader for an accurate estimate for your destination.
Application Deadline:
April 13, 2012. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required with the application. A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum of 18 students.