Trinidad & Tobago: Culture, Creativity and Complexity in the Caribbean
During the month of January, you will earn four semester credits in as you explore the development of this Caribbean country amidst the sights and sounds of the islands. In February, you will enroll in spring classes at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and begin the core course – Caribbean Culture and Society (six credits). This class, taken by all students in the group, is team-taught by local cultural and academic experts. In addition, you select two courses (four credits each) from the wide variety of academic subjects available to all students at University of West Indies, St. Augustine campus. These four courses total 18 credits for J-term and spring semester.
Highlights:
- Culture - visit Hindu temples, mosques and churches; experience Trinidad's unique Carnival with its shimmering costumes, a visual and musical feast for art lovers. Witness a society that is weaving its grand diversity into a rich and rare tapestry.
- Study tours - throughout the semester, academic and cultural field trips will be arranged. Explore the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, learn about the varied heritages of this multicultural society, discover calypso, parang, and steel bands, visit the rainforests and the Scarlet Ibis nesting grounds, listen to Parliament in session.
- Service learning - your learning experience is deepened through a service learning assignment in local community organizations, matched to your talents and interests.
- Nature - the islands are a bird-watcher's paradise: hummingbirds, herons, parrots, toucans and kingfishers abound. Reflect on the golden sun-soaked sands of beautiful Maracus beach.
Dates:
Tentative dates: early January to mid-May, 2008
Academic Program:
18 semester hours credit will be awarded by Pacific Lutheran University. Semester abroad programs fulfill PLU's Cross-Cultural Diversity Requirement.
Pre-requisites:
Sophomore, junior or senior standing. Students much have a minimum 2.7 or higher G.P.A. (3.0 preferred). Must be a student in good standing.
Cost:
The PLU comprehensive fee for spring 2008 covers this academic experience (instruction and academic credit, housing, most meals, selected excursions, study abroad insurance, and visa fees). Round trip Miami air travel, personal excursions, and other miscellaneous expenses are not included in program cost. PLU financial aid applies.
Application Process:
Application form. Applications will be considered through September 2008 on a space-available basis. A $50 non refundable deposit is due with the application and a $250 program payment is required within 10 days of acceptance.
For more information contact:
Dr. Barbara Temple-Thurston, Professor of English
Director, Trinidad Program
(253) 535-8747 or templeba@plu.edu
- or -
Wang Center for International Programs
(253) 535-7577 or e-mail: wang.center@plu.edu or sojourn@plu.edu (peer advising)
Pacific Lutheran University reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. Should circumstances require PLU to cancel a program, students will be notified immediately and confirmation deposits will be refunded.