JOINT NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY, GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY AND EU STUDIES PROGRAM STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITY\
The Fourth Consecutive
"European Union: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow"
May 7-27, 2006
“…an experience of a lifetime.”
“… an amazing and lifelong experience!” –participants, 2003
"It was awesome!" --participant, 2004
Dr. Hank Edmondson, Director (Georgia College & State University) hank.edmondson@gcsu.edu
Georgia College & State University
Student Cost: $3495 (including all housing, all breakfasts, many lunches & dinners, cultural events, excursions, insurance, round-trip international airfare and ground transportation; excluding tuition).
This three credit hour seminar is sponsored
jointly by NGC&SU & GC&SU and by the European Union (EU) Studies
certificate program, a program of the University System of Georgia. The seminar is designed to provide an
in-depth overview of the EU, its policies, and institutions. Included in course
study is consideration of the euro’s introduction and its impact on the business
community. Visits are planned to the key EU institutions and major corp
orations
for a first-hand experience of what is being studied. For students in the
certificate program, the seminar is
designed to satisfy the program’s capstone requirement (see the EU certificate
site:
http://www.usg.edu/oie/initiatives/usgeccp.phtml).
Originally formed in 1957 by six nations, the EU is now composed of twenty-five countries from Western and Eastern Europe. The goal of European unity is not a recent innovation, having existed at least since the time of Charlemagne, but a commitment to cooperate did not become a priority until after World War II. The war’s devastation overrode hesitation about relinquishing elements of national sovereignty in the interest of regional harmony. The authority of the EU evolved slowly through a series of treaty agreements to encompass a complex network of social, political, and economic responsibilities. In the process, an elaborate structure of institutions developed to manage the EU’s expanding range of activities. Three issues remain unresolved about the EU’s future: (1) the degree to which political—rather than economic—unity will be accomplished; (2) the pace and scope by which the EU’s enlargement will occur, especially into Eastern Europe; and (3) the challenge, if any, to the United States that will be posed by the collective strength of the EU’s member states. It has clearly become important for American students to know and understand the European Union.
Life in Strasbourg
Strasbourg, with its 600,000 inhabitants, is the
ancient capital of Alsace and has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.
Strasbourg’s history is turbulent and the city has been the object of many
wars. It initially came under French control
in the early 17th
century when surrounded by the army of Louis XIV. He allowed the city to
remain Protestant and its cathedral continues to be shared by Catholics and
Protestants today. French control was interrupted when Germany occupied St
rasbourg
in 1870 and retained control till World War I. This background makes Strasbourg
the ideal place to symbolize the peaceful integration of Europe. Home to
the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, Strasbourg is considered by
many to be Europe's unofficial capital.
Strasbourg’s advantageous location within France—on the border to Germany and close to Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Belgium—makes this city the perfect destination to travel in Europe. It has the unique claim of being the only French city on the Rhine River. Strasbourg is easily accessible to international visitors, with its own airport and Frankfurt Airport approximately 110 miles away.
Strasbourg has the scale, the atmosphere and attraction of a big city without overwhelming its citizens. Travelers rate Strasbourg as one of the most interesting cities in France, second only to Paris. It boasts one of the oldest universities in the country, a sophisticated theater scene, museums for every taste, and the stunning Cathedrale de Notre-Dame, with its ornate 470-foot spire. The Cathedral’s 340-foot-long interior is shaped like a cross and was completed in 1284. The stained-glass windows date from the 13th and 14th centuries. An astronomical clock, originally built in the 15th century, has animated characters that reenact Peter’s denial of Christ at 12:30 daily. A sandstone square is situated between the cathedral and the river.
This ancient city offers a wealth of architecture highlighted by the Cathedral and the Petite France area. Strasbourg is also famous for its gastronomy: Foie Gras, wines of Alsace, chocolates, and Eaux de vie. Strasbourg's winding medieval streets are lined with cafes, beer houses and winstubs. The city retains many traditional Alsatian eateries where visitors can indulge in local favorites.
The Office of Tourism is open year-round and will help arrange side-trips, such as a visit to breweries or romantic Rhine cruises. Strasbourg is also a city worth the visit by night (Adapted from Strasbourg On-Line: http://www.strasbourg.com/)
Château de Pourtalès is a 250 year-old castle in
Strasbourg. It is nestled in a large public park that contains wild
horses but
yet is only minutes away from the European Parliament, the European Court of
Human Rights and the historic center of Strasbourg. The castle provides
class-room space, a student library, internet access and 40 dormitory rooms.
Numerous outdoor and recreational facilities are nearby. The city’s center is
six miles from the château and can be reached by taking bus #15A at a cost of
1.10 euros.
“The European Union: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” began in the Spring of 2002 and enjoyed an immensely successful summer. Participating students claimed to have learned and experienced more during the program than in many of their other academic and travel experiences. The program filled up twice in 2003 until no more space could be found. The 2004 and 2005 programs were successful as well. The maximum number of students is normally only 25. For that reason, early applications will be most successful.
Use of Apple Photo iPods
Each student in the program will be supplied with the use of an Apple Photo iPod for the duration of the trip. The iPod will contain pre-recorded lectures, two audio books, representative popular and classical national music, thumbnail sketches (with audio explanations) of many leading works of art at the Prado Museum (Madrid), the Louvre Museum (Paris), the Musée d'Orsay (Paris), and Musées Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire (Belgium). Ample amounts of popular music--rock, alternative, jazz, & classical--will be loaded on the iPod as well for entertainment and relaxation.
The innovative use of the iPod at GC&SU has received national and international coverage; in addition, Apple has featured several articles about GC&SU's iPod program on its website in including these articles:
iBroad experience (taken from Apple Education Site)
http://www.apple.com/ipod/color/
Optional Excursion to Spain
Students will have an opportunity for a four-day weekend in
Spain. The excursion will consist of a visit to Madrid which will
include
hotel accommodations for three nights with breakfast included, a city tour
including the Plaza Mayor, the Hapsburg district and Bourbon monuments, the
world-class Prado and Reina Sofia art museums, a tapa bar evening, a bullfight
(if available), the Spanish Parliament (if available), and flamenco
entertainment. Cost will be dependent upon number of students enrolled for
excursion.
For an application packet see or e-mail Prof. Brian Murphy (bmurphy@ngcsu.edu) or Prof. Hank Edmondson (hank.edmondson@gcsu.edu) Space is limited so early applications will be the most successful. Or click here to download an application.
Financial aid must be sought at the student's home institution.
“Thanks for such a great trip!”
“Thank you for everything—I had a wonderful time in Europe.”
“It has been a pleasure!”
“I had an amazing time in Europe and appreciate all of the hard work you put into our European studying experience.”
“I can't thank you enough for all of the hard work, energy and dedication to make our Europe trip not only enjoyable, but an in-depth learning experience as well. I loved my time in Europe! I am now hooked and determined to go back. . .”
"...Our trip changed my life! It is because of the trip that I have decided to pursue a Masters in Contemporary European Politics!"
—participants, 2003.
"It was awesome!"
"It was an amazing experience. I would love to do it again--any discount rates for a second time?!"
--participants 2004
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Swiss Alps excursion (not available 2006)
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