EUROPEAN SUMMER STUDY PROGRAM (ESSP)
France, England, Scotland, Ireland
This program is currently not accepting applications and will be paused through Fall 2023. If you would like to discuss your study abroad options, please contact the CWIL office at abroad@saintmarys.edu.
Introduction
Learn about and study in seven countries in one month! The European Summer Study Program introduces students to European daily life and history through cultural experiences, visits to the theatre, walking tours to spectacular historic sites, introductions to international businesses and a host of other exceptional engagements. This four-week program is offered every other year. Students travel mid-May to mid-June, and are able to earn Sophia or elective credits while studying in Spain, France, England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
This program provides an excellent short-term study travel experience, making study abroad possible for students that cannot or do not want to travel for a full semester, due to limitations such as academic scheduling or athletic commitments. It can also offer an additional opportunity to those who want to enrich their college career with a second study abroad experience. All are welcome; even alumni, students from other institutions, and first-time travelers have joined us!
All participants take one or two courses (three or six credits) while in this program. Classes are offered, not in the usual four-walled setting, but instead in the places where important events happened. Students picnic in the Bois de Vincennes while talking about the significance of cafe and promenade culture in Paris, attend a Shakespeare play in the Globe Theatre to learn about historic performance, and discuss the Irish Rebellion of 1916 in front of the General Post Office in Dublin. Class sessions and group walking tours and site visits often end by mid-afternoon. Therefore, the remainder of the day is typically available for personal sightseeing. Some courses, such as theatre, may hold sessions in the evening or at night.
Courses are an additional cost, and credits may be applied toward Sophia or general elective needs.
Our accommodations are clean, well-rated B&Bs, hostels, and hotels in safe areas, close to popular public transportation stops. Breakfasts and two dinners are included in the program cost; students are responsible for their own lunches and most dinners. The program cost also includes train fares for public transportation in each city we visit.
Travel and Orientation
Chicago
Leave Chicago O’Hare Airport for the flight to our first stop in Europe.
Barcelona
Learn about Spanish folk culture via a paella dinner and a Flamenco performance. Understand the import of religion in Spain by visiting the grand Sagrada Familia.
Paris
Explore major heritage landmarks in Paris such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, Sacré Coeur, and Versailles.
England
Within the city of London, learn on-site at Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, The Tate Gallery, Hyde Park and its Speaker’s Corner, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, The Bank of England, and Westminster Cathedral.
Scotland
In Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, we may visit the Castle, Holyrood Palace, the National Art Gallery, National Museum and other places of historical and cultural interest. There will be a one-day tour to the Scottish countryside, the Highlands, or to Saint Andrews, with its shopping, medieval university and the world’s first golf course.
Ireland
In Dublin, see 1000 years of Viking and military history at Dublin Castle, the National Art Gallery, Christ Church and Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals, Trinity College, and Saint Stephen’s Green. The Republic of Ireland is one of the most scenic nations in the world and the program may visit several countryside locations—weather permitting—in Glendalough in County Wicklow or the seaside by rail.
The group is scheduled to return in late June. Arrangements may be made for those who wish to stay longer in Europe or travel to other points of Europe. However, we must be notified of these alternate travel arrangements, in writing,
by October 15. This may involve an increase in air travel costs.
Facilities
The program accommodations may range from clean, safe, highly-rated hostels to B&Bs to hotels.. All housing is close to popular public transportation stops.
Financial Aid
Students can apply for the
CWIL Student Summer Travel Grant. The grant is based on financial need and can help cover a portion of the costs. Students who have financial need may apply. We encourage students to explore external travel and academic grants and scholarships. Financial aid awards from Saint Mary's College will not apply to the summer session.
Insurance
Saint Mary’s College provides health insurance to all students studying abroad through GeoBlue. Study abroad students are automatically covered by this policy. The cost of this insurance is included in the program fee for short-term programs.
Curriculum
All current students will take one or two courses offered during the trip and will attend pre-departure curriculum sessions. While every course will focus on academic content specific to its field, all students will learn ambassadorship and promotion of global peace while participating in whole-program lectures, walking tours, and group events.
Previous course offerings include:
BUAD 349 – International Business
ENLT 203 – Comparative Literature
HIST 371 – The City in Modern European History
THTR 335 – Cultural Performance
Additionally, outings to residential neighborhoods, parks, museums, religious centers, or universities will allow students to experience the daily life of the local culture first hand.
Expenses
The cost of Summer programs vary by the program. In general, you should expect to pay the standard SMC summer tuition rates, as well as an additional program fee specific to each program. The estimated fee for the trip is $5,995 and covers all air, land and sea travel from Chicago (round-trip) and within Europe. All breakfasts and two evening meals are also included. Therefore, students must plan to purchase their own lunches and most dinners. Tuition is not included. Additional food and spending will vary by the individual, and previous student travelers recommend bringing $800-$1000, or an average of $150 per city . The fee also includes admission to sites we visit as a group, such as Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Edinburgh Castle, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Saint Paul’s. Apart from personal expenses, any additional expenses to the student will be minimal (less than $150 for taxis, subways, etc.). Expenses are based upon the existing air and land transportation schedules, and international currency rates prevailing on August 31. In the event of a significant change in world price structures or airline fares, revisions would have to be made to the cost of the trip.
Eligibility
The European Summer Study Program is open to all college or university students as well as SMC alumni. In addition to students from Saint Mary's College, Holy Cross College, and the University of Notre Dame, students from many other schools have participated.
Current students must complete at least one course while abroad as well as attend pre-departure curriculum. They may take up to a maximum of six credits. This is not required for alumni, although we welcome and encourage alumni participation in classes. Registration for courses must be completed by May 1. No GPA is required.
Enrollment in the program, which travels in every other year, is on a first-come basis. Our application deadline is NOVEMBER 1. The acceptance date is December 1. A $500 non-refundable deposit will secure a place in the program and is due by DECEMBER 15th. All fees must be paid by May 1. In the event of over-enrollment, participants will be accepted in the order of the payment of their deposits.
For more information on this program click the request button and include your email in the message.
DATES AND DEADLINES CHART:
Applications Due: November 1
Acceptance Decision Date: December 1
Non-refundable Deposit Due: December 15
All Fees Due: May 1
Course Registration Deadline: May 1
For more information, contact:
Professor Melissa Bialko, Director
European Summer Study Program
165 Moreau Center
mbialko@saintmarys.edu
(574) 284-4653
Rebecca Méndez
Assistant Director of International Programs
Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership
(574) 284-4740
rmendez@saintmarys.edu
