Study Abroad

Summer International Travel Courses

Simpson has added a summer travel course for 2011, SOC 290 "Global Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities as portrayed through Human Services in Slovenia," that will be led by Dr. Rosemary Link.

Ten students will have the opportunity to travel together with students from Augsburg College to Ljubljana, Slovenia this summer with a two-day stopover in London. Students wSlovenia travel course picturesill be guests at the University of Ljubljana and will visit with the U.K. “Child Poverty Action” group.

The course will give students an understanding of citizenship as portrayed through global policy instruments such as human rights conventions created through the UN. Slovenia has leading services in working with homeless youth, refugees and vulnerable populations as well as innovative community centers.

Travel costs cover airfare, accommodations, ground transport, and most food and they total $3,700 plus tuition of $915 for 3 credits.  This course fulfills the college's Cornerstone 7 general education requirement, and it may be audited for $175 plus travel costs.

Pre-departure orientation will occur in mid-June, with travelers departing Des Moines on July 1 and returning July 14th.

Students interested in applying to join the course should submit their application materials to the Office of International Education by Thursday, April 7th, 2011.  A complete application includes: 

  • The original, signed application form, plus one copy of the completed form
  • One copy of your current Simpson College degree audit
  • One copy of your personal statement (a 1-2 page essay describing how this course fits into your studies at Simpson, what your overall academic objectives are, and what specifically you hope to gain from this travel course that will enhance your educational experience.)
  • Copy of the data page from your passport, if you already have it, but if you don’t already have a passport, then provide a copy of your completed passport application (with your SSN blacked out).
  • Proof of payment of the $200 non-refundable deposit from the Simpson College Business Office.

The application deadline for this course has been extended to Thursday, April 7, 2011. Admission decisions will be announced via email from the OIE by Friday, April 15, 2011.

The International Travel Course Policies document contains answers to many frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions about policies or the application process, please contact Jay Wilkinson in the Office of International Education.  For more information about the travel course itself, please contact Dr. Link.

Last Updated: 11/18/11