England

The Americans and the British speak the same language, love many of the same pop stars and television shows, and share much of the same history.  The two cultures, however, are quite distinct.  This course will explore the similarities and differences between life in America and in England, and we will pursue these explorations in a number of contexts: first, in England’s largest city, London; then, in a homestay in a small town south of London; and finally, in a country home in the southwest area of the country. Professors Susan Crisafulli (scrisafulli@franklincollege.edu) and Kristin Flora (kflora@franklincollege.edu)

Guatemala

This course is an international alternative to the education department’s required winter term field experience. The students will be placed in classrooms within the K-12 Campus of Colegio Interamericano and participate in various educational experiences while there. The students will also be exposed to various teaching styles and techniques that are used in foreign schools which will further enrich their knowledge of educational systems and their intercultural perspective. By living in Guatemala, the students will also experience the language, art, architecture, history, culture, cuisine, and geography of this region. The day trips and weekend excursions to Antigua and Lago de Atitlán will provide yet another layer to their cultural experience. This travel course is only open to education majors as it has educational field experience requirements. Professors Karen Burgard (kburgard@franklincollege.edu) and Kathryn Johnston (kjohnston@franklincollege.edu).

Ireland

Experience a coast-to-coast learning adventure across one of Europe's most beautiful landscapes. Students study some of the English-speaking world's greatest literature, and visit the sites of the most moving  – and violent – events in Irish history.  Travelers will experience the thrill of Ireland's big cities, the charm of the Emerald Isle's country villages as well as Ireland's visual arts treasures and its contemporary performing arts scene. Best of all, thrill to plenty of up-close and personal encounters with the friendly Irish people. Professor Hank Nuwer (hnuwer@franklincollege.edu) and Ms. Amy VerSteeg (aversteeg@franklincollege.edu)

Japan

A Japanese proverb tells us “Seeing is believing.”  In this course, students will visit Japan for 13 days and learn Japanese culture.  Students will visit Japanese cultural sites in Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Nara and Uji.  Students will visit Hiroshima and will be given an opportunity to think about the effects of war and nuclear weapons.  They will also look at Mt. Fuji (Japanese National Mountain), which reflects the Japanese mind.  In addition, experiencing the different ways of living in Japan will also be focused on during the trip.  Students will visit and observe a Japanese home, local grocery stores, and local shops for variety of goods not only in downtown shopping areas but also in a residential area.  Students will use public transportation for all movements within a city. The trip includes observing Japanese art, literature and sport.  Tokyo Disney Land and Disney Sea World will be arranged as an optional tour, through which students are expected to learn how well Japanese culture harmonizes with American culture. Professors Hisaya Kitaoka (hkitaoka@franklincollege.edu) and Jayne Marek (jmarek@franklincollege.edu)

Senegal

This is a service-learning course in Senegal, a former French colony located in West Africa. Students will learn about Senegalese history, cultural traditions, and various aspects of contemporary Senegalese society including health, education, and women’s issues. Group activities will include a weekend of workshops in African dance, drumming, and batik as well as a visit to Gorée Island which played an important role in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Students will take part in two service projects while abroad, with Habitat for Humanity and École de la rue, a school for street children. Professors Simone Pilon (spilon@franklincollege.edu) and Edward Chikwana (echikwana@franklincollege.edu).