January break: a wonderful time where students leave the University of Rhode Island for the seclusion of their homes, the silence of their Yik Yak feeds and for some, the serenity of Cuban culture.
This winter, if a month long stay with mom and dad does not seem so appealing, URI is offering an array of travel courses to locations around the globe this J Term. With 23 different Winter J Term programs being hosted through the University’s Office of International Education, there is surely a unique program for any student interested in a unique education.
A course in India on manufacturing processes or textile production is an opportunity to, according to the Office of International Education’s website, “observe manufacturing in large, medium, and small factories, as well as a wide variety of cultural, religious, and historical sites, including temples, palaces, and forts.â€
To an aspiring environmentalist, there’s a journey to Indonesia.
“During this program, graduate and undergraduate students will study the challenges faced by many countries in balancing environment and economy, but will do so in Indonesia, a country that is hyper-rich in natural resources and economic opportunity,†says the OIE website.
J Term Coordinator John Olerio reminds students that “there are major specific options, and then there are GenEds. If you’re deadset on travel, you’ll be able to find something, whether it is major related or not.†These include programs to Hawaii for work with an adaptive surf program and Rome to learn myths from the relics of the ancient culture.
There is even a stateside based program called the Career Rhode Trip for students looking to network with “communication professionals who work in public relations, marketing, corporate communications, and other communication-intensive positions…in New York City and Stamford, CT,†says the OIE website. “This trip includes local travel and is geared towards upper classman who are looking into getting an internship and networking with URI alumni,†says Olerio.
Each travel program fulfils certain URI class credits, usually three, and provides the opportunity to get ahead or catch up on academic plans.
Program duration and program cost vary by trip, but the guarantee of an experience does not. “Our travel programs receive nothing but positive feedback,†comments Olerio.
Anonymous student critiques pulled from post-travel surveys indicate the favorable nature of the trips.
“The condensed workload and tight time frame were ideal. It lends itself to staying on track and becoming more involved in the class,†one student comments.
Another feels as though the experience in Cuba “was a great time to bond with the faculty and not have to always be so professional…it helped me gain confidence when I was unsure of the material and I was able to feel more comfortable with disagreeing with them.â€
Details for all 23 travel Winter J Term trips, along with information regarding program scholarships and aid for eligible students, are available at www.uri.edu/international.
The deadline to apply for travel programs for this Winter J Term session is October 2nd, 2015. Students are reminded to apply directly through the Winter J Term website, not on eCampus.