| Description |
In his speech to the players, Hamlet, the creation of the great Londoner William Shakespeare, reminds us of the capacity of art to “hold a mirror up to nature” and, in doing so, show us “the very age and body of the time, its form and pressure.” Taking Hamlet’s words seriously, this program will explore British culture, past and present, through immersion in the theatre and visual art of London. |
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| Location |
The program will take place in London, England, with a short excursion planned to Stratford-upon-Avon and a home-stay in Worcester. London is one of the world’s truly cosmopolitan cities. Over 7 million people call London home, with one in four of those people being an ethnic minority. Over 200 languages are spoken in the city, and over 70 cuisines are represented in the many restaurants. There are also more than 200 museums and 1,500 drama groups in this bustling metropolitan area. Stratford-upon-Avon is perhaps best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace. It is a quaint village that offers a rich contrast to the bustle of London. It is also home to the world-renowned theatre ensemble, the Royal Shakespeare Company. Worcester, founded by the Romans in 50 A.D. and perhaps best known for Royal Worcester porcelain and Worcestershire Sauce, is a city of 100,000 located in the Midlands region of England. There students will live with British families and experience English life outside of London. |
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| Faculty leaders |
Dr. Bob Hubbard and John Paul, members of Northwestern’s theatre department faculty, will lead the program. Both have experience leading study abroad programs. Professor Hubbard took a group of Calvin College students in 2001 and was co-leader of the NWC 2004 program, and John Paul was co-leader for NWC’s 2002 and 2004 programs to London. |
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| Course and credit |
Gen 350: British Culture Through Art and Theatre, 4 credits. This course fulfills NWC’s cross-cultural general education requirements. Summer study abroad courses cannot be taken for audit. |
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| Program structure |
Participants will spend the first four days of the program on the NWC campus for the pre-departure seminar portion of the course. The pre-trip seminar will cover various academic and logistical aspects of the course via lectures, discussions, movies and Q&A sessions. While on-site, participants will attend eight to 10 theatre productions and visit six to eight museums. There will also be opportunities to observe and engage the culture through various activities, assignments and guest lecturers. Group discussion/debriefing time will also play a prominent role in the course. See the faculty leaders for a complete syllabus. |
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| Transportation |
Current plans have students flying as a group into London. On-site transportation around London will be via “the tube.” Trains will transport participants from London to Worcester and Stratford. |
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| Housing and meals |
While in London, students will stay as a group in a residence hall. Breakfast is provided at the residences, and students will receive a stipend for lunch and dinner. In Worcester, students will live and take meals with a family. Housing in Stratford will be in a bed-and-breakfast inn. |
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| Excursions and day trips |
As London’s theatres and world-famous museums are the focus of this program, each day will provide the opportunity to experience something new. In addition, there will be time to explore the cities’ many cathedrals and churches, markets, restaurants, parks and squares. The excursion to Stratford will also include a stop at the famous Warwick Castle. |
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| Passport and visa |
For U.S. citizens, a passport is required for entry into Great Britain; a visa is not required for tourist stays of less than 90 days. Information on how to obtain a passport is available from the summer study abroad office or http://travel.state.gov. |
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| Vaccinations and health information |
No vaccinations are required for U.S. persons traveling to Great Britain, although it is recommended that all immunizations be up-to-date. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and DPT boosters are also recommended. Traveler’s diarrhea, tickborne encephalitis and Lyme’s disease are potential health threats for people traveling to Western Europe. Mad Cow and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease are also potential risks. See the Center for Disease Control website for more information and complete details. |
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| Eligibility |
All NWC students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or with the consent of the faculty leader are eligible to apply. This program is also available to non-NWC students on a space-available basis. |
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| Application |
The 2006 London application consists of the two-page application form, two recommendations (one from a faculty member, one from a resident director), and a (student copy) transcript. Applications are available from the faculty leaders, the summer study abroad office or on the website. |
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| Application deadline |
Feb. 1, 2006. Early application is encouraged, as there is limited space on this program. A minimum enrollment is needed in order for the program to run. After the deadline, call for space availability information. |
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| Program fee |
Tentatively, the program fee will be between $4,100 and $4,500 per student. The final fee will depend on the actual number of participants and confirmed prices for airfare, exchange rates, etc. A better estimate of cost will be given in February, and the final fee will be determined by April 1. Every effort is being made to keep the cost at a minimum. The program fee includes tuition for four credits (at a reduced rate of half off regular summer school tuition rates), airfare, in-country transportation, housing, meals or meal stipend, international insurance (medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, basic health), pre-trip seminar and orientation, excursions, theatre tickets and museum entry fees. Participants will need to cover books, passport and pictures, some meals, and individual travel and spending money, among other items.
Northwestern College summer study abroad programs are academic, educational, credit-bearing experiences—not mission projects. Study abroad programs are for-credit opportunities that focus on broadening students’ worldview through immersion in and academic exploration of a different culture. Therefore, the Northwestern College summer study abroad office does not sponsor nor coordinate fundraising activities to help participants cover the cost of the program fees. Payment of the program fees remains the responsibility of the participant. |
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| Tuition waiver |
The regular Northwestern College tuition waiver policy applies to summer study abroad courses. Eligible employees and their dependents may use the tuition waiver for the tuition amount only of the summer study abroad program fee. (See the staff and faculty handbooks for more information.) Tuition waivers may not be used for the $250 deposit.
A full-tuition waiver for a 2006 four-credit course will equal $520 off the final program fee. A full-tuition waiver for a 2006 six-credit course will equal $780 off the final program fee. (These figures equal the actual amount of tuition charged to participants as part of the final program fee, which is a special half-off discount of 2006 summer school tuition rates.)
Interested students should see Jill Fischer in the summer study abroad office for more details. |
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| Deposit |
Upon acceptance into the program, a $250 deposit will be required to hold a participant’s slot. This deposit will be applied to the final program fee. |
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| Financial aid |
Financial aid in the form of loans may be available. Contact the NWC financial aid office for more information. |
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| Payment deadline |
After determination of the final program fee, on or around April 1, the SSAO will send out billings. Deadline for payment is May 1. Participants will be provided with the Payment, Cancellation and Refund policies upon acceptance into the program. |
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Summer study abroad
