University of New England

UNE in the World

Upcoming Faculty-Led Short Term Study Abroad Programs

Summer 2008 - Mexico
Global Citizenship
CIT 400
Dr. Samuel A. McReynolds 

Dr. Samuel A. McReynolds, chair of the sociology department, is taking upcoming seniors to Cuernavaca, Mexico, May 24 - June 1, 2008 as part of UNE's core curriculum course, Citizenship 400. 

In partnership with the Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico's largest private university, UNE students will travel to, study in, and serve in the communities of Cuernavaca.  Spanish language and Mexican culture courses are included in the program.  Full details are available in the program brochure.

Faculty-Led Study Abroad

Faculty-led short term programs are another way to study abroad.  These trips typically take place during semester breaks.  Students and faculty meet periodically during the term to prepare for the trip academically and practically.  Reading, lectures, and assignments are part of the preparation for the trip.

UNE faculty interested in leading a short term study abroad program must review the Proposal Guidelines and submit their proposal and Approval Form to Trisha Mason, Office of International Programs.

Recent Faculty-Led Trips

Greece - Spring 2007

Spring 2007- Greece
Ancient and Modern Olympics
SPT 250
Professor Tim Robinson

Students studied the ancient and modern Olympics in the classroom at UNE, then traveled to Greece to explore Olympic venues first hand.  The course covered the origin and history of the Olympics, the philosophy, traditions, and spirit of the Olympics, Olympic sport and its role within culture and society, and the Olympic games and venues. 

Students visited Athens and toured the 2004 Olympic facilities, the Acropolis, the ancient Agora, and several temples and museums.  They spent a day on the beautiful island of Aegina.  Excursions to the ancient archeological sites of Olympia, Corinth, Delphi, and Epidavros brought the Greek history they'd studied at UNE to life.

France - Spring 2007

Spring 2007 - France
Contemporary France in Historical Perspective
HIST 325
Dr. Theodore DiPadova

Picture yourself in the south of France, touching down in the vibrant port city of Marseille, then touring the beautiful city of Aix en Provence and savoring French cuisine over a leisurely dinner on your first day in France.  Now multiply that experience by ten and you will have an idea of all our students and faculty enjoyed on a 10-day excursion through southern France and Paris.  Highlights of the trip included tours of the chateau-village of Les Baux de Provence, Arles, the "Rome of France" known for its Roman theater and arena,  the fortress city of Carcassone, the Airbus facility in Toulouse, Avignon's famous bridge over the Rhone River, and its Papal Palace, and a high-speed train ride aboard the TGV to Paris.   

During four days in The City of Light, the group toured the cities famous venues including Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter, the Louvre, and the nearby Palace of Versailles and Monet's home in Giverny.  An invitation to tour the residence of the American Ambassador to France, and dinner with an American ex-patriot and political activist gave students insight into life in France and European politics.   

The trip was the culmination of a semester-long study of contemporary France in an historical perspective.

Tobago - Spring 2007

May 2007 - Tobago
Conservation & Ecology of the Caribbean
BIO 421
Dr. Jeri Fox

The tiny island of Tobago in the West Indies is only 42 km long and 10 km wide, but it is home to diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems.  Dr. Jeri Fox led students on a 2-week exploration of the coral reef systems and rainforests.  From Crown Point to Charlotteville, the class snorkeled over coral reefs, hiked through the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere, trekked among mangroves, and researched the conch shell population.  Students studied with environmentalists from the Coral Caye Conservation and the Buccoo Reef Trust to better understand the impact man is having on these ecosystems. 

When the research day ended, there was time to enjoy the local culture, foods and entertainment.  Dan Kaiser, a student on the trip, said, "There is nothing better than learning first hand about the world around us." 

UNE Students Abroad

Tammy Pomerleau
Psychobiology
Kenya
Summer 2007
School for Field Studies

"What can I say about my time in Kenya except, 'Wow!'"  Having always dreamed of going to Africa and seeing the wildlife, I was both terribly excited and nervous.  I participated in a month-long wildlife management program in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro." 

"The month flew by with classes, game drives, sunrise walks, directed research projects late into the night, visits to Maasai villages and lessons in Swahili, night walks with the askaris, our guards, the roar of lions and cry of hyenas outside our bandas at night, the challenge of setting up tents in a hail storm at Lake Nakuru, and discovering the peril of playing volleyball near the thorny acacia!"

"I've gained valuable fieldwork and research experience I'd never see in a classroom.  I've broadened by perspectives, seen another part of the world, learned more about myself, made new friends, gained an appreciation for all I have, and learned, first-hand, about man's impact on the wildlife of Kenya." 

"After returning home, I keep thinking I've left something behind in Africa.  I think it was my heart."

Gui Barbosa
Sociology
Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua
Spring 2007
Augsburg College

"This experience has been life changing!  It has taught me adaptability and a new language.  I have been immersed in the beautiful and intricate culture of Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, and appreciate the difficult life and history of the people who live here.  In a few months, I've learned far more than in an entire year at college."

"Opportunities to talk with members of the army and guerrilla fighters, visits to textile and agricultural cooperatives for women, and lectures by experts in regional economics and history have opened my eyes to the challenges facing Central America.  While in El Salvador I took part in a march honoring a bishop who was martyred in 1980 for speaking out against oppression of the poor."

"Homestays with local families have given me an intimate snapshot in the daily lives of these wonderful people.  And the food!  I've never tasted such incredibly delicious food.  The geography is astonishing.  I've hiked through cloud forests, past active volcanoes, beneath mountain waterfalls, and along pristine beaches.  I cannot picture my life, from this point on, without this trip."


Rachele Peterson
Psychobiology
Baja Mexico
Spring 2007
School for Field Studies 

"The great and unexpected part of my stay in Baja Mexico was visiting so many places and trying new things.   I never expected to travel so much.  Along the way I discovered wonderful people; teachers, students and the people of the Baja peninsula who were interested in meeting and getting to know me."

"I was one of 18 students at the field station in Bahia Magdalena.  Classes were great because we didn't spend the entire day inside.  We were on the beach and in the water researching whales, green turtles, osprey and other marine species.  We studied the local environment and gave English lessons to people in the area.  In the process, our Spanish improved."

"Doing a semester abroad was one of the best things I've ever done.  I have amazing new friends and memories from this experience.  I would have missed out on so much if I'd never done this!"

Abbey Turner
Medical Biology
Australia
Spring 2007
AustraLearn

"Studying abroad in Australia has been the best experience of my life!  I encourage every student to take advantage of this unforgettable opportunity.  Living in another country has tested me and forced me to grow.  By immersing myself in another culture, I've learned more about who I am as a person and as an American."

"If you are hesitant to study abroad, don't let it hold you back!  Fear of the unknown is natural, and I went through it myself, but I immediately met new friends and all my worries melted away.  I've completely embraced Australia's 'no worries' lifestyle."

"The country, the people, and the landscape are beautiful.  I spent every spare minute soaking it all in.  I saw more of Australia in a semester than I've seen of the U.S. in a lifetime.  From the beaches to the mountains, the outback to the trendy cities, there is something here for everyone."

Shara Goolsby
Marine Biology
Central Queensland University
Rockhampton, Australia
Summer/Fall 2006
AustraLearn

"I've been to the Great Barrier Reef, held a koala, fed kangaroos, and learned about the Aboriginal culture.  Central Queensland University is a fairly small school, so it was not a big adjustment coming from UNE.  The campus is beautiful.  I feel like I am in a tropical paradise every time I go to class!  I haven't met an Aussie I didn't like."

Ashley d'Entremont
Social & Cultural Studies
Sydney University
Sydney, Australia
Summer/Fall 2006
AustraLearn

"Life in Sydney is awesome!  Surfing is quite the rave over here so a weekend surf camp was a must.  The beaches are gorgeous.  I'm going to a performance at the Sydney Opera House for my birthday, and on a class trip to Melbourne this weekend.  Getting around is made easy by incredibly friendly bus drivers.  I'm living with 75 American students but we get out and mingle with the locals.  I'm truly enjoying my time here."

Krystal Wysocki
Medical Biology
Central Queensland University
Rockhampton, Australia
Summer/Fall 2006
AustraLearn

"I love it here and want to stay another semester!  Every student should take a semester abroad.  It's a great opportunity and definitely a life changing experience.  I've found life in Australia very laid back and don't feel stressed or rushed.  I'm taking a certification course called Outdoor Pursuits which allows me to go camping, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving."

"I have not had any trouble adjusting to a new university.  I walk to class through palm trees and past kangaroos!  There are no exams throughout the semester.  Grades are based on one or two papers and a final exam." 

"As New England's winter approaches, our summer begins.  I'm looking forward to coming home, but I know that once there I will want to return to Australia very soon."

Betsy Davis
Occupational Therapy
The Lorenzo De'Medici School
Florence, Italy
Spring 2006

"Italy was a place of magic.  No dream or stretch of my imagination could have prepared me for this adventure!  Living in Florence was a great opportunity to appreciate every moment of every day.  The Italians taught me to slow down, relax, and savor the moment."

"Lorenzo de'Medici is an excellent school where I explored various areas of study while learning basic Italian.  I attended several cultural events and traveled within Italy through programs organized by the school."

"The great thing about living in Europe is that another country is just a short distance away.  I traveled to Spain, Scotland, Switzerland and Greece while I was abroad.  I highly recommend this wonderful journey of self-discovery, and hope that others take advantage of UNE's study abroad program."