Produced by: Office of Marketing and Communications
September 25, 2013
For students hoping to expand their academic horizons while immersing themselves in other cultures, the Office of Global Studies at St. John’s will strengthen the University’s focus on international education this year by offering exciting Winter Intersession courses, ranging from theater in Paris to North African development issues in Morocco.
“Wherever the locale, our goal is to enrich the student learning experience by providing eye-opening living, learning and Academic Service-Learning opportunities abroad,” said Matthew Pucciarelli, Associate Vice President for Global Studies.
In Paris, for example, students sample theatrical productions at well-known venues including La Comédie Francaise and the Théâtre National de Chaillot. Their guide is Sandra Laredo, Adjunct Professor of Languages and Literatures, a native Parisian and experienced actor, director and playwright.
During a field-study experience in Morocco, Azzedine Layachi, Ph.D., Professor of Government and Politics, introduces students to the cities of Fes, Rabat and Tangier, where they will interact with local citizens, experts and public officials, as well as university students and faculty. “They’ll be able to experience first-hand how location, culture, religion and politics are interrelated in North Africa,” said Layachi.
Education majors interested in teaching non-English speakers may enroll in a Rome course co-led by Yvonne Pratt-Johnson, Ed.D., Professor of Human Services and Counseling, and Francine Guastello, Ed.D., Associate Professor and Chair of Human Services and Counseling. With a focus on English grammar, the class prepares students to teach in urban schools with large immigrant populations.
Berkita Bradford, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management, has crafted a course that allows students to shadow hotel staff members in operation areas at full-service resorts in the Bahamas. They also learn about the guest experience at Atlantis, one of Paradise Island’s most luxurious resorts, where they will have dinner and spend the evening.
The courses run from January 6–15 and are open to matriculated undergraduate and graduate students at St. John’s and other colleges. A special early deposit, $500 travel discount is available for students who enroll in any of the courses by October 15.
“We encourage interested students to apply early,” said MyKellann Ledden Maloney, Director of Global Studies Programs, “especially given how exciting these options are.”
Studying abroad is a vital part of a St. John’s education. In addition to winter courses, the Office of Global Studies offers a wide range of international learning opportunities every semester, in the summer and through the popular Discover the World: Europe program, which allows students to live and learn in three nations in a single semester.
Students can learn more by attending the Study Abroad Fair at the Queens campus on September 26, or the Staten Island campus information session on September 30. Or they may apply online for international courses and financial aid opportunities such as the Licari Scholarship. Contact the Office of Global Studies for more information.