Go. See. And be transformed.
Go beyond the classroom and have a life-changing experience.
Traveling abroad lets you apply classroom learning to the real world, and it helps you become more curious and engaged.
But it has practical effects as well! Our students have added their international travel experiences to their resumes and used course requirements as part of their professional portfolios. They have found opportunities for new career choices, expanded their definitions of public service, and applied what they've learned to enrich class discussions and assignments.
In many cases, participation in trips through the Department of Communication allows our majors and minors to count the experience as required courses while offering them an adventure well beyond that of the typical classroom.
Here are some current opportunities!
CHILE
Climate Change Advocacy Chilean Expedition
This study abroad program is a five-week exploration of Chile. From the Patagonia glaciers to the Atacama desert coast and mountains, students will learn the effects of climate change firsthand. The program is based in Santiago and Valparaiso and is open to all majors.
7 Credit Hours / Special Topics & Electives
Contact Department of Applied Design Chair Brian Davies at daviesbf@appstate.edu for more information.
Click here for the Course Flyer
CHINA
Experiential Cultural Learning in China (COM 3545) & International Advertising-Study Abroad (COM 4040)
This 3-week study abroad program allows students to learn about the cultural and economic aspects of media industries in China through meeting with media entrepreneurs and visiting professional organizations. The program participants are scheduled to visit Chinese universities, advertising and public relations agencies, and media organizations. This program provides students a more comprehensive understanding of Chinese business practices, cultural and political environments. It allows students to better understand intercultural communication at both interpersonal and organizational levels.
Contact Dr. Lou (lous@appstate.edu) or Dr. Han (hanj2@appstate.edu) for more information.
LONDON
Special Topics in Public Relations: Music PR, Publicity & Promotion (COM 3538)
Want to learn more about music publicity, artist relations & event promotion?
Curious about how music PR "works" from a cultural perspective?
During this course, we will travel to London to learn about the local music scene and the rich history that provides its foundation. We will learn about key aspects of music promotion from experienced faculty and London-based music industry professionals. Students will visit and learn from local retailers and music promoters as well as key media outlets that help spread awareness about emerging artists and releases. The program specifically addresses digital publicity and media relations, digital music promotion on streaming platforms, artist relations, media management, and retail event promotion.
No prior public relations coursework or experience is required to participate. Students will complete course projects that align with these areas of public relations practice and earn 3 hours of course credit.
Contact Dr. Melissa Adams (adamsmb2@appstate.edu), or Dr. Andrew Davis (davisag2@appstate.edu) for more information.
Click here for the Course Flyer
THE NETHERLANDS
Intercultural Communication (COM 2124) & Photojournalism (COM 4220)
Explore the Netherlands with Communication faculty, Lynette and Philip Holman. This 3-week study abroad program, "Documenting Dutch Culture," will provide a historical and intercultural communication context in which today’s students can explore their contemporary understanding of Northern European culture through documentary and travel photography. Through readings, photo critiques, class discussions, and visits to points of interest in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, students will understand the impact of Dutch culture on the rest of the world. The program starts and ends at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, where students can fly in and out of the country with the program leaders via the Charlotte Douglas airport.
Contact Dr. Holman at holmanlm1@appstate.edu or 828-262-2487 for more information.
*Price includes all programming, in-country travel, accommodations, and 28 meals. Does not include tuition, fees, or airfare.
Click here for the Course Syllabus
Click here for the Course Flyer
POLAND
Intercultural Communication (COM 2124) & Changes in Polish Communication Since the Fall of Communism (COM 3548)
Join us for a trip to experience Polish culture. Most people stereotype Poland as a dark, backward country. You will be pleasantly surprised by how modern and progressive it is as well as how beautiful & historical the countryside is. Places visited include Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Olsztyn, Kolobrzeg, Malbork, Torun, and Zakopane. A visit to Auschwitz will be a memory you will not forget, as will the visit to Wolf's Lair, Adolf Hitler's bunker, for most of World War II. Enjoy learning how culture influences communication patterns and changes old-world culture.
Contact Dr. Moore (moorenj@appstate.edu), or Kelly Chernin (cherninka@appstate.edu), for more information.
Click here for the Course Flyer
SPAIN
International Advertising (COM 4040) or International Public Relations (COM 3538)
The trip offers a unique experience for students to acquire knowledge of the Spanish wine industry's advertising and public relations practices. We will visit universities, advertising and PR agencies, and wineries in Barcelona. You will learn how wine is produced and marketed to local and global audiences. This experiential learning opportunity can enrich your understanding of how culture influences advertising and other communication artifacts. All majors are invited to participate. No prior advertising or PR experience is required.
If interested, please get in touch with Dr. Shanshan Lou (lous@appstate.edu) or Dr. Jiangxue Han (hanj2@appstate.edu) for more information.