Office of Student Travel

Latin America -

Semester: Spring  2025

1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Bernardo Blanco, bblanco@flsouthern.edu

Participants on this trip will explore the organization of communities as well as the school system in Costa Rican rural areas. Students will have the opportunity to gather cross-cultural information as well as to realize what it is like to teach in contexts that are foreign or could be foreign to their experience. We will visit rural area schools in the Province of Guanacaste and Puntarenas, both in the Pacific Northwest. We will also visit eco-tourism areas (national parks, Arenal Volcano, and the capital city of San Jose.) and coffee plantations to see what is done and identify opportunities to engage the culture. Our pre-professional teachers will immerse in local classrooms to assist teachers and staff—this will require the implementation of strategies to engage elementary, middle, and high school students. Students will also perform community work in the area. In the case of students from other majors, there will also be activities dedicated to their field of study—nursing school, business, biology, etc.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $996

Regular Trip Cost: $2,996

Latin America -

Semester: Spring  2025

FSC 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Chris Brandon, cbrandon@flsouthern.edu

This trip will take students to Santiago, Chile, the capital of Chile and one of South America’s largest and most modernized cities. Using Santiago as our base, we will take several daytrips to visit the South Pacific coastal regions and Andes Mountain range. We will visit coastal towns like the historic port city of Valparaiso which has become a thriving arts scene. We will also get a chance to visit a natural coastal preserve that is home to Chile’s Humboldt penguins and other charismatic marine fauna. We will also experience breathtaking views of the Andes Mountain range while traveling on horseback, and we will end the evening with a traditional Chilean BBQ while we stargaze at the Southern hemisphere. Students will get an immersive experience where they will learn about the history, culture, and environment of Chile and its capital city.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,808

Regular Trip Cost: $4,808

Latin America - DPT

Semester: May  2025

FSC 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Christine Morgan, cmorgan@flsouthern.edu

Ready to take your healthcare skills global? Join us for an unforgettable 10-day adventure in Dominica from May 4-13, 2025! This immersive Junior Journey experience combines hands-on clinical practice with cultural exploration on the beautiful "Nature Island of the Caribbean." You'll work with local healthcare providers, assist in clinical settings like the Dominica Infirmary and the Alpha Center, and even compare traditional island medicine with Western practices. Beyond healthcare, you'll hike tropical rainforests, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and experience the vibrant culture of Dominica, from whale watching to exploring waterfalls.

This trip offers the perfect blend of professional development and cultural immersion. It's an incredible opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your worldview, and make a lasting impact on a diverse population. Plus, you'll build lasting friendships and gain valuable experience that will set you apart in graduate school applications. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to combine travel and healthcare in one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking environments!

Prerequisite: Permission of the trip director, Intention to apply to a graduate healthcare program

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,082

Regular Trip Cost: $4,082

Latin America -

Semester: May  2025

1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Macrander, jmacrander@flsouthern.edu

A field course studying the geology, history, vegetation, and ecology of a tropical region.

This course offers students an immersive and hands-on opportunity to explore and study the marine biodiversity of Roatán, Honduras, while actively participating in marine research projects. Through a combination of field experiences, classroom lectures, and research, students will engage deeply with the island's rich marine ecosystems, learning firsthand about conservation efforts and conducting meaningful scientific research as part of a collaborative international team. This course is designed for students interested in participating in marine biology research. Although it is geared toward biology students, students across all disciplines are encouraged to participate if they are DIVE-certified and would like to join an ongoing research collaborative team.

Students participating in this Junior Journey Experience will engage in original research projects designed to develop their skills in marine ecology, conservation, and species identification. Projects will be conducted at the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) in Anthony’s Key Resort, a world-class facility with a strong focus on education and research. Research projects will cover a variety of marine and coastal ecosystems, with the potential to include: Coral Abundance and Distribution, Substrate Cover Monitoring, Coral Health, Fish Surveys, Taxonomy and Dolphin Research.

In addition to research, students will explore Roatán’s unique marine environments through a variety of field experiences. The island offers a diverse range of diving sites, from steep walls to canyons and coral groves, each providing different seascapes for study. The island’s fringing and barrier reefs, part of the second largest reef system in the world, will serve as our primary research and exploration area. Several dive boats will be available throughout the course, allowing students to visit different reef locations and spend ample time in the marine environment.

RIMS provides a unique setting with its Education Center, museum, and lab facilities. In addition to field research, students will attend lectures that delve into Roatán’s tropical marine ecosystems and the conservation efforts surrounding them. Topics will include reef ecology, fish and invertebrate biology, and the geology and ethnology of the Bay Islands. These lectures will enrich students' research by providing a deeper understanding of the island's natural and cultural resources.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,795

Regular Trip Cost: $4,795

Europe -

Semester: Spring  2025

FSC 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Alex Ortiz, aortiz@flsouthern.edu

Discover Ireland: The Emerald Isle Awaits!

Imagine immersing yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Ireland! Florida Southern College is offering an incredible opportunity for students to embark on a week-long adventure from March 1-8, 2025. This unique trip will take you through the scenic landscapes of Ireland, where you'll explore historic sites and experience the evolution of Irish culture firsthand.

Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of Ireland's complex narratives, but you'll also have the chance to compare and contrast these experiences with your own life back home. The trip includes airfare, accommodations, meals, and transportation within Ireland.

Through engaging activities, daily reflection essays, and group discussions, you'll enhance your learning while creating lasting memories with fellow students. Don’t miss this chance to broaden your horizons, make new friends, and enrich your educational journey.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $1,985

Regular Trip Cost: $3,985

Europe - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: Spring  2025

1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Allen, wallen@flsouthern.edu

Travel through Central Europe (Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest). This trip will expose student travelers to the rich and diverse history of Central Europe by visiting the famous Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, Cesky Krumlov Castle, and the Melk. Student Travelers will explore the arts and culture of Central Europe.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $1,029

Regular Trip Cost: $3,029

Mediterranean -

Semester: May  2025

1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Mijana Lockard, mlockard2@flsouthern.edu

This course provides an immersive experience that will take students on a captivating, locally designed, and led journey through Croatia's Adriatic Coast's rich history, vibrant traditions, and musical treasures. Participants will dive into the heart of Croatian traditions, savor local cuisine, participate in folk traditions, and connect with communities to understand the living heritage of this diverse country. By engaging with local traditions, students will gain insights into the values, customs, and rituals passed down through generations.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,191

Regular Trip Cost: $5,191

Europe - History

Semester: May  2025

HIS 1998 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Richards Plavnieks, rplavnieks@flsouthern.edu

This is a course about history and culture, choosing as its focus the tiny Baltic Republic of Latvia. While physically proximate to the very sites where the history they will learn about took place, students will gradually come to appreciate the whole of the country’s recorded past, from the days of the Baltic German knights who conquered the territory in the 1200s and Christianized this final bastion of paganism in Europe; through the periods of Polish-Lithuanian, Swedish, and Russian imperial control; to the first independence period in the 1920s and 1930s; through the Second World War and the Holocaust, 1939-1945; to the days of the USSR and the Cold War; to the struggle for renewed independence, which finally succeeded in 1991; all the way up to the present era, beginning in 2004, with Latvia’s membership in both the European Union and NATO. Our all-encompassing historical study of the country will be added to the students’ everyday interactions in Latvia and their long-term, one-on-one communications with a peer from the University of Latvia. Combining these elements, each student will form their own complete view of this very different country. If the course succeeds, it will make each participating student a more informed and worldly member of American society and global civilization.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $1,963

Regular Trip Cost: $3,963

Europe - Holocaust Studies and German History

Semester: May  2025

2 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. R. Bruce Anderson, randerson2@flsouthern.edu

This May Jr. Journey to Germany – now in its 15th Journey – covers several critical areas of German history and focuses on the juxtaposition of Holocaust studies and German art, culture and architecture. We begin at Ravensbrück Memorial, a Holocaust site, for archival work, field study, and often archaeology, guided by Dr. Anderson and Dr. Heyl, a German government Holocaust specialist. We then travel to Erfürt (a university town with all that that means) and Weimar, the center of German culture, where we’ll see Cathedrals from 900AD, castles, palaces and museums. Weimar was home to Bach, Schiller, Goëthe, Liszt, Pushkin, and many others, and is also home to the Bauhaus school – the architectural leader of the 20th century.

After the field experience of Ravensbrück, each day is structured with multiple planned group adventures, but always offers a host of alternative options for people who want to explore on their own (with a trip partner, of course) and rejoin us later in the day. We end the trip with a full day of exploration and shopping in Berlin.

The trip is open to every major or area of interest, no German language skills are required. In-country, we travel exclusively by rail and tram. The trip is totally all-inclusive.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $1,575

Regular Trip Cost: $3,575

Europe - Multi-disciplined

Semester: May  2025

6 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. Jose Garcia, jgarcia@flsouthern.edu

Boost your Spanish in the Mediterranean Spain.

This cultural immersion program will explore various aspects of the Spanish history and culture. It will focus on the rich Christian, Islamic and Judaic influences that allowed these religions and cultures to coexist and flourish in the Iberian Peninsula for hundreds of years. Visit the Old Santa Cruz neighborhood in Alicante, Guadalest mountains and the Algar waterfalls, the City of Elche, the Santa Barbara Castle, some of the nicest ART Museums in town, the fisherman’s town Villa Joiosa and the amazing Mediterranean white town Altea. We will also visit Murcia and a weekend trip to Granada and Sevilla.

Students will live with Spanish families in beautiful Alicante while they experience the culture and study the Spanish language.

Students will work on the development of the four basic language skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing. Classes will focus on the practical application of language in day-to-day situations, and cultural awareness. The courses offered range from beginning Spanish language, to conversation, literature and Spanish culture and civilization.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,752

Regular Trip Cost: $5,752

Europe -

Semester: May  2025

FSC 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Christy Skelly, cskelly@flsouthern.edu

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the vibrant cultures and rich histories of Spain, France and Italy. This trip runs from May 10th-18th, 2025. This amazing opportunity includes a 7-day cruise in the Western Mediterranean.  Throughout the trip, students will be sailing on the Royal Caribbean’s ship ALLURE OF THE SEAS. Five awesome excursions are included in this package. Transportation to Miami airport will be provided. We will fly to Barcelona Spain to embark on the ship. The amazing places that we will visit includes Palma De Malorca Spain, Provence France, Florence/Pisa Italy, Rome  Italy, and Naples/Capri  Italy. The sites that we visit will be spectacular. Key sites that we will visit include Barcelona, the Island of Palma De Mallorca Spain, Provence France, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Roman Colosseum, Vatican City, Pompeii, and many more.  This is an international trip and so passports are required. There will be physical activity during excursions which may include walking up to 3 miles.  Note: housing on campus for the week between graduation and departure is available (campus dining not available). 

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,196

Regular Trip Cost: $5,196

Europe -

Semester: Summer  2025

FSC 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Jennifer Dapko, jdapko@flsouthern.edu

This immersive experience is designed for students seeking to explore the rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine of Europe including Portugal, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. Get ready to experience cultural immersion and culinary delights. Throughout your journey, you'll be accompanied by experienced guides who will share fascinating insights into the history and culture of each destination. Savor the diverse flavors of Europe with guided food tours and tastings, showcasing local specialties and culinary traditions.

Your adventure starts with a flight from Lakeland to Lisbon, Portugal. From there, we board a cruise ship and embark on a journey through some of Europe's most iconic cities where we will discover Europe’s treasures including:

• Lisbon - Immerse yourself in the charming streets of Lisbon, exploring historic landmarks and indulging in local delicacies.
• La Coruña, Spain - Experience the vibrant culture of La Coruña, sampling fresh seafood and exploring the city's rich heritage.
• Bilbao, Spain - Discover the rich history of the city and savor the Basque region's unique cuisine.
• Le Havre (Bordeaux) and Paris, France: We’ll pass through Le Havre (Bordeaux) as we travel to Paris where we will visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and more.
• Dover and London, England: Our cruising journey ends in Dover where we will then travel to explore the historic city of London, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, and experience the vibrant British culture.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,269

Regular Trip Cost: $5,269

Mediterranean -

Semester: May  2025

1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Mijana Lockard, mlockard2@flsouthern.edu

This course provides an immersive experience that will take students on a captivating, locally designed, and led journey through Croatia's Adriatic Coast's rich history, vibrant traditions, and musical treasures. Participants will dive into the heart of Croatian traditions, savor local cuisine, participate in folk traditions, and connect with communities to understand the living heritage of this diverse country. By engaging with local traditions, students will gain insights into the values, customs, and rituals passed down through generations.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,191

Regular Trip Cost: $5,191

Mediterranean -

Semester: Summer  2025

EXS 2200 - 4 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. Sara Terrell, sterrell@flsouthern.edu

Students will study, travel to, and participate in the traditional wellness practices of Ischia, Italy, in conjunction with the Italy Abroad Programs (IAP). The program has curated an itinerary that includes housing, meals, and immersive experiences. Students will explore the site and visit historic landmarks; workshops on the local culture and cuisine will offer hands-on learning opportunities. They will partake in wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, and hiking, and experience the healing potential of Ischia's thermal pools. This course will provide students with opportunities and strategies to integrate Ischia's traditional and holistic wellness principles into their current lifestyle, focusing on how food, exercise, and well-being are essential for a happy, healthy life. (Students can also choose to use this as a WRIGHT foundations general education course to meet the SLO of Resilience).

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $4,291

Regular Trip Cost: $6,291

Europe - Multi-disciplined

Semester: May  2025

6 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. Jose Garcia, jgarcia@flsouthern.edu

Boost your Spanish in the Mediterranean Spain.

This cultural immersion program will explore various aspects of the Spanish history and culture. It will focus on the rich Christian, Islamic and Judaic influences that allowed these religions and cultures to coexist and flourish in the Iberian Peninsula for hundreds of years. Visit the Old Santa Cruz neighborhood in Alicante, Guadalest mountains and the Algar waterfalls, the City of Elche, the Santa Barbara Castle, some of the nicest ART Museums in town, the fisherman’s town Villa Joiosa and the amazing Mediterranean white town Altea. We will also visit Murcia and a weekend trip to Granada and Sevilla.

Students will live with Spanish families in beautiful Alicante while they experience the culture and study the Spanish language.

Students will work on the development of the four basic language skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing. Classes will focus on the practical application of language in day-to-day situations, and cultural awareness. The courses offered range from beginning Spanish language, to conversation, literature and Spanish culture and civilization.

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,752

Regular Trip Cost: $5,752