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Georgia College’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies is offering an international study tour to the community. This will be the first study tour offered by the School of Continuing & Professional Studies.
Hosts Executive Director of the school Angela Criscoe and Director of Continuing and Professional Education at Georgia College Angie Woodham will lead participants on a cultural and business tour of Chile. “We are looking to bring a diverse group of adult learners together outside of the United States to learn something completely new,” said Criscoe. “I want our participants to explore and become inspired by something different and never seen before that they can bring back with them and contribute to their local community.
Part of an international journey is learning about diversity and seeing how another country approaches their own businesses, lifestyle, and more. Then we apply what we learn and experience in that country to home.”
Woodham and Criscoe both have previous experience with study tours.
Woodham used to plan and attend study tours when working at the University of Florida and Criscoe has previously planned a study abroad trip for mass communication students at Georgia College. Both hosts expressed a deep gratitude for studying abroad and offering an international education to the community.
“We settled on Chile for our first trip because it is not a common destination,” said Woodham. “We wanted to offer a unique experience and wanted to pick a destination where the heat would not be prevalent. Since Chile is in the southern hemisphere it will be cooler during our visit.”
The tour will explore the expansive culture and business world of the Republic of Chile through visiting the cities of Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso.
Participants will visit four businesses and media outlets to gain insight on the work life in Chile.
Additionally, a local guide will walk participants through four guided tours (two in each city) to explore the culture, architecture and history.
“This is a structured learning experience. The idea is that in the beginning of the day we will visit a business or media outlet and, in the afternoon, we will go sightseeing and exploring,” said Criscoe. “We hope to make this a personalized experience and are still developing what businesses and media outlets we will visit. So, as we build the roster of who is going, we will be asking for where people are interested in going.
This is a chance to learn more about your industry in Chile.”
The study tour will take place from June 3-10 and will have a host of activities including guided tours, sightseeing, free time and more. Ground transportation, six hotel nights, six breakfasts and two dinners, an English speaking local guide and 24/7 emergency help and embedded medical insurance will be provided with the cost of the tour.
To reserve a spot, a $500 deposit must be made by Feb. 20. This deposit will be included into the total cost of the trip based on room size. If a participant would like a single room, an additional $2,700 must be paid by March 1. For a double room, an additional $2,300 must be paid by March 1. Flights and air transportation are not included in the cost.
“This an enrich your mind and enrich your soul experience. There is an educational component, but it is more about experiencing Chile and learning through action rather than a lot of secondary work,” said Woodham. “Going abroad can be nerve wracking but it is a once in a lifetime experience and we will be there to assist our participants every step of the way.”
Up to 15 slots will be available for the study tour and it is open to Baldwin County and surrounding counties.
An information session about the study tour will be hosted on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Tune into it at https://gcsu.zoom. us/j/93615456200?pwd= NlNIeEVDRk-4wQ3ZEZU1GUVEy-N0UyUT09 and visit https://worldstrides. com/custom/explorechile-georgiacollegestateuni- 2023-june/ to learn more about the trip.