All posts by Fitti Kolbe

September 2016 Update for Faculty

Encourage your students to Study Abroad
Inspire your students to be globally engaged

Get your students globally engaged without boarding a plane!

Professional Development opportunities for you!

Below are opportunities for professional development for faculty at SPC:

We want to hear from you!

If you have any ideas or input to share with us, click here.

If you have already planned an event with global content and want us to help get the word out, click here.

We look forward to another successful year of providing students access to global engagement!

 

SPC International Student’s Summer in Europe

“Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Time also hits you in the face when you suddenly realize that summer is over and fall classes have already started. So I decided to take a look back at my amazing summer 2016.

Even though I was taking a full load of summer classes, I still managed to squeeze in a “quick” trip to Europe over summer break. Thankfully, my classes were online and so I was able to finish my final assignments during the 9-hour plane ride and stops in NYC and Amsterdam.

For those who do not know me, you can learn a little bit more about me here. But in short, I’m an international student from Germany in SPC’s FullSizeRender (3) 2Elementary Education program. The highest priority on my itinerary for this year’s trip to Europe was “family and friends time” in my quaint hometown in Germany called Celle. However, it is equally as important to me to continue exploring and traveling, so also on my itinerary were trips to Dubrovnik (Croatia), Vienna (Austria) and some smaller towns in Germany. Read along to learn more about my impressions.

Dubrovnik

My first trip brought me to Dubrovnik, a town in Southern Croatia that is famous for its historic Old Town. Some may recognize this city from the TV show Game of Thrones, which has brought lots of tourism to the “King’s Landing”. But Dubrovnik has much more to offer than any TV show could ever show. I fell in love with the small alleys, the smell of tasty food from the many small restaurants and cafes and the overwhelming beauty of the old buildings.

 

Wien (Vienna)

IMG_58742My next stop brought me to Vienna. The capital of Austria has been the residence for many famous people such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud. I’m not a historian, nor  an architect, but I can say, without a doubt, that Vienna has one of the most beautiful buildings and palaces I have ever seen, such as the Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and the Opera House. Another (culinary) highlight of this trip was eating an original Wiener Schnitzel – my all time favorite dish. On a side note: what made exploring this city extra fun was getting around on a bike, it also allowed me to see as much of the city as one possibly could during a 2-day stay.

When you ask people what their hobbies are, you will most likely get answers like fishing, biking, or reading. I made it my hobby to travel the world. But for me traveling is more than just going places. For me it means to  try new things, to meet new people, to explore other cultures and to learn a little bit more about myself with every step that I take. I’m very thankful for the time I got to spent with my family and friends, and the places I got to visit, and I’m looking forward to so many more adventures that still lie ahead of me.

Study Abroad South Africa – Opportunity of a Lifetime

20160801_115121This past summer I had the opportunity of a lifetime to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa . I’ve always wanted to study abroad, and I finally got my chance! There were four of us that took the trip to South Africa: our Professor Donna Ettel, and two other students besides myself, Martha and Enzo.

We had a great tour guide who knew the ins and outs of Cape Town, and we all got along as if we’d known each other all our lives. We participated in local cultural dances at GOLD Restaurant. The food was amazingly fresh, and the people of Cape Town were so hospitable. I felt very safe everywhere I went.

We had the chance to shadow students that attended The University of Cape Town with a volunteer program by the name of SHAWCO. We went out into underserved communities and visited Mobile Medical Clinics, and provided healthcare such as pregnancy tests, HIV tests, glucose tests, and getting medical history from each patient that came in to diagnose their issues. I enjoyed SHAWCO overall, and wish we were granted more time to go out in the communities and help whoever needed our help.

The other organization we helped with was called PEBBLES. This organization was put in place to provide care to and for the children, and their parents that work in the wine farms. I lent a hand in the Early Childhood Development Center drawing animals for the children to color, fixing lunch, and observing their everyday activities while they are in the programs.

I fell in love with all the children. I loved everything about this study abroad program. I just wish we could have spent more time equally with both organizations, and stayed longer than two weeks. I would go again if I was given the opportunity again!

By Rakiya

Costa Rica Business – The Final Countdown

Picture26SPC Business Majors are counting the minutes until their departure to Costa Rica in just a few  days!

Students from past years often mention how much they enjoyed the beautiful scenery and cities of Costa Rica, walking through the coffee field trails, while also learning how local businesses have been succeeding on an international level!

The group of study abroad students will be visiting the local chamber of commerce, a coffee farm,  along with multiple business seminars and much more.

 

Ecuador – The Final Countdown

IMGP0842In just a few days a group of SPC students will be taking off on a flight to Ecuador where they will have the special opportunity to enroll in two very different, yet very interesting classes: “Tropical Ecology” and “Abnormal Psychology”. Through these courses they will be able to take part in two different approaches of experiencing Ecuador’s diverse culture: ecology and people.

During the two-week long program students will visit large urban areas in Quito and Guayaquil, as well as rural areas in the Amazonian rain forest and along the Pacific coast.

The professors are excited for all the wonderful activities that are planned and to see the excitement growth in the students.

Carnival of Majors on Clearwater Campus

Hosted by the Clearwater Campus Career Services, the Carnival of Majors invites SPC students and community members to come network with SPC-Clearwater and Community Representatives and learn more about:

  • downloadDegree options
  • Admissions and financial information
  • Student services
  • Community Outreach Services
  • Career and Internship Opportunities
  • International Program opportunities for students

When: July 7, 1pm-5pm
Where: Clearwater Campus, ES 104

Also, come support your favorite soccer team for the EURO 2016 tournament as the semi-final games will be shown on our big screens.

Refreshments will be served.

 

Join SPC’s Service Learning Study Abroad Program in the Dominican Republic!

12304427_1170651289630081_9076516534850250352_oDon’t have any plans for Spring Break 2017? It’s never too early to plan ahead. Join SPC’s service learning study abroad program in the Dominican Republic!

This study abroad program will strengthen students’ understanding of their role as a global citizen by offering a cross-cultural service learning experience in the Dominican Republic. Students will closely work with local non-profits. This program is part of a semester long course in which the students and faculty will be traveling during Spring Break.

  • Complete process by
    November 29, 2016
  • Travel dates
    Mar 4-11, 2017
  • Course dates
    Feb 15-May 4, 2017

Do you want to learn more about this program? Click here for more information.

Study Abroad in Italy – Summer 2017

The history, art, architecture, landscapes and culture of Italy are waiting for you. In July of 2017 SPC students will depart the U.S. to study abroad in Italy and earn college credit. This memorable 10-day program is just around the corner.

Why study Humanities in a classroom when you can experience it in Italy?

  • Complete process by
    Feb. 15, 2017
  • Travel dates
    Jul 7-17, 2017
  • Course dates
    May 15 – Jul 17, 2017

To explore the detailed itinerary, program costs and meeting schedule click here.

England Theater Program open – apply NOW!

Discover the culturally vibrant city of London, from the bustling streets of Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square to Millennium Bridge and the Tower of London. Complement your experience when you see historic sites like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Experience three theater performances and explore Shakespeare’s work in a tour of the Globe Theater!

  • Complete process by*
    Jan 20, 2017
  • Travel dates
    May 5-12, 2017
  • Course dates
    April 15 – May 29, 2017

Do you want to learn more about this program? Click here for more information.

Study Abroad in South Africa – Summer 2021!

SPC students can look forward to visiting multiples historical sites dealing with
political, economic, and social issues in South Africa. This includes Robben Island, a symbol
of human resilience in the face of adversity. It is the place where South Africa’s post Apartheid first democratically elected president Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his 27
years of incarceration. Other sites include the world-famous Kruger National Park, an
example of conservation effort in the world; the Cradle of Mankind, a UNESCO World
Heritage site; the Castle of Good Hope; and many more as detailed in the accompanying
program itinerary

  • Complete process by
     Feb 1, 2021
  • Course dates
    May 10, 2021- June 21, 2021
  • Travel dates
    May 17, 2021 – May 27, 2021

To explore the detailed itinerary, program costs and meeting schedule click here.