International Programs Office
Electra Lake in Durango, Colorado
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GS 251

The links on this page are to be used by only current students of either GS250 or GS251 courses. Current students should click on the high-lighted forms or lesson from the proper course that you are attending and complete each lesson or form.

GS 251: International Studies
Syllabus

Instructor:
Susan Holgate, Director, Study Abroad & Exchanges
International Programs Office
204 Kroeger Hall (Admissions Building)
Campus Phone: 247-7650
Email: holgate_s@fortlewis.edu

Appointments may be made during regular office hours: Monday - Friday 9-4 pm. NOTE: These are not all appointment hours.  See below:

Student appointments are on Monday Tuesdays and Wednesday afternoons, times TBD.   Plan accordingly. You may also call 247-7650 or email ipo_st1@fortlewis.edu to make appointments.

The ABSOLUTE best ways to have a "quick" question answered is 1) in class or 2) via email. holgate_s@fortlewis.edu 

 

Complicated questions, and help with program choices, should be done via appointment. 

Class Organization:

GS251 differs from GS250.  We meet as a group weekly throughout the term. Students are expected to work on their own researching their program choices, visa requirements, and budgets.    One or two sessions will be devoted to the new Education for Global Citizenship (EGC) credit available to study abroad students.  All classes meet between 5-7 pm in Noble 125. Missed classes (besides the EGC) may be made up by personal appointments, but only with prior approval and arrangement.  Call the IPO to make your appointments.    Do not assume you may substitute all class times with appointments.  You are encouraged to meet individually as many times as it takes for you to accomplish the following objectives, but not in lieu of class attendance.

Course Objectives:

1.      Read and understand program details as outlined in Lessons 8-13 http://international.fortlewis.edu

2.      Choose and research the program, city and country you will be visiting during your semester or year abroad.  This will include what is happening politically, economically and culturally at the moment – with special attention to travel and health requirements, advisories and warnings.

3.      Complete all admission and application paperwork that will enable you to participate in this experience

4.      Research and apply for student visas.

5.      Complete budget to present to financial aid, benefactors (i.e. parents) and/or to use in affordability evaluation.

6.      Apply for scholarships.

7.      Meet with major advisor to make sure your academic plans are on track, make sense and you have necessary prerequisites.

8.      Research and complete travel plans and arrangements (passports, immunizations, health exams, insurance, airline tickets, etc.)

9.      Organize life maintenance issues that will arise while you are away.

10.  Develop an easy to monitor “country news and alert” system so you know what is happening in the regions you will visit.

11.  Attend pre-departure meeting and exit interview (equivalent to “final”)

Both GS250 and GS251 are designed to promote global awareness and preparedness among prospective study abroad candidates before they venture overseas or across international borders. FLC students should possess intercultural competence and be academically prepared before studying abroad.  You are expected to keep up on world events and adjust your plans accordingly.

Course Procedures: The majority of this course is individualized since these are not faculty-run or group trips.  We meet as a group for initial course objectives to be explained, questions answered, and procedures outlined. Additional group meetings are to make sure everyone is completing tasks on schedule and with understanding.  These are open question and answer sessions that you should utilize.  In addition, you are to make individual appointments throughout the term so there is absolutely no reason for confusion and/or frustration.  This is a very paper intensive, sometimes intense and at times a complicated endeavor, but as I will repeat throughout the term “It always works out”. 

There is an incredible amount of information within the website, and you are strongly encouraged to spend at least a few hours each week surfing for information that pertains to your particular situation. 

The entire point of the course is to give you the tools and information you need to get you from A to B safely and in an organized fashion.

Deadlines are listed on the International website under Due Dates.

****Please be aware that some individual programs may have an earlier application deadline. It is your responsibility to make sure all paperwork is completely by stated deadlines.

Grades:  This class is either PASS (meaning you completed all of the objectives above and are leaving on a program) or W (meaning for one reason or another you have decided not to go and need to drop the course.

"Students with disabilities have equal access and equal opportunity in this course.  If you require reasonable accommodations to fully participate in course activities or meet course requirements, you must register with Disability Services, 280 Noble Hall, 247-7459.  If you qualify for services, bring your letter of accommodation to me as soon as possible."

Participation in the international programs listed below DO NOT require the completion of GS 250 or GS 251. If you are going on one of these programs, please drop this course BEFORE census.

Junior Trimester Abroad students should apply directly through the sponsoring department.
Independent Study projects are arranged directly with individual professors and department chairs.
International Co-op Projects are arranged directly through the Co-op Office.
Trimesters in Mexico are arranged directly through the Sociology Department.
Innovative months are arranged through the Office of Continuing Education.

 

 

 

Lessons

Education for Global Citizenship Credit

http://explore.fortlewis.edu/academics/global_citizen/index.asp

Mandatory Class Meetings for EGC credit:  TBD

Pre Departure Orientation

GS251 PreApplication Packet