Emily Fessler, from Pennsylvania State University, talks about the new Penn State School of Visual Arts program traveling in summer 2019. She writes:

For many students, studying abroad is an experience that falls in the top 5% of their “Bucket List” items. Being able to study abroad is such an amazing opportunity that every student should have the chance of experiencing. However, many students may not be able to study abroad for an entire semester due to financial or academic reasons. Fortunately, SoVA Down Under has created a brand-new study abroad program, which will provide those students with their dream travel-abroad experience!

Penn State’s School of Visual Arts is thrilled to announce its new study abroad program to New Zealand and Australia! This new and exciting three-week summer study abroad program will expose students to the indigenous cultures of New Zealand and Australia through artwork, nature, and cultural stories told by natives themselves. Students will also uncover and discuss the challenges these countries face as they experience colonization.

During this amazing three-week expedition through New Zealand and Australia, students will learn about both pre-colonial and postcolonial indigenous cultures. Specifically, students will experience first-hand breathtaking environments and natural wonders including Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia’s Outback and New Zealand’s geothermal Rotorua and Bay of Islands. The course will also include a trip to a living Maori village, a tour of the Hobbiton movie set, a meeting with carving and traditional tattoo artists, tours of art communities in the Australian Outback, and the Annual Sydney Vivid Festival. This course is fully packed with fun and educational activities to ensure students are getting the most out of their study abroad experience!

This new program is sure to be a hit with the Penn State students as there are several amazing opportunities just waiting to be taken advantage of and explored! Not only will students be able to create spectacular memories, but they will also earn 3 credits that they can use towards several different general education requirements. Past participants of the winter program have used these credits for a GA, GH, BA, and/or IL. This 3-credit art course is offered to a maximum of 25 students to guarantee a personalized and hands-on experience.

Enrollment deadline for Summer 2019 is 15 February, don’t miss out!

Find out more at www.sovadownunder.org

Published: October 2018