2010 Academic Trips at San Juan College

Rainforests, Volcanoes and Photography

March 19–27, 2010 (Spring Break)
Destination: Costa Rica
BIOL 298: Diversity and Co-evolution in Costa Rica/Honors (Instructor: Donna Hobbs)
HUM 299: Sights and Sounds of Costa Rica (Instructor: Tim Schroeder)
GEOL 298: Tectonics, Volcanology and Geological History of Costa Rica/Honors (Instructor: John Burris)
Approximate Cost per Student: $2,296

Rainforests, Volcanoes and Photography in Costa Rica! Spend your spring break climbing up to see a volcanic crater (or maybe in a hot tub watching them erupt), sliding a zip line in the upper level of a tropical canopy forest and photographing exotic plants and animals in the rainforest at a good time of year for travel. You will learn about the geologic history of the tropics and how well North American species did when first meeting South American competitors, you will delight in the diversity and survival specializations in the amazing tropics, and you may be involved in producing pictures and tapes of this splendid experience. Join us for an exciting Adventure to Costa Rica!


Observe World Renown Early Childhood Programs and Schools

May, 2010 (14 days, but dates not yet set)
Destination: Reggio, Italy
Offered as a learning community:
ECED 299: Reggio Emilia Philosophy School Study and Tours (Instructors: Judy Hudson and Linda Garrison)
Approximate Cost per Student: $6,000

Join a group of early childhood educators for a once in a life time trip to Italy to observe the world renown early childhood programs and schools in Reggio, Emilia. Participants in this trip will travel with a small group to Italy and then join over 350 teachers, educators and students for a week filled with tours, visits and lectures. The Reggio philosophy is the most recent theory in the early childhood field and includes interest led curriculum for children, the classroom environment as the 3rd teacher, project based activities and documentation. Participants will also visit Florence and Venice before returning home.


Historical and Cultural Look at England

May 13–28, 2010
Destination: England
Offered as a learning community:
SPCH 298: English Rhetoric and Intercultural Communication/Honors (Instructor: Mike Hattabaugh)
HIST 298: A Brief History of England/Honors (Instructor: Kelly Robison)
Approximate Cost per Student: $2,750

Jolly old England is calling you! Come join us for a historical and cultural look at the country that shares our English language. On this trip we will explore London, Stonehenge, Oxford, and York as we look at the medieval history, famous speeches by the likes of Churchill, Wilberforce, Tolkien, Lewis, Henry V, and Shakespeare and experience the culture of Great Britain. We will spend time at Oxford, home of 29 colleges that created the university system of learning. Great museums, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey will all be stops along the way. Students will earn 3 credits of history and 3 credits of Speech while have a great time touring, examining, and exploring the British Countryside and the great city of London.


Southwest Indian Foundation

May 23 – June 4, 2010
Destination: Gallup, New Mexico
Offered as a learning community:
SOCI 299: Honors Service Learning Projects of the Southwest (Instructors: Terry Swan and Deb Krichels)
Approximate Cost per Student: $756

Join us as we work with the Southwest Indian Foundation out of Gallup, NM. For more than twenty years, the Southwest Indian Foundation has employed Navajo work crews, many of them veterans, to renovate, weatherize, and construct housing on the Navajo Nation. In addition the Southwest Indian Foundation is involved in education, cultural preservation, and building healthy communities. During our time, we will be living together in a Hogan-style residence in the Gallup area. The weekend of May 27th will be free for you to explore some of the beautiful attractions in that area (or you can return home if you'd like).


A Great World Capitol

May 25 – June 1, 2010
Destination: Seward, Alaska
Offered as a learning community:
POLS 299 and ENGL 299: Washington DC: Our Nation’s Capital (Instructors: Judy Palier and Eric Bateman)
Approximate Cost per Student: $1,450

Immerse yourself in one of the great world capitols, Washington D.C. ! You will see our national government in action and learn the history and politics of our country through visiting its major monuments and museums.


Sea Kayaking and Mountaineering Expedition

June 6–20, 2010
Destination: Seward, Alaska
Offered as a learning community:
OLER 299: Expedition Sea Kayak (Instructor: Marcel Bieg)
OLER 299: Mountaineering (Instructor: Chris Strouthopoulos)
Approximate Cost per Student: $1,880

Craving adventure? Curious about Alaska? Satisfy your hunger by heading north on this sea kayaking and mountaineering expedition! Launching from the town of Seward, we’ll be kayaking past abundant wildlife, towering mountains, and vast glaciers. After several days we’ll arrive at Resurrection Bay, where you’ll be able to paddle right up to grounded icebergs. From there we’ll trade the boats for crampons in order to explore a vast glacier complex and climb some moderate peaks. Here’s your chance to live in a National Geographic episode! Trip requires a willingness to camp in remote places, ability to carry a 50+ lbs backpack, and a thirst for adventure. Contact Marcel Bieg 505-566-3113 or Chris Strouthopoulos 505-566-3210 for more information.


Experience a Different Mexico

July 1–13, 2010
Destination: Oaxaca, Mexico
Offered as a learning community:
ENGL 125 or 280 (Instructor: Kimberly Williams)
ANTH 255 or 210 (Instructor: Karla Hackman)
Approximate Cost per Student: $2,250

Experience a different Mexico! Oaxaca (Wah-ha-kuh), Mexico is one of the most beautiful regions on earth. Famous for its pottery and indigenous cultures, Oaxaca beckons the adventurous and those who seek beauty. This trip will take us through villages and markets where the average tourist won’t be going. We’ll visit the homes of potters and weavers, and travel to the ancient ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla. This emerald treasure on earth inspires writers and learners alike. Earn credit for ENGL 125 (Introduction to Creative Writing) or ENGL 280 (Advanced Creative Writing) and for ANTH 252 (Peoples of Latin America).