Cultural Program

The core of this exciting trip consists of an intensive four day immersion in World War I history as you visit battlefields, trenches, museums, and memorials located in Belgium and France.

The tour begins in the Netherlands where you will be hosted by the University of Leiden. You will have time to explore sites in Amersterdam (20 minutes away by train) such as the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, or take a canal tour.

Academic Program

Two credits can be earned for this study tour.

The program is held in conjunction with HIS 357/557 “World War I: The Western Front”, offered Spring 2009, TTH 10 am—11:50am.

Topics include: Commanders and strategies, trench warfare, hospitals, women and the war, uniforms and weapons, discipline and punishment at the front, remembering the dead, WWI poetry and literature.

Two pre-departure meetings will be held in February 2009.

Academic Eligibility

Preference will be given to students enrolled in HIS 357/557 “WWI: The Western Front”.

Undergraduate and Graduate students may apply, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0 and graduate GPA of 3.0. Applications from Project 60 students will be accepted only if space is available.

All applications must be approved by the program director and the Study Abroad office.

Program Cost

Undergraduates $1700 ($2200 minus the Provost’s scholarship of $500)
Graduates $2200

The program cost includes roundtrip airfare, lodging, the four day immersion program, and an International Student Identity Card. The cost does not include CSU tuition for the required course. The cost may change due to increases in airfare and/or the exchange rate of the Euro.

Students should budget about $550 out of pocket expenses for meals, independent sight-seeing, and airport transfers.

Students may use Spring financial aid to pay for the program cost. Undergraduates will receive a $500 scholarship from the Office of the Provost. Graduate students can apply for the Study Abroad scholarship. Both graduates and undergraduates can apply for the ODAMA Study Abroad scholarship. For more information, contact the study abroad office.

Itinerary

March 14, 15
Depart Cleveland. Arrive in Amersterdam, train to Leiden

March 16, 17
Excursions in Leiden and Amsterdam

March 18
Preliminary program at the University of Leiden

March 19
Ypres: The Menin Road Hill 62, Sanctuary Wood, Museum “In Flanders Fields”, The Menin Gate Ceremony, hotel in Ypres.

March 20
From Ypres to the South Essex Farm Cemetery, IJzer tower (panoramic view of battlefield), trenches, German and British war cemeteries. Hotel in Arras.

March 21
The Battle of the Somme Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval Memorial, La Grande Mine, Historial de la Grande Guerre Museum, Peronne. Hotel in Verdun.

March 22
The Battle of Verdun and return to Leiden

March 23
Return to Cleveland

Program application

A $200 non-refundable deposit along with the program application is due by no later than December 31, 2008 to confirm your participation.

Download the brochure and application.

Do you need a visa?

If you are not a US citizen (even if you are a Permanent Resident), you may need a visa to enter the Netherlands, Belgium and France. You may need a short term, tourist visa called a Schengen visa. This visa would allow you to travel in the Schengen states, of which the Netherlands, Belgium and France are members. You must apply through the Netherlands Consulate in the US. To find out if you need a visa, visit this website.

For additional Information,Contact

Dr. Joyce M. Mastboom
Program Director
216-687-3920
j.mastboom@csuohio.edu

Hannah Fischer
Study Abroad Specialist
216-687-3910
studyabroad@csuohio.edu