Current Faculty-Led International Immersion Programs

Program Locations: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket, Thailand
Program Dates: January 2-17, 2024 (Tentatively) 
Target Student Population: Program will accept 12 students. Business majors / minors / certs are encouraged to apply. But open to all!
Faculty / Staff Leader(s): Dr. Longzhu Dong and Dr. Melissa Emerson
Corresponding Course: INTB 363: International Business (3 credits)
Additional Attributes: R2, I1

Abstract: This faculty-led international Immersion program to Thailand operates through a strong collaboration with our on-site partner, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), located in Chiang Rai, Thailand. During this program, students will visit four cities (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket), tour more than a dozen companies of different sizes and in different industries, and have a wide variety of cultural visits including historic sites and museums. Through the many company tours, students will not only gain first-hand experience on how businesses are done in a different country, but also will attend formal presentations provided by the host companies discussing their challenges and opportunities in today’s global business environment. The lessons learned in Thailand will allow students to learn about and engage with different cultural elements from the various Thai sub-cultures, as well as demonstrate knowledge about the world’s diverse cultures, environments, practices, and values.

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Program Locations: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Program Dates: December 28, 2023 - January 19, 2024 (Tentatively) 
Target Student Population: Program will accept 12 students. Hmong Studies majors / minors / certs are encouraged to apply. But open to all!
Faculty / Staff Leader(s): Dr. Joe Orser and Jesse Yang
Corresponding Course: HMNG 342: International Travel Seminar (1 credit)
Additional Attributes: R2

Abstract: This 23-day international immersion will allow students to learn about Hmong living in Thailand from a variety of different perspectives. Thailand has the fourth-largest population of Hmong in the world, behind China, Vietnam, and Laos. Based in Chiang Mai, students will connect the experiences of Hmong in Thailand with Hmong in the United States, observe everyday life in Hmong villages, and understand contemporary Hmong issues in northern Thailand. Students will observe a process of cultural production in which local Hmong who live in Thailand are active in creating representations of Hmong culture for distribution and consumption globally. Considered the cultural heart of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a vibrant city of more than 120,000 people and a center of Thai trade, tourism, and academic activity.

Program Locations: Monkey Bay, Punta Gorda, and San Jose, Belize
Program Dates: January 5-17, 2024 (Tentatively) 
Target Student Population: Program will accept 12 students. Biology majors are strongly encouraged to apply.
Faculty / Staff Leader(s): Dr. Todd Wellnitz (emeritus) and Jae Wolf
Corresponding Course: BIOL 320: Studies in Tropical Environments (3 credits)
Additional Attributes: R2, 30 hours of service-learning

Abstract: This faculty-led international Immersion program to Belize comprises active learning experiences that allow students to learn about the country’s biological legacy and diverse peoples, with particular focus on aquatic ecosystems and Mayan culture and history. Student experiences include: an overnight canoe trip on the Sebum River to sample aquatic organisms, guided tours to the famous archaeological sites of Caracol and the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, a homestay with indigenous Mayan families in San José village, a tour of organic cacao groves and processing methods in San José, studying reef ecology at the Tobacco Caye, and a visit to the Smithsonian Institution’s Western Caribbean Marine Research Station.

Program Locations: Antigua, San Miguel Escobar, San Lucas Toliman  
Program Dates: December 28, 2023 through January 11, 2024 (Tentatively) 
Target Student Population: Program will accept up to 18 students. All students are welcome. Students with interests in LAS, Spanish, American Indian Studies, Social Justice, Geography, History, Biology, and Environmental Studies / Sustainability are strongly encouraged to apply.
Faculty / Staff Leader(s): Cathy Rex and Jeff DeGrave
Corresponding Course: None (no course credits are earned on this program)
Additional Attributes: R2, 30 hours of service-learning

Abstract: This faculty-led international Immersion program to Guatemala allows students to gain greater understanding of institutions of power on a global scale. The program is administered through our on-site partner, De La Gente--a "fair trade" (direct trade) social and environmental justice oriented coffee cooperative. Students will see and experience, first-hand, how our decisions on which products we purchase here in the U.S. can and do impact the lives others around the world--both positively and negatively. Students will also participate directly with the Ij'atz indigenous community for the service-learning project to help provide much needed labor to enhance their daily lives. 

Program Location: Mendoza, Argentina
Program Dates: Summer, 2023: May 27-June 17, 2023 (tentative)
Target Student Population: Program will accept at least 12 students. All students are welcome. Students with interests in LAS, Spanish, and History are strongly encouraged to apply.
Faculty / Staff Leader(s): Dr. Cheryl Jiménez-Frei and Dr. Kati Barahona-Lopez
Corresponding Course: LAS 390: Latin American Studies Immersion Experience (3 credits)
Additional Attributes: R2

Abstract: This faculty-led international Immersion program introduces students to contemporary Argentina and the many issues facing the country and culture. Experiences on the program will include visits to various museums--including one to better understand the legacy of the "Dirty War," day trips to wineries as Mendoza is the "Napa Valley" of South America, learning about human rights, dancing the tango, engaging in discussions with local university students, participating in a cooking class to gain greater insight into the history and culture of Argentine cuisine, a hike in the Andes, and much, much more.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2024 WILL BE OPENING IN FALL 2023

Program Locations: Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia
Program Dates: Summer 2023; May 28-June 20, 2023 (tentative)
Target Student Population: Program will accept at least 12 students. All students are welcome. Students with interests in Geography, Environmental Studies / Sustainability, and European Studies are strongly encouraged to apply.
Faculty / Staff Leader(s): Dr. Paul Kaldjian and Dr. Ezra Zeitler
Corresponding Courses: Spring Prep Course: GEOG 491: Special Topics (1 credit); Summer Course in Europe GEOG 366: Travel Seminar (3 credits)
Additional Attributes: R2

Abstract: This faculty-led international Immersion will take place largely on bicycles (make sure you can ride a bike before signing up for this program!). This sustainability-themed experience will take students to the extremely progressive city of Helsinki where students will gain greater understanding of why Finland is recognized as an international leader in social wellbeing (e.g., education, health care, human rights) and environmental protection and enhancement (e.g. clean energy practices, green transportation planning, sustainable development). The program will then take students to Tallinn, Estonia, by ferry, to draw comparisons and contrasts between the two cities.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2024 WILL BE OPENING IN FALL 2023

Program Location: Berlin, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Krakow, Poland
Program Dates: Summer 2023: May 25-June 24, 2023
Target Student Population: Program will accept 21 students. All students are welcome. The focus for CETS 2023 will be History, Music, Gender Roles, and the History of Science
Faculty / Staff Leader(s): Dr. Chia-Yu Hsu, Dr. Teresa Sanislo, and Dr. Jim Rybicki
Corresponding Courses: Required Spring Prep Course: IDIS 339 (3 credits); Summer Travel Seminar in Europe: IDIS 340 (3 credits)
Additional Attributes: R2, I1

Abstract: This interdisciplinary faculty-led international Immersion program explores the history, music, geography, arts, politics, economics, identity, and challenges facing this historically complex and dynamic region. The program takes place in 5 countries, traveling by train from city to city. Students will be exposed to wide variety of customs, cultures, languages, and more by viewing Central Europe from a wide variety of perspectives. Students may stay after the program and continue to travel Europe on their own.

PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2023

Program Location: Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto, Japan
Program Dates: Summer, 2023; July 8-25, 2023
Target Student Population: Program will accept at least 12 students. All students are welcome. Students pursuing a major or minor in Kinesiology are encouraged to apply. 
Faculty / Staff Leader(s): Dr. Saori Braun & Dr. Yoonsin Oh
Corresponding Course: KINS 495
Additional Attributes: R2

Abstract: 

Experience sport and traditional culture in Japan! During the first part of this short-term international immersion program, you’ll participate in activities in the Tokyo area, including:

• attending a Sumo wrestling practice;
• trying Judo, an Olympic sport originating in Japan;
• attending a professional baseball game;
• meeting students majoring in Kinesiology;
• trying traditional calligraphy;
• experiencing tea ceremony (Sado); and
• attending a summer festival (Natsumatsuri).

The second part of the program will include visiting World Heritage sites including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Kyoto samurai-era castles. 

All UWEC students are welcome to apply!

PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2023