By: Gisselle Venable
Co-Editor
Studying abroad in college has many benefits. Not only are the trips lower in cost than they would be if taken individually, but studying abroad allows students to travel in a group with a planned itinerary. All students need to do is pay for the trip and attend classes.
IU South Bend is offering six different study abroad trips for spring and summer 2024: Costa Rica, China, Germany, Iceland, Japan and Mexico.
Costa Rica
Students will focus on sustainability by traveling to a number of natural landmarks such as Monteverde Cloud Forest, Thermal Hot Springs, La Fortuna Waterfalls, Palo Verde Park and Samara Beach.
Students will also have the opportunity to explore the country’s culture and history through practice of the Spanish language, life with a local family and nature outings and activities.
Travel dates: March 7-17, 2024
Estimated cost: $3,350 (plus $40 insurance)
Application deadline: Nov. 29
China
Students will be able to explore Chinese history and architecture in Beijing and Shanghai, the two most populated cities in China.
The trip includes visits and tours of numerous historical sites such as Tiananmen, The Palace Museum, The Great Wall, Yu Yuan, the Bund and Nanjing Road, the Oriental Pearl Tower and more.
Travel dates: May 20-31, 2024
Estimated cost: $3,500
Application deadline: Nov. 29
Germany
IU South Bend is collaborating with IU Southeast to offer a study abroad program to Tübingen and Freiburg, Germany.
The trip will focus on two main subjects of study: sustainability and the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
Students will take additional excursions to locations such as the Black Forest, Castle Hohentübingen, Triberg Falls and many more.
Travel dates: May 19-June 3, 2024
Estimated cost: $3,000
Application deadline: Nov. 29
Iceland
In a two-week trip, students will travel to Iceland to nature, geology, folklore and all Iceland has to offer.
The trip will focus on renewable energy and sustainability with excursions to natural sites such as the Golden Circle, the Hellisheidi Geothermal Plant, the Fridheimar Tomato Farm and more.
Students will also have the opportunity to partake in activities unique to Iceland’s climate and geography.
Travel dates: Summer Session II
Estimated cost: $4,200
Application deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Japan
With a focus on Japanese language and culture, students will be based in Tokyo with travels to key historical sites in the surrounding areas. Some of the sites expected to be visited are: Golden Pavilion, the bamboo forest of Arashiyama and the mountain Fushimi Inari shrine and its 10,000 Torii gates in Kyoto.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities near the end of the trip.
Travel dates: May 8 – June 4, 2024
Estimated cost: $4,550
Application deadline: Nov. 29
Mexico
IU South Bend’s Oaxaca, Mexico program allows students to immerse themselves in Oaxacan culture and lifestyle by living with a local family.
Students will improve their Spanish language abilities and develop knowledge in the rich diversity and culture of Oaxaca. They will participate in activities such as exploring marketplaces, painting alebrijes and visiting unique cultural sites.
Travel dates: May 18-June 16, 2024
Estimated cost: $4,350
Application deadline: Feb. 1
For more information on these study abroad opportunities, visit academics.iusb.edu/international-programs/study-abroad or email iusbintp@iusb.edu.
