Modern Civilization
Travel Study Abroad Program:
England - Germany - France - Czech Republic
Itinerary: |
Prague, Berlin, London, Paris |
Dates: |
July 9 – July 31, 2010 |
Major: |
Modern European History |
| Electives: |
Headline News: International Relations and Current World Affairs, Power Players: Globalization and the Global Economy |
Housing: |
Hotels |
Level: |
Grades 9-12 |
| Prerequisite: |
None |
|
The fast-paced Modern Civilization program is designed for motivated students interested in international relations, globalization and the global economy, European politics, journalism, and debate. Over the course of the three week program, students will examine major developments in European history from World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as the formation of the modern European Union.
Week 1: Prague - Berlin
Students begin their academic journey in Prague. Often referred to as the "Paris of the East," Prague is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for young people from all over the world. Beautiful and comfortable, easy to explore by foot, Prague symbolizes the end of the Cold War and the emergence of new Europe. It has been at the crossroads of international politics for many centuries from the famous Defenestration of Prague which started the Thirty Years War, to the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution which brought down the Communist regime and brought the Czech Republic back to democracy.
During the program orientation this incredible city serves to introduce students to the major ideas, trends and themes which characterized post-war Europe. Students will explore the social, political and economic implications of WWII on emerging European democracies and their relationship to the international community. As the week progresses, students move on to their second destination of Berlin, an ideal site for discussions on postwar social transformations, the rise of Western Europe and the failure of Communism. A symbol of Europe's rebirth, Berlin has quickly become one of the world capitals of culture, design and fashion. Students will explore the famous Brandenburg Gate, the remnants of the Berlin Wall, and the site of the former Reich Chancellery as well as important symbol’s of the city's Jewish heritage including the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial.
Prague
Holocaust War Memorial, Berlin
Week 2: London
The vibrant and multicultural city of London plays host to the second week of the program, which examines the impact of global expansion on European superpowers and the subsequent changes in European elite and popular political, social and economic culture. With over 300 languages spoken within its borders this U.K capital has been called “the world within a city.” The combination of its incredible cultural diversity with its ranking as one of the world’s chief financial centers makes London the ideal location for the group’s discussions on globalization, the global economy, and global culture.
Exploring Camden Market
London unites tradition and innovation: St Paul’s and Millennium Bridge
A view of the Palace of Westminster from the River Thames
Week 3: Paris
Week three is spent in Paris and addresses the formation of the European Union and the effect of globalization on contemporary E.U. policy making. Paris is a European cultural icon and thus the perfect location for discussions on changes in traditional European values and traditions. During this final week program participants will take full advantage of on-site visits to the city’s many world heritage sites in addition to such international organizations as UNESCO, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
The Musee du Louvre
Students take a moment to enjoy the famous Jardin des Tuileries
The Modern Civilization Program demands a high level of student participation and motivation. Courses are fast-paced and lectures are considered college-level.
Primary Subject: Modern European History
The daily Modern European History course is designed to help students contextualize the major themes and trends set forth during program orientation and daily discussions. The course takes place on location throughout the four cities. Students are expected to complete nightly reading assignments in order to prepare for the day’s lecture and will be evaluated on their class participation. At the same time, given the breadth of the topic, the program does not set unrealistic goals and does not require an excessive amount of homework. Rather, it seeks to help the students grasp fundamental ideas and inspire them to explore these subjects in their elective course and future studies.
Elective Option:
Elective courses take place three times a week during the afternoons. Students choose from one of the following options.
- Headline News: International Relations and Current World Affairs
- Power Players: Globalization and the Global Economy
Homework assignments involve workshops in
investigative journalism
Students present their argument during an in-class debate
Throughout the duration of the program the group will live in 3-star centrally located hotels. All hotels are carefully chosen and visited by Abbey Road staff. Students will share double or triple rooms.
Students begin each weekday with the Modern European History Course. After lunch students attend either their afternoon elective or participate in guided workshops and seminars. Students are fortunate to have many options which vary based on their current location. Outside of class time they will be able to choose from a variety of activities: athletic, cultural and recreational in addition to free time and the opportunity to explore the contemporary side of each host city.
Paddle Boating in Hyde Park
Our program fee includes:
- Tuition
- Course materials
- Major course
- 1 elective course
- Lodging
- 3 meals a day
- Pre-planned day trips and activities
- Student orientation and packet
Our program fee does not include:
- Airfare
- Student Insurance
We encourage you to compare our program fee to other programs and see what they include.
The fee for the Western Civilization program can be found here:
Application & Fees page.
If you would like to receive a brochure by mail, please complete the short online Preliminary Inquiry
If you are ready to apply now, click on the Online Application to get started.
For general questions about the application process, please visit our Application & Fees page.
If you have any special questions about the program or need assistance with the application process, please call us toll-free at (888) 462-2239. From outside the U.S call +1-310-473-7300 or email us at info@goabbeyroad.com.
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