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2022 Travel Seminars
On a Drake travel seminar, students can explore the world alongside their fellow Bulldogs and professors. Travel seminars run during J-Term or summer and are typically between one to three weeks in length. Past program locations have included Belize, China, England, New Zealand, and Uganda, to name a few. If you are finding it difficult to fit a semester study abroad experience into your program—due to time constraints, financial obstacles, or personal reasons—this may be an excellent option for you. With your Drake community by your side, you’ll develop new relationships with fellow Drake students and professors, and create long-lasting memories that will serve you long after your time abroad.
Where Will You Go??
Your J-Term, your choice.
Drake J-Term Travel Seminar Information
What is a travel seminar?
A travel seminar is a short-term Drake faculty-led course that travels to either international or domestic locations. The courses are usually comprised of 10 to 20 Drake students and are between one and three weeks in length during the month of January. J-Term travel seminars are 3-credit courses, many of which include a Drake AOI designation.
Minimum Requirements
All travel seminar participants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and pass a disciplinary check. Additionally, some seminars have program specific requirements; acceptance criteria for each course will be listed in Terra Dotta when applying.
How to Apply
Start your J-Term travel seminar application in Drake’s online portal called, “Terra Dotta” at: https://drake-sa.terradotta.com/. Use your Drake ID number and password to login and apply for a program.
- April 15 is the priority deadline to apply for a Drake J-Term travel seminar.
- Students can apply for up to two J-Term travel seminar programs, and will only be accepted to one.
- Acceptance criteria for each course will be listed in Terra Dotta when applying. If criteria is not noted for the course you apply to, the default criteria is Student Classification (senior, junior, sophomore).
- Students should rank their applications (if applying to more than one program), so Drake can see which program the student prefers. Drake will accept students to the first program of their choice, unless the program is full, then we will accept the student to their second choice. Acceptance is contingent on course availability.
- Students who meet the priority deadline and apply by April 15, will be notified of their application(s) status (accepted, waitlisted, or denial) on May 1.
- Students who commit to a program in Terra Dotta need to pay a $500 deposit at that time.
- You will NOT apply or register through MyDusis. Once you are committed to a travel seminar, Drake will register you through MyDusis.
- Apply for travel seminars here: https://drake-sa.terradotta.com/
COVID-19 Information
- Despite the ongoing presence of COVID-19, we are accepting applications for J-Term 2022 travel seminars at this time. All J-Term travel seminars and courses are subject to a final health and safety risk review in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These reviews will be done on a program-by-program basis.
- Although some programs have confirmed pricing, others are yet to be finalized due to delays as a result of COVID-19. Students will be notified when pricing is finalized. Students are still welcome to apply to all programs in Terra Dotta.
- Please note that all programs are subject to itinerary and programmatic modifications due to COVID-19 as required by Drake University, the program provider, or the host country.
- In light of the global pandemic, students are able to withdraw and receive a full refund on their deposit until September 15. Students must officially request to withdraw in writing. This can be done via email sent to nathan.jacobson@drake.edu. If by September 15 a student has not requested in writing to officially withdraw from program, the student will be responsible for the full cost of the program. No refunds will be issued after September 15.
Payment Schedule
- Friday, May 15: $500 deposit due
- Tuesday, September 15: program cost due in full
*Program prices are set and differentiate between each program. If you do not see a price for a program, the price is forthcoming. Additionally, students are responsible for the cost of meals not included in the program itinerary, passport and visa fees, and personal items.
**In light of the global pandemic, students are able to withdraw and receive a full refund on their deposit until September 15. Students must officially request to withdraw in writing. This can be done via email sent to nathan.jacobson@drake.edu. If by September 15 a student has not requested in writing to officially withdraw from program, the student will be responsible for the full cost of the program. No refunds will be issued after September 15.
Timeline
- Students can begin applying for J-Term Travel Seminars after the fair on March 17 via our online portal: https://drake-sa.terradotta.com/
- Students who apply by April 15 will be notified of acceptance status by May 1
- Students who commit to a program in Terra Dotta need to pay a $500 deposit at that time
Scholarships
There are two rounds of scholarship application reviews for Drake’s J-Term travel seminars. The first Drake Global Learning Scholarships deadline is April 15. The second review happens during the fall semester.
Students apply for Drake travel seminar scholarships by completing the “Global Learning Scholarship Application” form in Terra Dotta as part of their application. Applications will be reviewed based on the quality of their essay and based on financial need, except the Levin Scholarship which is not financial need based.
Outside scholarship sources for international experiences can be found at: https://www.drake.edu/global/studyabroad/finances/scholarships/
Questions?
For questions about your specific travel seminar, contact the course instructor. For general study abroad questions or issues with Terra Dotta, contact studyabroad@drake.edu.
Austria: Comprehensive Patient Assessment and Interprofessional Collaboration
HSCI 150: Comprehensive Patient Assessment and Interprofessional Collaboration
Instructors: Alisa Drapeaux & Michelle Bottenberg
Course Description:Patient assessment is a core skill of all health care professionals. Health Science and Pharmacy students enrolled will acquire a basic foundation of knowledge and skills regarding patient assessment in order to achieve the following goals (PENDING):
- Proficiently obtain and monitor a patient’s vitals
- Demonstrate effective communication skills for future interactions with patients and healthcare professionals
- Complete an appropriate patient history and document findings
- Communicate appropriately in regards to patient evaluation, care, and referral
- Conduct basic clinical screenings including neurological, musculoskeletal, and wellness
- Become aware of various equipment used in healthcare and basic set up of the equipment
- Become aware of common treatment approaches to specific medical diagnoses in the United States
- Outline the primary differences between the United States and Austrian healthcare system to include: direct access, health care law, treatment approaches, etc.
- Discuss interprofessional education efforts in the United States and understand how they relate to overall patient assessment
- Describe the overall process and challenges that were faced working within an intercultural team
Austria J-Term 2022 Tentative Itinerary
Other Program Details:
- Dates: January 5-18, 2022
- Required Prerequisites: Pharm 125, Bio 12, or HSCI 125
- Preference will be given to: Health Science and P1 pharmacy students.
- Program Fee for 2022: $4,325. Includes Airfare.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad, including, but not limited to: passport & visa fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
Click here to apply to the program in Terra Dotta.
Belize: Development, Conservation, and Indigenous Rights in Belize
ENSS 111: Development, Conservation, and Indigenous Rights in Belize
Instructors: David Courard-Hauri & Karen Leroux
Course Description: This seminar in Belize will enable students to gain an appreciation of the ecological and social aspects of sustainable development through an intense immersion experience in a southern Belize. Students will explore aspects of sustainable development and environmental justice, while engaging in a series of service learning projects and excursions. Discussion topics will include tropical ecology, the politics of land use, the interaction between economic development and sustainability, education, and government accountability.
Most of the seminar will be spent on a series of service-learning projects (reforestation, parrot conservation, community outreach, and environmental education). In addition to these topics, we will learn about local culture, natural history, and archaeology with excursions including snorkeling, visit to ancient Mayan sites, cave kayaking, and more. Accommodations will be rustic.
Other Program Details:
- Dates: January 3-20, 20222
- Registration Preference will be given to Environmental Science and Sustainability majors.
- AOI: Engaged Citizen
- Program Fee for 2022: $4,350. Airfare Included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad including, but not limited to: passport & visa fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
Florida (Disney): Zoo Biology
BIO128L/ENSP128: Florida: Zoo Biology
Instructor: Michael Renner
Course Description: This course will provide an overview of the field of zoo biology, with emphases on the role of zoos in conservation, species survival plans, captive management of small populations of exotic animals (especially including endangered species), and the use of behavioral research and environmental enrichment methods in captive animal welfare. The course will have a significant component of experiential learning, including work at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines and Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.
Zoo Biology J-Term 2022 Poster
Zoo Biology J-Term 2022 Course Information Sheet
Other Course Details:
- Dates: January 3-14 (Des Moines, working at Blank Park Zoo); January 18-21 (Disney's Animal Kingdom, Florida)
- Required Prerequisites: BIO 025 (cross-listed as PSYC 024), permission of instructor
- Program Fee for 2022: $1,760. Airfare NOT included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad including, but not limited to: travel identification fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
Ecuador: Exploring International Development and the Environment in Ecuador
ENSP 111: Ecuador & the Galapagos: Exploring International Development and the Environment
Instructor: Peter Levi
Course Description: In Ecuador, we will investigate ecological conservation and tourism in one of the most geologically and ecologically diverse regions of the world. Students will explore aspects of sustainable development and environmental justice through an intense immersion experience. We will compare our daily experiences with our lived experiences in Iowa and the Midwest. In general, discussion topics will include tropical ecology, the politics of land use, the effects of conflict on environmental systems, and the interaction between economic development and sustainability. We will visit high Andean and tropical rainforest ecosystems near Quito and isolated island and marine ecosystems in the Galapagos Islands, discussing both the natural and social history of the region. This seminar involves several physically challenging activities, such as hiking at high altitude and snorkeling.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Homestays with families in Quito
- Day-trips to a cloud forest and geothermal hot springs
- Ciclopaseo on Sunday in Quito
- Multiple snorkeling trips in the Galapagos
- Visits to national parks, marine reserves
- Discussions with local conservation, political experts
Other Course Details:
- Tentative Dates: 1/4/22-1/22/22
- Registration Preference will be given to Environmental Science and Sustainability majors.
- AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding
- Program Fee for 2022: $5,380. Airfare included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad including, but not limited to: passport & visa fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
England: Theatre History in London
THEA 120T: Theatre History in London
Instructors: Josie Poppen & John Pomeroy
Course Description: In this 3-credit course we will look at the literature and practice of the theatre from the point of view of the society in which it operated. We will examine how theatre reflects the assumptions of a culture and how theatre artists use their medium to express their belief or disbelief in those systems. This class will cover theatre from the Ancient Greeks to Jacobean Theatre in England. Through an immersion in the theatrical culture of London, and the historical sites we will visit (ancient and modern), we will be able to get a full understanding of the role theatre has played and continues to play in our culture and society. You do not need to be a Theatre major to take this course, nor are there any pre-requisites.
England Theatre J-Term 2022 Flyer
England Theatre J-Term 2022 Sample Itinerary *Subject to change
Other Course Details:
- Tentative Dates: 1/5/22 - 1/22/22
- AOIs: Artistic Thinking and Historical Foundations
- Program Fee for 2022: $5,180. Airfare Included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad including, but not limited to: passport & visa fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
Hawaii: Understanding Diverse Populations
COUN 145/245: Understanding Diverse Populations
Instructors: Matt Bruinekool & Wade Leuwerke
Course Description: Learn about the history of mental illness and how a Clubhouse Model of treatment is more respectful of people across different cultures. Travel to Kauai and spend 11 days learning about the history of Hawaii, how mental illness is viewed within the Hawaiian culture, and about Friendship House (A Clubhouse). In addition to engaging in experiential learning activities at Friendship House students will travel around the island visiting museums, historical landmarks, and towns learning about the history of Hawaii and impact of U.S. occupation, tourism, and globalization on the Hawaiian culture as a better way to gain a multicultural perspective on mental illness.
Hawaii J-Term 2022 Tentative Itinerary
Other Course Details:
- Tentative Dates: 1/4/22-1/15/22
- AOIs: Historical Foundations & Global and Cultural Understanding
- Program Fee for 2022: $3,700. Airfare included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with travel including, but not limited to: travel identification fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
New York: Auditioning
THEA 102: Auditions Course in New York City
Instructors: Adam Yankowy & Erin Horst
Course Description: This course is an experiential workshop in NYC that should enable students to audition successfully in the professional and non-union theatre. Students will learn about both the artistic and business aspects of auditioning. Cold reading skills will be developed and the students will prepare and present four audition pieces (songs/monologues). Students will create an acting resume and be guided in selecting a photographer to take their headshots. They will learn about the business aspects of theatre and the many technological resources available to them for promoting their work all while immersed in New York City’s diverse culture.
Other Course Details:
- Dates: 1/6/22-1/16/22
- Required prerequisites: Open to Junior or Senior Theatre students or by Instructor Approval
- Preference will be given to BFA students
- Program Fee for 2022: $3,550. Airfare included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with traveling including, but not limited to: travel identification fees (REAL-ID), checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
Costa Rica: Communication and Tourism Analysis
BUS 198: Costa Rica: Communication and Tourism Analysis
Instructors: Amy Vaughan & Rick Long
Course Description: This course focuses on the development of business presentation skills required to be successful in today’s dynamic business environment. These presentations will incorporate data from researching local tourism sites and their respective industries. The cultural impact of the country of Costa Rica's indigenous people as well as other environmental factors of this region will be researched. Statistical analysis of their economic and social contributions will also be evaluated. An emphasis on continual learning, practice and improvement will be facilitated through faculty feedback and coaching. Student-professionals will demonstrate how to develop and deliver a variety of professional informative presentations in multiple settings and with varied, diverse audiences. Students will also demonstrate how to successfully collaborate with others in group presentation situations. This class covers the Engaged Citizen AOI and the Bus 73 requirement (if you are a business student and have not yet taken it).
Other Course Details:
- Dates:1/3/22-1/20/22
- AOI: Engaged Citizen; Counts as BUS 073 for Business students
- Registration preference will be given to students in the College of Business and Public Administration, but students from all colleges are welcome to apply.
- Program Fee for 2022: $5,795. Airfare included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad including, but not limited to: passport & visa fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
Panama: Place-based Integrated Science
STEM 112: Panama: Place-based Integrated Science
Instructors: Jerrid Kruse & Shelby Kruse
Course Description: This course will use experiences in Panama and its landscapes to develop understanding about the natural world. Through direct observation and investigation, this course will use place-based pedagogies to help students gain greater understanding of physical, earth, and life science concepts. Additionally, the course will explore the history of scientific ideas; the interactions of science, technology, and society; as well as mind and body interactions and development. This course is ideal for non-science majors.
Panama J-Term 2022 Tentative Itinerary
Other Course Details:
- Dates: 1/10/22-1/21/22
- AOI: Scientific Literacy
- Program Fee for 2022: $3,810. Airfare included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad including, but not limited to: passport & visa fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
Spain: Exploring the Intersection of Ethics and Culture
EDUC 199: Spain: Exploring the Intersections of Ethics and Culture
Instructors: Cris Wildermuth & Amy Pfeifer
Course Description: The main goals of this interdisciplinary course are to expose students to the complexity of culture, with a special focus on the challenges and opportunities inherent to intercultural and value differences. Students will articulate their own ethical framework, contrast their personal framework with those of their peers, connect ethics and cultural values, and apply cultural and ethical concepts learned to a current global challenge.
Other Course Details:
- Dates: 1/4/22-1/19/22
- AOIs: Global and Cultural Understanding; Values and Ethics
- Program Fee for 2022: $5,035. Airfare included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad including, but not limited to: passport & visa fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
India (PIMS): Special Topics in Health Systems*
HSCI 147: International Health Topics
Instructor: Pramod Mahajan
Course Description: This special topics course combines international internship and service learning experiences with pre and post readings, discussions, and reflections in order to maximize student learning, increase student awareness of cultural issues, and increase personal growth related to working in a developing country. Student will build skills in life-long learning, values and ethics, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Permission of the instructor needed to register.
*This is a travel course, not seminar. It does not follow the travel seminar model, and is a specialized CPHS course offered through our Exchange Partner: Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS)
Questions? Contact Pramod Mahajan, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences pramod.mahajan@drake.edu
India PIMS J-Term 2022 Course Brochure
India PIMS J-Term 2022 Course Information
Other Course Details:
- Dates: 12/30/21-1/22/22
- Registration Note: Contact Prof. Mahajan if interested in applying for the course.
- Program Fee for 2022: $1,750. Airfare NOT included.
- There are additional, non-billable costs associated with studying abroad including, but not limited to: passport & visa fees, checked luggage fees, personal spending, and travel insurance (recommended purchase). If you have questions related to these additional expenses, please reach out before committing to the program.
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