Study Away Opportunities

For more information about this study away experience, please contact Dr. Paul Geisler, Director of Athletic Training (pgeisler@ithaca.edu)

Students on this program investigate socio-cultural factors in the delivery of health care and rehabilitation services in an international context. Students examine, through experiential learning, discussion, and lectures, the role of ethnicity, race, religion, and socioeconomic status in shaping the health-related beliefs and behaviors of individuals in Ecuador. The program includes guest speakers, visits to selected health-related facilities (including clinics, special schools and programs, orphanages, disability related organizations, etc.), an exploration of living and working environments.
Number of Credit Hours: 1
For additional information, contact Carole Dennis at cdennis@ithaca.edu.

For additional information, contact Dr. Jill Mayer in the Department of Physical Therapy (jmayer@ithaca.edu)

The Immersion Semester Program (ISP) is an intensive semester-long study away program for outdoor leadership and skill development. The ISP employs adventure pursuits (i.e., backpacking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting) to engage topics ranging from wilderness philosophy to wilderness ethics, wilderness leadership to risk management, and wilderness medicine to wilderness literacy.

The ISP is open to all majors, featuring six courses (described below) and experiential learning opportunities emphasizing leadership, judgment, decision-making, and communication.

The ISP is NOT guide training or high-risk adventure for the sake of high-risk adventure. The skills gained on the ISP are intended to prepare future professional outdoor leaders AND to be easily transferable for application to an industry of choice. The vision of the ISP is to develop effective outdoor leaders, educators, and compassionate citizens.
Students register for 18 credits in the following courses:

• RLS 18005 Select Topic in Rescue
• RLS 21600 Outdoor Adventure Skills
• RLS 22000 The Wilderness Experience
• RLS 22300 Wilderness Literacy
• RLS 37000 Wilderness Land Use Ethics
• RLS 42100 Wilderness Expedition Leadership

The OAL ISP is open to all majors. Spots are limited. Priority is given to Outdoor Adventure Leadership majors and Outdoor Pursuits minors as it is a requirement for graduation. All students need to complete the OAL ISP application and forms.

For additional information, contact Patrick Lewis in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (plewis@ithaca.edu)

China: Culture, Health, Healing and Sport

Spring: (1 Credit)
Summer: (2 Credits; Prerequisite: Spring Course; limited to 14 students)
Summer Program Application Deadline: Fall Semester

This course introduces philosophy and practice in health, prevention and rehabilitation, sport and physical education from a historical and cultural perspective. Students who take this course can choose to register a 2-week short-term study abroad course in summer to explore and experience the Chinese culture, rehabilitation, and Health Promotion in a practical setting. When in China, the content covered in the class will be fulfilled with corresponding activities. Students will learn hands-on skills such as Chinese Massage, Cupping and Acupuncture, Martial Arts & Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Chinese Calligraphy etc. Students also visit elite athletic training and research centers, and Chinese health care systems at national and regional levels.
* Students may choose to take this course for part of their major or minor requirement (Liberal Art or Diversity elective, etc. Discuss major/minor requirements with your academic advisor.)

Estimated Summer Short-term Study in China Cost:
Airfare: $1,900 (estimated: including both international and domestic)
Tuition: $2,440 (2 summer credit at $1,220 per credit)
Program Fee: $900 (Insurance, Lodging, Food, local transportation etc.)
Total Cost per student: $5,240, plus VISA and Passport.

For additional information, contact Dr. Hongwei Guan in the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education (hgwan@ithaca.edu)

RLS 27700 Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica – G LA (3 cr.)

When: Fall Semester, Block II course, Monday 3-4:15 pm
Travel to Costa Rica: January during winter break (The trip is part of the 3-credit course.)

Application Deadline: September

While in Costa Rica students will:

• Stay in ecotourism lodges in Alajuela, Altamira, Monteverde, Tárcoles, and the Osa Peninsula
• Learn about sustainable ecotourism practices that protect biodiversity and natural resources, use alternative energy and organic methods, and support local communities
• Hike through La Amistad International Park and experience tropical vegetation, wildlife, and primary and secondary rainforests
• Take a chocolate tour and learn about sustainable agriculture in the tropics
• Kayak through mangrove forests in the Osa Peninsula
• Observe tropical plants and wildlife by the Pacific Ocean at Manuel Antonio National Park
• Hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and tour the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges
• All activities led by certified Costa Rican guides trained in tropical biology

Estimated cost: $2,550 + airfare (based on 10 students enrolled--includes lodging, meals, guides, vans, park admissions, travel insurance)

Please apply for study abroad with the Office of International Programs.

For additional information, contact Dr. Linda Heyne in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (lheyne@ithaca.edu)