February 4, 2016 – This year, more students than ever are spending their spring break abroad through one of USC’s Global Classroom programs. Nearly 300 students, an increase of almost ten percent from last year, are participating in one of 16 programs taught and led by USC staff and faculty.

Across the 16 programs, students are visiting 20 countries, with many programs stretching across multiple countries or cities. Programs also address a wide variety of disciplines including business, health, and service learning, among others.

A few highlights from our 2016 offerings include:

• Business in Costa Rica This course, taught by Dr. Robert Rolfe, Professor of International Business, introduces students to the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Costa Rica. The country has been able to leverage its investments in health and education to achieve one of the highest standards of living in Central America. Students learn how environmental sustainability and the protection of natural assets have been essential elements in development strategies.
• Sport & Entertainment in Europe (France, the Netherlands, Germany) This course, taught by Dr. Armen Shaomian, Assistant Professor of Sport and Entertainment, investigates sport and entertainment in Europe and how it has developed and is currently marketed. In addition to attending daily lectures from event managers, sports and entertainment personnel, and sport and entertainment faculty members, students tour a number of relevant facilities and venues.
• Higher Education in Ireland (Multi-City) In this course, taught by Dr. Christian Anderson, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policies, students gain an understanding of higher education around the world with particular emphasis on Ireland. Students gain deeper understanding of higher education in several countries and how these countries deal with certain issues from a comparative perspective. Students work on a research project that focuses on a specific aspect of higher education in Ireland, learn about the history and culture of Ireland, and visit historical and cultural sites.
• Alternative Break in Thailand (Chiang Mai) This Carolina Service Council program, led by Hope Wooten, graduate student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program, gives participants an opportunity for an active service experience abroad. Participants volunteer at Elephant Nature Park and help to improve the plight of the Asian elephant.  This is a life-enhancing opportunity for hands-on conservation work to help protect a highly endangered species. 

The full list of spring break 2016 Global Classroom programs come from a variety of academic departments:

• Global Health in Belize (Corazole) - Led by Pearl Fernandes
  
• Examining Social Justice in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) - Led by Rhonda Dinovo
  
• Business in Costa Rica (San Ramon) - Led by Robert Rolfe
  
• Cuba in Economic Transition (Havana) - Led by Steven Mann
  
• Management of Risk & Insurance (England) - Led by Greg Niehaus
  
• Sport & Entertainment in Europe (France, Netherlands, Germany) - Led by Armen Shaomian
• Higher Education in Ireland - Led by Christian Anderson
• French Communication & Culture (France)- Led by Laura Lomicka-Anderson
• International Healthcare: Service Learning in Nicaragua (Managua) - Led by Patrick Hickey
  
• Global Health in Primary Care (Chinandega, Nicaragua) - Led by Jeff Hall
  
• Healthcare Service Learning in Panama (Panama City) - Led by Eileen Korpita
  
• Exploring Global Business in Singapore - Led by Julian Dalzell
  
• Alternative Break in Thailand (Chiang Mai) - Led by Hope Wooten
  
• MSN Spring Break Mission to Ecuador- Led by Tom Wall 
• Exploring Global Business in Latin America- Led by Frank Rydzewski 
• Engineers without Borders (Ecuador)- Advised by Jim Burch

In addition, 13 USC faculty and staff members will be traveling over spring break to San Jose, Costa Rica with the International Perspectives on Higher Education Program. To learn more about these exciting opportunities, and how to develop your own program, contact the Education Abroad Office.