1 of 31

2 of 31

3 of 31

Agenda

  • Introductions
  • Current study abroad opportunities for students
  • Future study abroad opportunities for students
  • How faculty can get involved

4 of 31

  • About me
  • What travel means to me / why I believe in faculty-led study abroad
  • Travel experiences from 2012-present

I’d love to know more about you and why you’re interest in connecting students to study abroad experiences!

I’m Prof.

Dashiell

5 of 31

6 of 31

Current Study Abroad Opportunity @ PGCC

AFA 1030: Black Diasporic Studies Abroad

  • Coming summer 2024!
  • 3 credits
  • Gen. Ed. Status
  • Students can satisfy their Afr. Am. studies or elective requirements with the course
  • Students can use their financial aid to fund the trip
  • Course has a built-in study abroad trip
  • http://catalog.pgcc.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=32&coid=44927&
  • PGCC has partnered with Education First
  • Students can also attend the trip without signing up for the class.

7 of 31

?Who is Education First?

8 of 31

Future Study Abroad Opportunities

  • A new course (similar to AFA 1030) is being created, but it is more general. It will be a 3 credit course with gen. ed. status that can be applied toward student’s graduation credits.
  • Ultimately, PGCC is planning to build a Global Studies Program.
  • Currently, we are working with the transfer office to ensure these courses transfer.

9 of 31

Costa Rica: Summer 2024!

The following slides will show you the information students receive when they attend interest meetings about the upcoming Costa Rica (summer 2024) trip. Here is the link to our next interest meeting. Please share it with students and encourage them to attend!

Thursday, November 16, 2023

7:00pm-8:00pm

Zoom: 455 1579 9428

https://bit.ly/498Q5Qk

10 of 31

Why plan for future travel now?

    • Give yourself something to look forward to

    • Reconnect in a world that feels so distant and remote right now

    • Budget and make smaller payments (and take advantage of early enrollment scholarships!)

    • Start checking off your bucket lists for a trip of a lifetime!

11 of 31

Why Study Abroad?

Educational & Professional Benefits

Study abroad alums saw their GPA rise twice as quickly as a result of going abroad compared to those who did not¹ 

92% of employers are looking for the skills and traits that students develop in study abroad settings²

Students that travel tend to have higher salaries than those who don’t³

IMPACT ON GPA

RÉSUMÉ BUILDING

SALARY

93% of students who study abroad and entered the workforce were employed within 6 months of graduation, compared to 49% of those who did not study abroad³ 

JOB SECURITY

12 of 31

Why Study Abroad?

Personal Benefits

DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL SKILLS

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE

Exposure outside of the U.S. builds stronger connections built between classmates, locations, and the world that help to make you a global citizen

Confidence, Curiosity

Empathy, Self-Awareness

Global Perspective, Cultural Knowledge

Adaptability, Relatability

Leadership

A TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Quite simply, travel is AWESOME, and this type of program combines all of the memories, food, sights, and experiences with valuable development

13 of 31

Environment & Culture in Costa Rica

June 2024 | 9 days

Pura vida” is a greeting, a mentality, and way of life that can’t be translated directly - it must be experienced firsthand. As one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica boasts unparalleled natural beauty and exciting adventure around every turn. Here is your opportunity to understand what makes Costa Rica a true leader in environmental conservation.

14 of 31

Get an in-depth understanding of Costa Rica’s unique range of microclimates—from rainforests to cloud forests and beaches to volcanoes—and the astonishing biodiversity of flora and fauna that inhabit them. Learn about model conservation and sustainable ecotourism efforts underway to protect thousands of endangered species. En route, connect with local communities, immerse yourself in "Tico" culture, enjoy local cuisine.

Our program

15 of 31

See Arenal Volcano

Arenal is one of the largest active volcanoes in Costa Rica. While visiting this region, you will also have time to visit the Arenal hot springs and take a dip in the naturally heated pools.

Take a boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

On a day trip to Los Chiles, a community on the Nicaraguan border, you will visit a wetlands wildlife refuge that is home to diverse species of animals including capuchin monkeys, caimans, and the Nicaraguan grackle.

Spend a day at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest

A cloud forest is a high-elevation forest whose canopy-level cloud cover provides moisture for the mosses, ferns, and vines that live here. During your visit, explore the forest, learn about its conservation, and go ziplining!

See La Fortuna waterfall

Get up close to this powerful 200-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.

Enroll tonight and get a

discount!!

$200

16 of 31

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is home to toucans, spider monkeys (above), sloths, and more! Explore the park’s well-maintained trails and take some time to enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches.

Explore Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast

This area is known for its stunning natural beauty. Catch magnificent sunsets each evening, and keep your eyes peeled for the colorful butterflies, bright scarlet macaws (above), and enormous iguanas who call this region home.

Visit a coffee plantation

Coffee is one of Costa Rica’s main exports. At a visit to a coffee plantation, you will observe each stage of the process and engage with the workers who are experts in producing high quality coffee beans.

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner in San Jose

Before departing for home from Costa Rica’s capital, enjoy a final dinner with your group. Costa Rican food typically features hearty rice and beans along with fresh, locally sourced meat and vegetables

Enroll tonight and get a

discount!!

$200

17 of 31

Who is helping us with planning?

Our Partner: EF Education First – Study Abroad

  • World leader in international education
  • More than 1 million students experience their programs each year
  • 55+ years of experience
  • 600+ schools & offices in 114 countries
  • Organizes all travel logistics and details for an all-inclusive experience
  • Expert in safety, experiential learning, and building incredible study abroad programs
  • Proven safety record during COVID
  • Committed to DEIB, sustainability, and accessibility

18 of 31

What safety measures can we expect?

EF has us covered

EF provides our group with:

    • 24/7 Personal Tour Director

    • Local presence and safety teams in country

    • 24-hour emergency line & real-time incident response

    • Enhanced safety measures and protocols to align with COVID standards

    • Peace of Mind policy included for all travelers

    • Additional support and safety policies

EF is among the first recipients of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Stamp, certifying that EF adheres to strict safety and hygiene protocols.

For more info: efstudyabroad.com/safety

19 of 31

How can you protect your investment?

Two different layers of protection

Global Travel Protection Plans cover individual circumstances that arise before or while on our program (illness, loss of job, flight delays, lost baggage, etc.). This is already included in our program.

Global Travel Protection Plus allows you to cancel for ANY REASON up until the day before we depart with a refund of the program price (minus the cost of the plan and other non-refundable fees)

20 of 31

What’s included?

Simply more bang for your buck as an all-inclusive experience

Compare this to planning on your own + the added benefits of an all-inclusive provider

Just a few things for you to cover:

Round-trip airfare on major carriers

Safe, quality hotel rooms

Bilingual Tour Director with us 24/7

Transportation while abroad

Thoughtfully designed cultural & academic itinerary

Guided experiences, entrances, and activities

Authentic breakfasts and select dinners

24/7 emergency support line

Help with travel prep & funding

Passport and visa fees

Airport baggage fees

Lunches and snacks

Personal spending money

Tips for your Tour Director

COVID-19 testing

21 of 31

Worry Free Enrollment Period

  • Secure one of the limited spots available
  • Start making more manageable payments
  • Collect donations from friends and family or for the holidays
  • Change your mind within 30 days of enrolling and receive a refund of all monies paid

Enroll now with ease 

Cancel for any reason

within 30 days of enrollment and receive a full refund*

*To be eligible, the traveler must enroll on a program at least 120 days prior to the scheduled departure date and cancel within 30 days of enrollment. Travelers must pay in full or enroll in our Automatic Payment Plan and must remain in good financial standing at the time of cancellation to remain eligible. 

22 of 31

When are we traveling?

Mark your calendars

A short-term program: the ability to study abroad without missing a whole semester at school

Earliest

departure

Requested

return

*We’ll confirm exact departure and return dates approximately 2-3 months before departure.

Requested

departure

Latest 

return

day program

06/25/2024

07/03/2024

07/05/2024

06/24/2024

9

23 of 31

How can you make it happen?

We have flexible payment options!

30 or older at the time of travel? Same easy payment options toward a total price of �which includes a room upgrade. Personalized payment plans also available

Making It Happen

BI-WEEKLY

MONTHLY

IN FULL

$124

$248

$3,319

DEPOSIT

$95

$3,799

24 of 31

How can you make it happen?

We have flexible payment options!

30 or older at the time of travel? Same easy payment options toward a total price of �which includes a room upgrade. Personalized payment plans also available

Making It Happen

BI-WEEKLY

MONTHLY

IN FULL

$124

$248

$3,319

DEPOSIT

$95

$3,599

$3,119

$233

$116.50

25 of 31

How can you make it happen?

Additional opportunities to fund your adventure

Diversity, Financial, and Merit-Based Scholarships Funded by EF

Personal Program Donation Page

Automatic access to a personal donation page to share with friends, family & loved ones

Over 24 scholarships given annually by EF to students traveling on short-term study abroad programs

Budgeting and Financial Resources

Tap into additional resources EF provides like a Budget and Fundraising Guide; and explore our campus’ own financial & advisory support

26 of 31

Take out your phones and take a picture to go to the enrollment page. Stay in the loop for updates!

Sign up during our Worry-Free Enrollment Period and cancel within 30 days of enrolling to receive a full refund!

Guaranteed spots available:

Enroll at efcst.com/

Enrollment Discount offer ends:

Secure your spot!

30

2544201DM

04/30/2023

Enroll tonight and get a

discount!!

$200

27 of 31

Thank you!

Here’s to an amazing adventure ahead! We can’t wait!

28 of 31

Resources

  • Me! Follow up with any questions

  • The EF Enrollment Page & Stay in the Loop

  • The EF Website and Help Center
    • EFStudyAbroad.com
    • EFStudyAbroad.com/help-center

  • EF Traveler Support Team:
    • 877-485-4184
    • info@efstudyabroad.com

29 of 31

Stay connected!

And get the best travel inspiration & tips!

Follow EF College Study on:

  • Facebook: EF Study Abroad
  • Instagram: @efstudyabroad
  • LinkedIn: EF Study Abroad

30 of 31

How Faculty Can Get Involved?

Faculty Interest Form: https://forms.gle/XgTtYQ7cYkHFJvyPA

31 of 31

Let’s Stay Connected!

Professor Stephanie Dashiell

Email: dashiesm@pgcc.edu

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/professordashiell

Website: https://professordashiell.com/

Instagram: @professordashiell

Twitter: @profdashiell

Don’t forget to leave me feedback!