Spain and Portugal

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June 4 – 14, 2016

MSU Associate Professor of Art and Humanities, Dr. Andrea Donovan, is organizing a short term MSU study abroad program to Spain and Portugal from June 4 - 14, 2016. This study program visits the cities of Lisbon, Portugal and Seville and Madrid, Spain. Other cities and regions will be included in the study program. An optional excursion to Barcelona can be added.

To relive the Age of Discovery and the dynamic mix of cultural history, art, and architecture through the adventure of visiting and studying the regions of Portugal and Spain, this study program visits Portuguese palaces, Spanish cathedrals, Moorish mosques, and Roman ruins! Included is a mix of cultural experiences that range from the distinctive food and city life of the bigger cities to the quaint towns that provide a chance to visit the roots of the people, culture, and food that make these regions unique.


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Program Highlights

Academic Course Work
Participants in this program will be enrolled in HUMANITIES 496: Spain and Portugal study tour (3 credits.) The class will be guided by Dr. Andrea Donovan, Assistant Professor of Art History and Humanities, who specializes in European art and architectural history.

The emphasis of this humanities course is to delve into the art, architecture, literature, and cultural heritage of Portugal and Spain. The itinerary will bring participants to museums dedicated to the culture of Portugal and Spain, examples of architecture and cultural sites, and allow for the experience of market places, shopping sites, and unique food experiences. Free time is built into the itinerary so that the program may be customized to the educational needs and participants focus.

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Lisbon (3 days): In Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, the group will go on a city tour with a local guide, experience the city’s maritime heritage at the Belém Tower, visit the royal residence of the Ajuda Palace,visit the Jerónimos Monastery, the Moorish Alfama district, and the Castle of Sāo Jorge. Optional excursions include a trip along the Portuguese Riviera. Free time will also allow for more individual discovery. At the close of our time in Portugal, we will travel through the Portuguese countryside with a stop in Évora for a visit to the Church of St. Francis.

Seville (3 days): In Seville, program participants will experience traditional Spanish charm with a city tour with a local guide, visiting the Alcázar, once the home of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, visiting the pavilion of the Plaza de Espan͂a, the Gothic Seville Cathedral where Columbus is buried, and trhe Barrio de Santa Cruz. Optional excursions include a Flamenco show with singing and dancing and great food.

Madrid (3 days):On the way to Madrid, the tour will stop in Córdoba to visit that town and see the Mezquita, an eight century mosque. Once in Madrid, participants will take a city tour that highlights the Royal Palace, the Egyptian reassembled temple of the Temple of Debod, the Plaza Mayor, and the Puerta del Sol. A highlight will include a visit to the Prado Museum which includes the works of Goya, Velásquez, and Bosch. The regions around this museum have wonderful shops, historical buildings, and restaurants to further experience the culture of one of the most influential cities of Spain.

The logistical aspects of this program are being facilitated by Go Ahead Tours. A complete itinerary can be found on the Go Ahead Website. Please note that prices advertised on the Go Ahead website are the base prices and do not reflect departure from Minot, along with other considerations.

Note: An optional extension to Barcelona will allow for a visit to the Catalan capital which will include visits to many Antonio Gaudi sites, see the varied northern aspects of Spanish culture, and enjoy the numerous experiences of this vibrant city.


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Application Deadline: December 18 th, 2015
Download an application [pdf].

If you do not already have a passport, now is the time to apply for one.

Depending upon available space late applications might be accepted after December 18 th. Applicants who submit an application after this date are not guaranteed a spot on the program and might be required to pay a slightly higher program fee due to rate fluctuation in transportation costs. Rate increases are typically not significant.


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Program Fees

The program includes round-trip international airfare and transportation within Europe, breakfast and dinners on most days, accommodations, entrance fees, guided sightseeing and walking tours, and a 24-hour multi-lingual tour director. Accommodations are double occupancy; single occupancy may be requested for an additional fee of approximately $650.

Items not included in the program fee are: lunches and some dinners, optional excursions, transportation for free-time activities, departure fees (i.e. airline luggage fees) and customary gratuities

A typical day will involve an active itinerary of sightseeing and local excursions starting early in the morning and lasting all day. The tour will be fast paced at times so that you get the most of your time abroad.

Program Cost
Base Program Fee* $3,849
Tuition - 3 Credits** $ 799**
TOTAL $4,648


* Applicants between ages of 50-64 years of age at time of travel, add $100 for the added cost of international insurance. Applicants between ages of 65-74 years of age at time of travel, add $250 for the added cost of international insurance.

**Program participants may choose to audit coursework at 50% tuition rate. Financial Aid is not available for audited courses, and grades will not appear on transcripts. 

Transportation Deviation Fees: Transportation will be arranged from Minot. Any deviations or special requests (such as early departure or late returns) will incur a $75 booking fee, in addition to any fees charged by the airlines


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Payment Deadlines:

$400 due with the Application
March 11: final balance of $3,449 due
June 1, 2016: Tuition due to MSU cashier’s window

Late Payments:

  • If a payment is received 7 business days or more after the payment due date, your application will be considered withdrawn and you will be responsible for any cancellation penalties.
  • If for any reason your payment cannot be processed, a fee of $50 will be incurred, plus a late payment penalty to Go Ahead Tours, if applicable.

Payment Policies:

  • Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to depart on the program unless the program fees are paid in full.
  • MSU is not responsible for delays caused by late passport applications, late visa applications or visa denials. Any additional costs incurred for such reasons will be the responsibility of the participant.


Cancellation & Refunds
Withdrawal from the program is effective on the date that written notification is received by MSU’s Office of International Programs.

If you withdraw: The cancellation fee will be:
After Application is submitted $400
After March 11 $650
After April 10 $1,200
After May 22   Refund of tuition fees only per MSU business office policies
After departure No refund

Please Note:
■ MSU will not alter its payment and/or cancellation policies for any reason.
■ GoAhead Tours offers three different levels of trip cancellation/interruption coverage for an additional fee, which can be added at any time prior to departure. These insurance options can protect you in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Depending upon the level chosen, coverage includes: trip cancellation & interruption protection; medical & accident protection; and baggage & property protection. For more information, visit the Go Ahead Tours website.

Financial Aid
Financial Aid can be applied to cover study tour fees, so students might want to consider the possibility of obtaining Financial Aid (generally including loans) to assist in funding their program. For more information about this option, please visit the Financial Aid Office, call (701) 858-3375 or visit their website: www.minotstateu.edu/finaid 

In order to be eligible for summer term financial aid, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 summer credits. At least 3 of these credits must be from the HUM 496 course listed above. Students who wish to enroll in additional summer coursework in association with the tour may make arrangements with the faculty leader.


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Program Rules
View MSU Study Abroad Program Rules
View Go Ahead Tours Terms and Conditions

Contact us for more information!
Dr. Andrea Donovan
andrea.donovan@minotstateu.edu
Phone: (701) 858-3819

MSU Office of International Programs
1st Floor Student Center
500 University Ave West Minot, ND 58701
Phone: (701) 858-4155

Learn more about Horizons Unlimited faculty-led study tours

 

Page last updated November 9, 2015