Music, Culture and History in Central Europe
Minot State's Division of Performing Arts, and the Honors Program have partnered with the Office of International Programs to offer this exciting opportunity in Austria, the Czech Republic and Bavaria, May 16 - 27, 2023. This program is rich in renaissance history, music and culture and will allow you explore some of Central Europe's most beautiful cities.
Students from all majors, alumni and community members, are welcome to join!
Registration deadline is January 20, 2023. Download an application here!
Academic Coursework
There are several ways to participate in this program: as a current MSU student, as an alumni or as a community member. All options will bring travelers on the same itinerary, but the faculty leaders will tailor their instruction and conversations to address specific aspects of the program.
Current students:
Music 496 – Music History Study Tour (1 credit)
Honors 499 – Honors Special Topics (1 credit)
Community members:
Audit Music 496 or Audit Honors 499
Alumni and community members who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher:
Professional Development graduate credit
Program Itinerary and Highlights
The customized itinerary includes famous museums dedicated to history and culture, important architectural and heritage sites, and breath-taking natural scenery. Travelers will also learn about cultural and musical traditions in the region and will visit multiple famous performance venues, large and small.
A tentative itinerary is provided linked here. Note that it is subject to change as the program dates approach.
May 16: Depart the U.S.
May 17: Arrival and acclimation in Prague. Meet WorldStrides on-site staff at the hotel by the designated time.
May 18: Welcome to Prague- State Opera House and Museum visits.
May 19: Prague- Academic engagements and visit Prague Castle.
May 20: Prague- free day to explore the city on your own.
May 21: Travel to Bavaria by tour bus.
May 22: Bavaria- visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, then travel to Salzburg by tour bus.
May 23: Salzburg- walking tour of the city and visit Mozart's house.
May 24: Travel to Vienna via train. City tour and Wiener Staasoper.
May 25: Vienna- tour Sconbrunn Palace and enjoy the evening on your own.
May 26: Vienna- guest lectures. Farewell dinner hosted by World Strides.
May 27: Return flight home to Minot, or independent travel to explore Europe.
A typical day will involve an active itinerary of lectures, sightseeing and cultural excursions starting early in the morning and lasting all day. The itinerary will be fast paced at times so that you get the most of your short time in central Europe.
Travel Company Information: The logistical aspects of this program are being facilitated by World Strides Customized Programs. Participants are subject to both MSU and World Strides policies.
Program Cost
| Base Program Fee | $4,130 | Donate |
| Plus tuition for 1 undergrad credit (if applicable) | $355 |
Friends and family are able to contribute directly to study tour costs through the Donate button located above. Choose "Central Europe Study Tour" in the designation field. In the "Gift Preferences" section, donors have the option to make a gift towards overall program costs, which would be split evenly between all travelers, or designate an individual who will receive the entire gift amount. Donors who would like to sponsor a specific program activity can refer to this list: Central Europe Study Tour Sponsorship Menu [pdf].
Program Fees
The program fee includes:
- 10 nights hotel (double occupancy) in 3-star properties. Inquire with the Director of International Programs if you would like to request the a single room for an additional cost of $770.
- 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Bus transportation from Prague to Bavaria
- Bus transportation from Neuschwanstein Castle to Salzburg
- Train tickets from Salzburg to Vienna
- Locally-based resident staff and orientation meeting upon arrival
- English-speaking trained professional tour guides
- Entrance fees for museums and cultural sites
- Customary gratuities for group meals, guides and drivers
- Country guidebook and pre-travel docs
- Emergency international medical insurance
- 24/7 emergency support
- Customized app with offline access to materials including day-to-day itinerary and group messaging.
Items not included in the program fee are:
- International airfare; flight arrangements will be determined as a group closer to the departure date.
- Meals not listed on the itinerary (you will need to budget an additional approximate $20 per meal).
- Transportation for free-time and optional activities.
- Departure fees (i.e. airline luggage fees).
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance $279. Minot State and Worldstrides strongly recommend that all participants purchase this optional insurance.
The program fee is an estimate and subject to availability. The tour price is based on a minimum of 15 participants. The trip will be feasible with fewer than the minimum, but if the minimum number of participants is not reached, the price may increase or services may be modified to accommodate a smaller group. If more than 20 participants sign up, the program fee may decrease slightly.
Payment Deadlines
$300 Non-refundable deposit due with the application
March 3, 2023: Remaining balance of the program fee is due. This amount will be calculated after group fundraising activities are concluded.
June 1, 2023: Tuition due to MSU cashier’s window
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Minot State's travel partner for this program, WorldStrides, is committed to making international travel accessible for all students. WorldStrides is generously offering a select number of $500 needs based scholarships for this very program (!!). In addition, WorldStrides offers numerous scholarship opportunities. Learn more about these financial assistance programs.
Group Fundraising
Looking to fundraise? You're in luck! The faculty leader is planning several fundraising activities to help cover the cost of student travel. Contact information is listed below so that you can reach out to join the fundraising efforts.
Gift of Education
You can also embark upon your own individual fundraising campaign/activities! Some great ideas are outlined in this GoAbroad.com article, "15 Little-Known Study Abroad Fundraising Ideas." If you start a crowdfunding campaign, request contributions from friends and family as a way to celebrate your birthday or holidays-- the gift of international travel is much more valuable an ugly sweater or a packet of socks!
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 1 of these credits must be from the study tour course. Plan to take another 5 credits during summer 2023 if you want to be eligible for financial aid.
Contact us for more information!
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Dr. Erik Anderson |
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Jessica Smestad |
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Libby Claerbout |
→ Learn more about Horizons Unlimited faculty-led study tours
page updated December 7, 2022
