Budapest : Encountering Diversity 
GNI 1131 (01); 2 Credit Hours
January 3 - 16 2012 (tentative based on airline res.)

For this information and more you can also download this year's packet. (.doc)

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Tentative Cost:
$2,950; Students must budget for most evening meals & spending money.

Course Description:
Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, has a diverse historical, architectural and cultural heritage.  Explore the diversity of Budapest by visiting historical sites, and experiencing the food and culture of Hungary.

All McDaniel College students are strongly encouraged to take the opportunity for study abroad, whether it is for a semester or a Jan term.  This study group will strive to include students with diverse backgrounds, learning differences, and diverse needs.  A major goal is to increase confidence and strengthen personal identity, flexibility, and creativity.

The faculty leader for this study trip must provide final approval for all registered students to participate.  By registering for this class you agree to allow the Office of Student Affairs to review and approve your student record along with the faculty instructor of the class.  Enrollment in this class is not final until Student Affairs and the faculty instructor for the class approve your registration.

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Course Objectives:

• Study diverse social, historical and cultural society of Budapest
• Examine perspectives and customs of non-American culture
• Develop understanding of the world beyond the U.S., provide opportunities in and out of the classroom for students to develop into critical, sensitive, respectful, and compassionate global citizens
• Focus on multi-cultural travel experience, as well as a multi-cultural approach to the inclusion of diverse students; defined by race, gender, sexuality, class, religion, disability, etc.
• Encourage students to challenge barriers that have kept them from previous participation in study abroad.  Reaching outside ones comfort zone to experience change and unfamiliar circumstances will provide a unique opportunity for development of self-awareness and appreciation of diversity.

Course Format: 

• 2 days:  McDaniel Campus, Orientation/Guided Research on tour related topics.
• Travel:  Participation in leading group through travel experience
• 8 days:  Daily AM excursion briefing.  Student led presentation based on pre-trip research, supplemented by instructor.

Daily participation in:

1. Navigating Budapest with public transportation, visiting historical sites, and interacting with people of a different culture.  A major objective of this trip is to build such skills systematically, so that students will have a greater sense of independence and self-confidence.
2. Daily reflection, journal writing, and discussion of self-awareness.  This activity offers additional structure to reflection of the day’s activities.  Students will be asked to provide a perspective focusing on issues such as personal challenges, achievements, observations and personal reactions.
3. Evening group time:  Dinner/recreation/entertainment.  This study tour will consistently provide structured, chaperoned activities each evening. 

Course requirements:

• Participation in campus orientation, pre-trip research, and closure experience
• Participation in navigating Budapest’s public transportation system
• Presentation of research on historical sites, cultural events
• Daily experiential and self-reflection journal writing. Journal due at end of study tour.

Itinerary:
Day 1:  McDaniel Campus, Westminster, Orientation
Day 2:  Trip preparation and flight
Day 3:  Arrive Budapest, hotel check-in, McDaniel Budapest reception
Day 4:  Heroes Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, , Szechenyi baths
Day 5:  McDaniel Budapest, Gellert Hill, The Citadel, Rock Church, Palace of the Arts  (Hungarian National Dance company)
Day 6:   Andrassy Ut, Vaci Ut., shopping
Day 7:  Szentendre by train
Day 8:  Castle Hill, St. Matyas Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Chain Bridge
Day 9:  Pecs by train
Day 10: Parliament, Gresham Palace, Danube, Great Market, 
Day 11:  Holloko World Heritage Village
Day 12:  Jewish Quarter, The Great Synagogue, House of Terror Museum
Day 13:  Flight
Day 14:  Closure Experience