Drew students have the opportunity to spend summer, winter or spring break studying internationally through a shortTREC. Although many students missed out on studying abroad over the past few semesters due to the pandemic, The Center for Global Education is providing students with the opportunity to study abroad once again and gain real-world experiences while obtaining credits towards their degrees.
All shortTRECS are led by faculty and offer between 2 to 8 credits, ranging between 4 to 8 weeks in length. Although application deadlines have passed, students who wish to learn a new language or study abroad on a foreign island can head over to The Center for Global Education website for future trips. Current students are studying abroad in eight different locations this summer.
Spanish Language and Culture in Barcelona:
A shortTREC to Barcelona will provide students the ability to hone in on their Spanish speaking skills and interactions with individuals from a different culture. Students will develop an understanding of Spanish culture through museum tours, markets, heritage sites and traditional dishes. “Live like a local in a cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean Sea, staying with a host family in a residential barrio and walking or riding the subway to your classes in this university community. Plus: day trips beyond Barcelona,” reads The Center for Global Education website. Contact Faculty Director mcantero@drew.edu for more information.
Environmental Psychology in Queensland/New South Wales, Australia:
Students participating in this trip will gain insight into the environment of unique regions of Australia, including regional and semi-remote communities and an ancient rainforest. Studies regarding the land of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their health and wellness will provide knowledge of various environments and how they shape one’s cognitive function. “This program is an ideal Launch-endorsed immersive experience for students studying psychology or neuroscience, with its focus on the brain and behavior; and for those planning careers in medicine, clinical psychology, public health or environmental studies, with its emphasis on environmental influences and health outcomes,” reads The Center for Global Education website. Some possible educational experiences will include: studying environmental stress, nutritional landscapes, health disparity, urban design and rapid environmental change on wildlife. Contact Faculty Director gcousens@drew.edu for more information.
Literary Island: Writing Workshops in Greece:
Students interested in living and learning on the island of Thassos this summer will dive into the language and culture through classes with a Greek writer/scholar and creative writing workshops with accomplished authors. Not only will students enhance their writing and educational skills, they will also dance to live Greek music and acquire cooking demonstrations which will include fresh, local ingredients. Contact Faculty Director czoffness@drew.edu for more information.
The French Connection: Language and Culture:
Students participating in the trip to Paris will increase their French proficiency alongside locals and students from 160 countries. Students will learn to be confident, independent Parisians, exploring the city in groups and on their own. “I’m going to get immersed in the culture and really hone in my language skills,” said Nicole Sydor (‘25), who will be attending the trip to France. “I’m most excited about the idea of sitting at a cafe with tea and a pastry while I read a book I bought from a French second hand bookshop.” Contact Faculty Director mplacetk@drew.edu for more information.
Italian Language, Art, Culture and Community-Based Learning in Orvieto and Florence:
Students will explore Italian culture this summer through trips to world-famous museums, cathedrals, vineyards, chocolate factories, restaurants, ceramics studios and more. Residing with a host family, students will engage with the cultural frameworks of the community-oriented life of Italy. Contact Faculty Director eocchipi@drew.edu for more information.
Theater Immersion in London:
What better place to gain exposure to the theatrical world than London? This shortTREC will provide students with an immersive experience of British culture and the show biz. Students will make stops at Shakespeare’s Globe, the West End for mainstream productions, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and more. Contact Faculty Director jbazewic@drew.edu for more information.
Art and Culture in Provence:
A trip to southern France this summer will indulge students in past and contemporary forms of art through trips to the International Film Festival in Cannes; Aix, a university town famous for its concerts, opera and ballet and Arles, home to the French National School of Photography. Students will create a research project over their trip abroad which highlights their understanding of French culture and everyday life. Emma Bryer (‘24) said that she chose this shortTREC because “it covers requirements I need for my Art History major and Medieval Studies minor.” Additionally, all of the shortTRECs cover the Immersive Experience requirements for students. “I’m really excited to go to all of the museums in the south of France, the beach, the lavender fields and to spend my birthday there with a few of my friends,” said Bryer. Contact Faculty Director mkeane@drew.edu or mpierett@drew.edu for more information.
Rome: History of a City:
This summer, students will immerse themselves in one of Europe’s oldest occupied cities, while studying some of the most historical museums and monuments and understanding Rome’s influence on modern civilization. Contact Faculty Director jmuccigr@drew.edu for more information.
For more information on study abroad trips, contact The Center for Global Education.
