ÂÒÂ×ȺP

Africa - Biology

Semester: May  2026

BIO 3316 - 4 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. Christy Wolovich

The Junior Journey to West Africa is offered as part of BIO 3316 Tropical Ecology. This course combines a semester-long curriculum with a two-week immersive experience in The Gambia and Senegal. Class content focuses on the ecology, biodiversity and conservation of West Africa while also introducing the history and culture of the region. Students develop a conservation-based project that will be implemented during the trip. In May, students will experience the diverse ecosystems of West Africa (wetlands, mangroves, savannah, gallery forest, coastal scrubland, woodlands) as they travel to various protected areas and national parks of The Gambia and Senegal. Students will stay at a hotel on the beach for several days before heading “upcountry” to visit remote villages where electricity and Wi-Fi are scarce, but wildlife is plentiful. During the trip, students will likely encounter baboons, crocodiles, hornbills, hippos and other exciting animals. Participants will learn how locals have relied on native species for food, firewood and medicine and how an expanding human population threatens the future of these natural resources. Students also have the opportunity to collect scientific data on an endangered species of primate and interact directly with wildlife officials, ecotourism managers, and conservation-focused women’s groups. Students will camp at a community-based ecotourist site and learn about their efforts to curb deforestation. Throughout this adventure, students will also visit museums, learn about the history of slavery and experience the unique cuisine, music and art of West Africa.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Junior Journey Trip Cost: 2844

Regular Trip Cost: 4844

Africa - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: May  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Lisa Carter

The course is designed to give students a colorful insight into Vietnam, its people and culture, and its stunning and diverse landscapes. From mountains in the North, to its stunning coastline and into the Mekong Delta, as well as seeing the country’s progressive, pulsating cities. The trip itinerary includes tours of cities, museum visits, and excursions to places of social, cultural, and religious significance. This trip engages students in aspects of both old and new Vietnam. Led by BBC Radio 4 broadcaster, Stephen Carver, along with local guides, students will gain insights into the history and culture of this nation and its people.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $5.134

Regular Trip Cost: $7,124

Asia - Music

Semester: May  2026

MUS 2997 - 2 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. Fen-Fang Chen

The first segment enables students to explore Taiwan by touring the west side of the island, offering them the opportunity to discover the region's diverse arts, culture, cuisine, and natural environment. In the second segment, students delve into Chinese music through hands-on activities with the professional Taipei Chinese Orchestra and participate in music classes at Dong Hwa University. Additionally, students will attend concerts and visit sightseeing spots in Taipei City.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,486

Regular Trip Cost: $4,486

Latin America -

Semester: Spring  2026

1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Bernardo Blanco

Participants on this trip will explore the organization of communities as well as the school system in Costa Rican rural areas. Students will have the opportunity to gather cross-cultural information as well as to realize what it is like to teach in contexts that are foreign or could be foreign to their experience. We will visit rural area schools in the Province of Guanacaste and Puntarenas, both in the Pacific Northwest. We will also visit eco-tourism areas (national parks, Arenal Volcano, and the capital city of San Jose.) and coffee plantations to see what is done and identify opportunities to engage the culture. Our pre-professional teachers will immerse in local classrooms to assist teachers and staff—this will require the implementation of strategies to engage elementary, middle, and high school students. Students will also perform community work in the area. In the case of students from other majors, there will also be activities dedicated to their field of study—nursing school, business, biology, etc.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $1,206

Regular Trip Cost: $3,206

Latin America - Biology

Semester: Spring  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997/8 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Macrander, jmacrander@flsouthern.edu

Open to all majors, this Junior Journey takes students to Roatán, Honduras, to explore marine biodiversity and the island’s conservation mission. Roatán’s crescent shape and narrow 1-mile (2 km) shelf create strikingly different north and south coastlines, with coral reefs that drop steeply to 150 m. These reefs include diverse formations—walls, canyons, and overhangs—and represent two major reef types: fringing and barrier reefs.  Students will learn both in the water and on land through the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) at Anthony’s Key Resort. Founded in 1989, RIMS promotes conservation through education and research. Its facilities include an Education Center, dry and wet labs, and the Roatán Museum, which highlights the island’s natural and cultural heritage. RIMS staff will lead lectures and field experiences focused on tropical marine ecosystems and local biodiversity.  The reef itself will serve as the primary classroom. Several dive boats will provide access to a range of reef sites, supported by a full-service dive operation. Beyond marine ecology, students will also engage with lectures on the island’s geology, botany, ornithology, and cultural history.  Instructor permission is required to enroll. Students from all majors who are Open Water SCUBA certified or higher are strongly encouraged to participate. Dive gear is available for rent if needed.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $1,643

Regular Trip Cost: $3,643

Latin America - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: Spring  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Professor Julie Bunker, jbunker@flsouthern.edu

Students who participate in this Junior Journey will explore principles of holistic wellness while traveling through the Caribbean on the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship. This immersive experience emphasizes mindfulness, hydration, physical activity, and self-reflection in a dynamic travel setting. Students will engage in daily wellness practices including grounding exercises, meditation, and journaling. Each day will focus on a distinct element of wellness such as sleep, nutrition, movement, emotional balance, and digital detox. As a group, students will participate in guided shore excursions in the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas, with opportunities to connect wellness concepts to cultural and environmental contexts. Students will maintain a photo journal to document mindfulness practices and complete wellness logs tracking sleep, hydration, nutrition, and physical activity. Through structured reflection, students will assess their current habits and identify new strategies to support lifelong wellness.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $604

Regular Trip Cost: $2,604

Latin America -

Semester: Spring  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Chris Brandon

Bienvenidos a Chile! Embark on an unforgettable journey to Pucon, Chile, where culture, nature, and adventure collide in this immersive one-credit Junior Journey course. From February 28 to March 8, 2026, students will explore the heart of Chile through hands-on experiences and guided excursions that bring learning to life. Start your adventure with a cultural fire ceremony and welcome dinner, then dive into canyon hikes and waterfall explorations. Learn to craft authentic Chilean empanadas in a cooking workshop, ride horseback through the lush Liucura Valley, and gaze at the stars after a traditional BBQ and hot tub soak. Raft the thrilling Trancura River and connect with the Mapuche Indigenous Nation over a traditional lunch. Hike through Villarrica National Park’s volcanoes and lagoons, and descend into volcanic caves before celebrating with a farewell Chilean BBQ. Throughout the trip, students will reflect through journals or video blogs and collaborate on creative infographics to capture the essence of each day. With all-inclusive travel, meals, and accommodations, plus expert guidance from ÂÒÂ×ȺP faculty, this course promises growth, connection, and memories that last a lifetime. Adventure awaits: Are you ready to experience Chile?

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,425

Regular Trip Cost: $4,425

Latin America - Pre-Health

Semester: May  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Christy Morgan, PT, DPT

Pre-health students from ÂÒÂ×ȺP have the incredible opportunity to take part in a customized study abroad program in Dominica. No other program offers group travel, study abroad, and professional development experiences designed exclusively for students studying communication sciences and disorders, physical therapy, music therapy, pre-health, psychology and occupational therapy.  This unforgettable experience blends hands-on clinical practice—supervised by either your program faculty or one of our US licensed professionals—with rich cultural immersion, local excursions, meaningful community engagement, and time to explore the natural beauty and history of Dominica. You’ll stay in a community where your work can make a real difference.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,788

Regular Trip Cost: $4,788

Europe - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: Spring  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1998 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Alex Ortiz

Spend your Spring Break discovering the breathtaking landscapes and rich historical culture of Ireland, from February 28–March 7, 2026. Our journey begins along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal and includes unforgettable visits to Arranmore Island, Ballyshannon, Bundoran, and Derry, Northern Ireland. You’ll stand atop the dramatic Sliabh Liag Cliffs, take surfing lessons on the Atlantic coast, and explore historic cities that bring Ireland’s story to life. Our course combines immersive travel, culture, and history to create an experience you’ll never forget. The program cost includes airfare, comfortable hotel accommodations, all meals, and transportation across Ireland. Join your fellow ÂÒÂ×ȺP students for an amazing educational adventure filled with laughter and discovery. Make Ireland your destination of choice this Spring Break! 

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $1,564

Regular Trip Cost: $3,564

Europe - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: May  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997 - 2 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. William Allen

Travel through Central Europe (Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest). This trip will expose student travelers to the rich and diverse history of Central Europe by visiting the famous Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, Cesky Krumlov Castle, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Student Travelers will explore the arts and culture of Central Europe.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,923

Regular Trip Cost: $1923

Europe - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: Spring  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Julie Hornick, jhornick@flsouthern.edu

From the soaring heights of the Eiffel Tower to the shadowy depths of the Paris Catacombs, discover the city Hemingway called a “moveable feast.” Marvel at the Great Masters in the Louvre and the shimmering brushwork of the Impressionists at the Musée Marmottan. Stroll through the opulent palace and gardens of the Château de Chantilly, wander the bohemian streets of the Marais and Latin Quarter, and stand in awe before the grandeur of Normandy’s Mont Saint-Michel. Enjoy guided walking tours through Paris’s iconic neighborhoods and a scenic cruise along the Seine. Learn to navigate the Metro like a local and sample regional cuisine. This unforgettable journey invites you to experience the art, culture, and romance of one of the world’s most captivating cities.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,286

Regular Trip Cost: $4,286

Europe - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: Spring  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Jennifer Cipriano

This immersive course invites students to explore the rich history, culture, and landscapes of Central Europe through experiential learning in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Combining coursework, guided tours, and cultural activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of how geography, history, and tradition shape each nation’s identity. In Munich, Germany, students will experience the city’s blend of old and new while visiting landmarks such as Munich Cathedral, Marienplatz, the Residenz, the 1972 Olympic Stadium, and the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. They will also enjoy Munich’s vibrant food and social culture. In Salzburg, Austria, students will explore the Baroque architecture and musical heritage of Mozart’s birthplace. In Innsbruck, they will discover the city’s history while taking in breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps from a mountain cable car. The journey continues in Lucerne, Switzerland, where students will explore the picturesque city and take a cable car ride into the Swiss Alps for panoramic mountain views. The experience concludes in Germany’s Freiburg and Heidelberg, where students will visit Heidelberg Castle and admire Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: 4167

Regular Trip Cost: 6167

Europe - History (open to all ÂÒÂ×ȺP students)

Semester: May  2026

HIS 1998 - 2 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. Richards Plavnieks, rplavnieks@flsouthern.edu and Dr. Catherine Eskin, ceskin@flsouthern.edu

This is a course about history and culture, choosing as its focus the tiny Baltic state of Latvia. The first element is this: while physically proximate to the very sites where the history they will learn about took place, students will gradually come to appreciate the whole of the country’s recorded past, from the days of the Baltic German barons who conquered the territory in the 1200s and Christianized this final bastion of paganism in Europe; through the periods of Polish-Lithuanian, Swedish, and Russian imperial control; to the first independence period in the 1920s and 1930s; through the Second World War and the Holocaust, 1939-1945; to the days of the USSR and the Cold War; to the struggle for renewed independence, which finally succeeded in 1991; all the way up to the present era, beginning in 2004, with Latvia’s membership in both the European Union and NATO. The second major aspect of the trip is the understanding of Latvian culture today. Our all-encompassing historical study of the country will be added to the students’ everyday interactions in Latvia and their long-term, one-on-one communications with a Latvian peer. Combining these elements, each student will form their own complete view of this very different country. If the course succeeds, it will make each participating student a more informed and worldly member of American society and global civilization.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,247

Regular Trip Cost: $4,247

Europe - Holocaust Studies and German History

Semester: May  2026

2 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. R. Bruce Anderson, randerson2@flsouthern.edu

This course is designed to familiarize students with sites important to the history of Nazi Germany, and to German culture and history writ large.  This trip covers two disparate elements and three separate and quite different sites: the Ravensbrueck KZ, near Fürstenberg (Havel), Brandenburg, the only concentration camp specifically designed for housing women; and Erfurt and Weimar, Thuringia, a center of German culture and home to Liszt, Brahms, Goethe and Schiller (Erfurt is a university town with lots of student pubs and student nightlife – rated highest by past student trips); we will also spend time in Szczecin, Poland and, finally, the capital of Germany, Berlin, with all that that major city has to offer in terms of history, museums, nightlife, shopping and food.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,578

Regular Trip Cost: $4,578

Europe - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: Spring  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1998 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. William Allen

Travel through Central Europe (Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest). This trip will expose student travelers to the rich and diverse history of Central Europe by visiting the famous Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, Cesky Krumlov Castle, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Student Travelers will explore the arts and culture of Central Europe.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $2,984

Regular Trip Cost: $984

Europe -

Semester: May  2026

SPA 1101, SPA 2205, SPA 2320 - 6 Credit Hours

Trip Leader: Dr. Jose Garcia, jgarcia@flsouthern.edu

Six Hours/ Two courses. This is cultural immersion; program and students will live with Spanish families while they experience the culture and study the Spanish language. All meals are provided by the host families. Students will take a class based on their courses taken at ÂÒÂ×ȺP or according to their proficiency level, beginning with SPA 1101 to a more advanced Spanish. The courses will focus on the development of the four basic language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Classes will focus on the practical application of the language in day-to-day situations, and cultural awareness. The courses offered range from beginning Spanish language, to conversation, literature and Spanish culture and civilization.  WRIGHT Foundations Categories: SPA 1101 and SPA 2205 fulfil the Wright foundations Global education requirement and SPA 2320 fulfills the Humanities requirement. 

Deposit Amount: $350

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,838

Regular Trip Cost: $5,838

Europe -

Semester: May  2026

1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Jennifer Dapko, jdapko@flsouthern.edu

You will explore the rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine of Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and England by way of sea and land. Let's explore together amazing iconic cities such as Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Brussels! Your adventure starts with a flight from Lakeland to Copenhagen, Denmark. From there, we stay overnight to explore Copenhagen before boarding a cruise ship and embarking on a journey through some of Northern Europe's most extraordinary cities where we will discover their treasures. Throughout our journey, experienced local guides will share fascinating insights into the history and culture of each destination. You will also experience curated culinary adventures along the way as well as some free time to explore on your own.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,143

Regular Trip Cost: $5,143

Middle East - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: May  2026

ÂÒÂ×ȺP 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Nick Nugent, nnugent@flsouthern.edu

Participants in this Junior Journey will explore the history, culture, and sporting industry of Dubai, UAE, and will experience some of the adventures this desert gem has to offer.

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $3,923

Regular Trip Cost: $5,923

US-East - Multi-Disciplined

Semester: Spring  2026

ARH 1997 / ENG 1997 - 1 Credit Hour

Trip Leader: Dr. Jenny Moffitt, jmoffitt@flsouthern.edu

Participants in this Junior Journey will learn about the history and culture of Chicago through study of its art, architecture, and literature. To that end, we will visit the city’s premier museums, including the Art Institute, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the American Writers Museum, and the DuSable Black History Museum; take a boat tour with the Chicago Architecture Center; attend an improvisational comedy show; and explore historic neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Wicker Park, and Boystown.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Junior Journey Trip Cost: $462

Regular Trip Cost: $2,462