EXPERIENCE A WORLD OF EDUCATIONAL POSSIBILITIES, CULTURES, AND CONNECTION THROUGH ACADEMIC TRAVEL!
As one of the top two-year academic travel programs in the state, Normandale students have the opportunity to earn academic credits while participating in adventure beyond the classroom, learning new cultures, and experiencing personal growth.
Among other things, students who have completed an academic travel program:
Students at Normandale can participate in two types of travel programs:
Check out the all the travel opportunities offered through Normandale!
(With optional 5-day add-on tour to Galapagos Islands)
FULL - ACCEPTING STUDENTS ON A WAITLIST
Get ready to experience the full breadth of Ecuador as you immerse yourself in the local culture while gaining insight into Ecuador's history and present-day issues.
Ecuador is defined largely by its diversity in terms of people, geography, history, and ecology. Throughout this course and tour, students will meet and learn from people representing Ecuador's diverse population.
Along the way, students will develop global competency skills. In addition to interacting with and learning about Ecuador's culture, the group will experience Ecuador's incredible diversity of flora and fauna in misty cloud forests, untouched national parks, and windswept Andean grasslands.
Students will have an option to travel to the Galapagos Islands at the end of the itinerary.
This course satisfies Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goals 7 and 8.
Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union, has had dramatic economic effects on each of the separate UK countries.
This Economics course will address the effects of Brexit, with special attention paid to cultural, historical and economic consequences of Brexit on Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.
Then, take your learning abroad with an 8-day tour to the UK where you'll explore the cities Belfast, Edinburgh and London. Along the way you'll visit castles, distilleries, cathedrals and even a few famous filming locations from Game of Thrones!
The cost of travel courses includes both tuition and travel fees and semester study abroad programs also include room and board. Costs vary according to destinations and numbers of credits. It is best to look at each travel course’s program details and each semester abroad program’s budget sheet.
The fees for travel courses vary by experience and location. Tuition and fees for the course will be paid through Normandale billing. Travel fees are either included in the course fees or paid directly to a tour provider, which usually offers a variety of payment plans for participants.
Please be aware of all payment deadlines.
Semester programs are paid directly through the University partner or through financial aid.
Normandale Community College awards multiple scholarships to assist students participating in a travel course or an approved semester study abroad program. Academic Travel Scholarships are available through the Normandale Foundation Scholarship Portal and applications are accepted every Fall and the Spring semester.
Scholarships opportunities are also available through the following organizations:
A student who qualifies for financial aid may use the aid for travel courses and approved semester study abroad programs. Before a student enrolls in a travel program, he or she should contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to discuss their funding options and the steps necessary to make sure their aid will be in place prior to the program deadlines. Please note that not all expenses may be covered with financial aid. Students participating in approved semester study abroad programs must complete specific financial aid forms prior to their participation in the program.
Anyone can enroll in a travel course with the exception of the following:
Semester study abroad programs may have enrollment restrictions.
Anyone who wishes to participate in a tour that is party of a Normandale travel course must enroll in both the tour and the course. Participants are required to enroll may enroll in the course for credit or audit; the cost is the same.
Travel courses require enrollment in the course and tour. Each program is different in the process but starts by clicking the “I’M INTERESTED” button above and completing the program’s interest form. You’ll then be sent an email with instructions to enroll in the tour. The instructor can assist with any questions along the way.
Semester study abroad programs may require an application process through the partner university.
A student might be sent home at their own expense if there are violations of the Normandale Code of Conduct or Program/Provider Rules.
One of the most important aspects of academic travel programming is the safety of our students and faculty. While safety can never be guaranteed, the college employs the following safeguards while planning and conducting travel courses:
If you have any questions regarding our practices and procedures regarding keeping students and faculty safe while traveling, please contact Global Studies Coordinator.
We understand that group travel can seem intimidating if you don’t know anyone before signing up. Just know that you’ll be traveling with experienced faculty and you’ll have spent time in class with them and your fellow students prior to departure. You’ll end up having an amazing learning adventure together. Travel classes and semester programs are a great way to make friends for life.
If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, you should apply as soon as possible once you’ve enrolled on an international tour. The average processing time varies and can take up to 16 weeks (3-4 months). For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, visit the Travel State Government website.