SEMESTER IN EUROPE. September 4 November 6, 2015* Application Deadline- April 24, *Dates are tentative and subject to slight changes.

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1 SEMESTER IN EUROPE September 4 November 6, 2015* Application Deadline- April 24, 2015 *Dates are tentative and subject to slight changes. 1

2 To be eligible for this program you must: have successfully completed at least 30 semester hours at Northwood University (e.g., be in your sophomore year), or, if a transfer student, have successfully completed the equivalent of 30 semester hours and completed at least one semester at Northwood University. have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 or above. Students on academic probation are not eligible to apply. NOTE: Cumulative GPA is a factor in consideration for this program. Students normally apply as juniors or seniors and will be given priority acceptance. have successfully completed the following courses: MGT 2300, 3000/4000 PSY or SOC, ENG 1200, ENG 1150 HIS 2100 and HIS Program Overview In over 30 years, hundreds of Northwood University students have participated in the Semester in Europe program, and have experienced traveling and studying in various countries in Western Europe, over the course of the fall term. The 2015 program is scheduled to include travel to UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and various other countries. The objective of the SIE program is to give Northwood University students from all campuses the opportunity to study in Europe in a "built-for-northwood program that includes rigorous academic study and immersion into European cultures. This is not a business oriented program, though there are some business courses taught, plus some contact with European businesses. Enrollment is limited and admission will be selective. The program is led by a Northwood University faculty. Participation in this program is limited to 30 students. Students who are accepted and successfully complete the program will earn fifteen credits in the following five semester courses: MGT 4030: International Management MGT 4250: Organizational Behavior ENG 4010: Communication and Interpersonal Relations HIS 4040: European Cultural History (meets Civic Literacy or open elective) HUM 3020: Survey of Western Art (meets Humanities or Global Understanding elective) Interested students should immediately discuss the scheduling of these courses with their academic advisor. 2

3 Accepted students will be advised of confirmed dates and travel arrangements as these become available. SIE 2015 will begin with online-course work from your home and a 3-day orientation session in Midland, Michigan, prior to your departure to Europe in September. Students are responsible for traveling to Midland, Michigan for orientation. Students who need lodging (typically from the Florida campus) are housed in the NADA center, university residence halls, or a hotel during orientation. Our airport for departure and return is Detroit (DTW). You will return from Europe in November 2015 and then have the remaining weeks of the semester to complete assignments and papers. Travel arrangements made by Northwood will end with arrival at the Detroit airport. It will be your individual responsibility to arrange any further transportation from that point. Tentative Schedule: When traveling abroad, flexibility is important. Sometimes plans need to be adjusted, so the schedule and sites are subject to change. Students who are accepted into the program will receive a number of updates with more specific details regarding travel and the program. At present, we plan to travel to UK, Spain, France, Germany, Holland, and Austria. There will be other countries added and a more detailed itinerary will be available shortly. During the course of travel, accommodations during these visits will include hotels, student housing, and local youth hostels. Program Founders The SIE program requires a good deal of preparation and work on the part of multiple Northwood University faculty and staff but much of the special quality of Northwood s Semester in Europe is due to its founders, William and Roselle Davenport, who had resided in France since 1956 and directed the program for 21 years. William Davenport was the author of many books, including The Dolphin Guide to Paris and The Dolphin Guide to Rome. Roselle Davenport was a professional painter. She died in 1997, and he in A memorial scholarship for Semester in Europe Students is established in their name. In 1994, their son, Anthony Davenport, become Director of SIE. He died in January, Travel, Passports and Visas All Northwood students participating in this program will depart from the Detroit airport (DTW) and return to the Detroit airport. Roundtrip airfare from Detroit to Europe is part of the program fee, and Northwood University will purchase air tickets for each student participating in the 3

4 program. Do NOT purchase your own airline tickets. However, note that individual students are responsible for getting to Midland, for the orientation, and from the Detroit airport, after return to the United States, regardless of your home campus. You must have a valid passport to participate in this program. Obtaining a passport is YOUR responsibility. If you have not started the process, do it now. You must confirm receipt/acknowledge validity of your passport to Northwood University. Students need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months following the date of their arrival in Europe. Students who are American citizens will not need a visa to participate in this program. YOU MUST HAVE A PASSPORT by May 22 nd, 2015 and you must provide a copy of your passport to the International Programs Office (intlprograms@northwood.edu) so that we can purchase your travel insurance. Those who do not hold American citizenship should check with the International Programs Office (intlprograms@northwood.edu), about the need for a visa to travel to these European countries. Safety and Security Safety is a prime concern of all who are involved in study abroad ventures participants, their families, advisors, administrators, hosts, etc. Though it is impossible to eliminate all risk from study abroad, Western Europe is generally quite safe. As with any traveling situation, common sense and a few precautions are in order. During any free time, students should travel together in small groups. Students should also take caution to protect their valuables, including wallets, purses and passports. Northwood University generally: Cannot eliminate all risks from the study abroad environments. Cannot monitor or control all of the daily personal decisions, choices, and activities of individual participants. Cannot prevent participants from engaging in illegal, dangerous or unwise activities. Cannot assure that U.S. standards of due process apply in overseas legal proceedings or provide or pay for legal representation for participants. Students and parents should: Read and carefully consider all materials issued by Northwood University that relate to safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural, and religious conditions in host countries. Consider their health and other personal circumstances when applying for or accepting a place in the program. 4

5 Make available to the sponsor any personal data that is necessary in planning for a safe and healthy Study Abroad experience. Assume responsibility for all the elements necessary for their personal preparation for the program and participate fully in class sessions and orientations. Privately obtain and maintain appropriate insurance coverage for overseas travel and abide by any conditions imposed by the carriers. In study abroad, as in other settings, participants can have a major impact on their own health and safety abroad through the decisions they make before and during the program and by their day-to-day choices and behaviors. In the event of an emergency, the Northwood Program Leader will be with the group on all planned excursions and available throughout the program; and will be in regular contact with staff at Northwood University. It is also important for students to keep in regular contact with their families during travel abroad. access is available throughout the majority of the program. In some case, access will be at a nominal cost (e.g., in Internet cafes). Standards of Behavior Group travel can be stressful. For the smooth functioning of this program, it is essential that each participant make an effort to get along with everyone else and to be courteous to our European hosts. Students will be asked to review and sign a standards of behavior document prior to departure. A student who disregards these standards, in spite of warnings, may be suspended from the program. In such a case, there is no refund of any fees to the student, AND the student may also be dismissed from Northwood University. DRINKING: The following is prohibited: Drinking at Northwood sponsored events Consuming alcoholic beverages onboard hired transportation Consuming alcoholic beverages in public places where these are not sold, e.g., on city benches or public transit Arriving intoxicated for tours or classes Creating a disturbance in Northwood arranged hotels 5

6 The campus deans and other NU personnel will be consulted regarding any past campus disciplinary or behavioral issues when making acceptance decisions. Interviews of selected applicants may be required. Dress Code: Though there will be plenty of times when students can dress very informally, there will also be multiple occasions when business attire is required. Students who attend Semester in Europe must be able to dress appropriately when visiting businesses during the program. In general, tattered, ripped jeans, tank tops, and flip-flops are not acceptable attire in Europe. The Northwood Program Leader will advise students on appropriate attire throughout the program so that students know when and where they must be in business attire. Costs and Scholarships The cost of the SIE program is $15,500, which includes tuition for 15 semester credits. $500 Deposit MUST accompany your application. $7,500 due on June 5 th $7,500 due on July 10 th (any financial aid & scholarships will be deducted from this payment) This cost includes: Roundtrip airfare from Michigan (Detroit DTW) to Europe. Tuition and fees for 15 credits. Lodging - except during free travel periods. A majority of the meals Scheduled museum entry fees, tours, special events (if cost of entry and transportation is not included, you will be informed). Reserved Public transport when traveling with the group This cost does not include: Eurail Pass (see paragraph below). Any meal not included above You will need to cover approximately 14 days of meals while traveling with the group. All lodging, meals and travel expenses during free travel periods. Any unscheduled events or personal travel (e.g., taxi, museums, subways, etc). Personal spending money. Rail Passes: Each student must purchase a Eurail pass product for travel within Europe. All students MUST purchase a 2 month Eurail Youth Pass, which costs approximatly 1 $1100 (2 nd class). Note that the Youth pass is for those 25 and under. Students over 25 will have to buy an Adult Pass which is approximately $500 more. 1 Price is as of 28/10/2013 and is subject to change based on Eurail pricing. 6

7 Spending Money: You will need spending money for personal expenses, for most meals, and for expenses such as hotel accommodations & meals during the breaks and independent travel periods. Students should have a major credit card (Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted) and an ATM or debit card using an international network such as Cirrus or Plus. The amount of spending money will vary, but probably averages between $3,500 and $5000 while in Europe. Once you get used to traveling in Europe, your own spending habits should be your guide. You are responsible for budgeting your own money carefully. Application and Payment Schedule: Your application will consist of the application form, a reference form (completed by a faculty or staff member and sent in separately), a course selection form, and a personal statement. The application packet along with a $500 deposit is due by April 24 th 2015, and acceptances will be announced on or about the first week of May. To secure your place on the program you must return your Acceptance Form (which is sent with the acceptance letter) by the specified date. After the $500 deposit, two additional payments of $7500 and $7,500 each are due by June 5 th and July 10 th, respectively. Any financial aid that would apply to a Northwood enrolled student on campus for the Fall 2015 term will apply to the SIE and will be deducted from the July 10 th payment. All other prepayments are required on time, as commitment and arrangement costs begin in June and the program must support itself financially. Once plane tickets are purchased there will be no refunds. Scholarships: There are Northwood University scholarships available for Semester in Europe. All accepted SIE students are eligible for these scholarships, which are based on academic merit and/or need. Students who wish to be considered for either category of scholarship MUST fill out the attached scholarship application by the deadline date. We will make every effort to support your application but it should be noted that not all applications can be funded. No awards can be considered without a completed program application. Please note that there is no fixed award for any of these scholarships, and any scholarship awarded will cover only a portion of the study abroad program cost. Insurance: In general, it is highly recommended that students review their personal insurance coverage before traveling abroad. Insurance should cover sickness, hospitalization, accidents, repatriation, and any civil responsibility. Your regular Northwood student health insurance covers you when you are with the Northwood group. Arrangements for physician visits in Europe can be arranged, if necessary. Students are responsible for any additional health insurance, and they should check with their insurance provider as to coverage for health and medical insurance while traveling abroad. 7

8 Please note: Northwood University cannot assume any responsibility for your medical expenses while you are in Europe. Your student insurance covers you in Europe, but you may have to pay medical bills in cash and be reimbursed later. Northwood University strongly recommends that students NOT rely solely on the insurance that is purchased by the University. Students MUST have a passport number in order for Northwood University to purchase the accidental death and preferred health plan for international travel. If your parents also carry you under a health plan, or you have other coverage, you may want to carry evidence of that coverage with you for contingencies. Medical help is readily available throughout Europe, but you should know your coverage and liability. Health Considerations Over the counter medications are available in most areas, students who are taking prescription medications should take a copy of the prescription and enough medication to cover the duration of their time in Europe. Medications should be carried in the original container. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists health advisories and considerations for the Western Europe at Northwood recommends that students review the CDC information and consult with their physician at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure about receiving any vaccinations before traveling. It is the student's option and responsibility to consult with his or her physician and obtain any vaccinations. Other Details Any additional instructions (including reading assignments, suggestions about luggage requirements, packing tips, clothing and personal needs) will be sent to you via ONLY at your Northwood University address throughout the summer. Please send two passport-size pictures to the International Programs Office (intlprograms@northwood.edu) for preparation of our records and student cards. It is your responsibility to comply with deadline dates. There will not be reminder notices. You must follow procedures exactly as stated. Questions If you have any questions about the program, they can be addressed to the International Programs Office at intlprograms@northwood.edu 8

9 NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY SIE Application Form I. Personal Information Name: Date of Birth: - - Last First MI MM DD YYYY Sex: M F Student ID Number: address: IMPORTANT: We can only use your Northwood for communication. Northwood Campus Attending: FL MI Country of Citizenship: Class year (during year of participation): Sophomore Junior Senior Local (Northwood) Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Cell phone (if applicable): Permanent Home Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Please Give Parents Full Name and Address (es) (if address (es) different from permanent address above): Your major: Your minor: GPA: NOTE: If you are a student athlete, you must have Coach and NCAA Compliance Officer s signature Student Athletes: Yes No If yes, what Sport 9

10 Coach Signature: NCAA Compliance Officer Signature Do you have any physical or mental conditions which might impact your ability to participate in an exchange program? If so, please list any pertinent details below: Do you have a passport? Yes No (If no, apply for one immediately) If yes, Passport number: Expiration Date: Are you fluent in any language other than English? If so, please list the language(s): III. Financial Aid Do you plan to use any form of financial aid for this program? Yes No Have you filed a FAFSA application for this academic year? Yes No Have you applied for any Northwood University Private Donor Scholarships? Yes No If you answered Yes to any of these, a copy of this application will be sent to the Financial Aid Office on your campus. My signature below indicates my request for consideration of participation in the Semester in Europe program. In signing this application, I also understand that if I am accepted into the Semester in Europe program, I must adhere to all the terms specified in the acceptance packet and that there are additional costs, beyond the program fee, which are my responsibility. I also understand that I am responsible for obtaining a passport, visa (if needed), and for consulting with a physician regarding any health concerns or requirements pertaining to living abroad, and for making travel and housing arrangements during the free travel time. I accept the terms: I do not accept the terms: My parent s signature (one parent is required to sign if student is not yet 21 years old) below indicates their awareness of this application, without which I cannot be considered. 10

11 Student Signature: Date: Parent /Guardian Signature: Date: International Programs Office Northwood University 4000 Whiting Drive Midland, MI Fax: (989) For Office Use Only CUM GPA: Eligible: Y N CREDIT HOURS: Verified on: Verified by: 11

12 Course Enrollment and Substitution Form Student: take this form to an Academic Counselor and have it completed and signed. The form should be returned to you. You must then submit this form with your student application form. Student Name: Last First MI Student ID: Study Abroad Program Applying for: Student s major: Student is enrolling in: Course Substitutes for: Academic Counselor: Please complete and sign this form, and return it to the student. Signature: Academic Counselor Date: Enrollment recorded on date: (to be completed by International Programs Office) 12

13 To be completed by a Professor or Mentor NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY Reference Form A nomination from Northwood University faculty/staff is required by students who are applying for this program. NOMINATOR: At the request of a student applying for this program, please complete the following form and submit it directly to the Study Abroad and International Programs Office (Northwood University, 4000 Whiting Drive, Midland, MI ) on the Michigan campus. (Please note that the student s application for this program is not complete without this nomination--applications for which nominations are not received will be eliminated from consideration.) Student Name Reference Name and Title Phone Number: Address: Please use the space below (and back of the form if needed) to address the following about the applicant: 1. How do you know the applicant? 2. Rank the applicant on the following (circle accordingly: 1= poor/low 5 = average 10 = excellent/high): Self-Control Maturity Eagerness to Learn

14 Ability to Get Along With Others: Do you have any reservations/concerns about this student participating in a study abroad program? 4. Please provide any other comments. Faculty/Staff Signature: Date: 14

15 Personal Statement SIE Applicants need to write a Personal Statement explaining their expectations and purpose in studying abroad. Themes such as: - preparations and research done for the program, specifics on what the student hopes to obtain during their time studying abroad etc. may be covered in the statement. Personal Statements can be submitted via to: intlprograms@northwood.edu Or mailed in to: International Programs Northwood University 4000 Whiting Drive Midland, MI