VCU Education Abroad Faculty-led Summer Program in Barbados

  Barbados

Cave Hill

Term: Summer 
Dates: July 17-August 11, 2009

Description: The Office of International Education, Department of History and the Department of African American Studies at VCU are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to study in Barbados. This program will highlight the historical and cultural heritage of the Caribbean at a festive time in Barbados - the Crop Over festival - when the island is in the midst of celebrating its African cultural traditions through music and dance. Lectures will be held at the Cave Hill Campus at the University of the West Indies.
Course and credit options: 6 VCU credits

HIST 391/ANTH 391 Caribbean History and Culture
HIST 391 The Atlantic Slave Trade
AFAM 491 Caribbean Perspectives on the African Diaspora

Through lectures and field visits led by faculty members, students will explore the evolution and development of Caribbean societies from around the 15th century to the present, as well as the responses of Caribbean peoples to forces that have shaped their lives. This exploration will include, but not limited to

* Plantation slavery
* Gender
* Language
* Migration
* Education
* Religion
* Race
* Identity
* Sports
* Architecture
* Archaeology
* Music
* Dance
* The Kadooment Day celebration and cuisine.

The Barbados study-abroad program is designed to give students, with or without a background in Caribbean studies, an authentic, stimulating and memorable Caribbean experience. It will appeal to broad-minded individuals who are open to ethnic and cultural diversity. Participants will gain a greater appreciation of the history and culture of the Caribbean, and the significance and uniqueness of Barbados in particular.

Dr. Bernard Moitt, chair of the VCU History Department was born and raised in Antigua. He specializes in the histories and literature of Africa and the Caribbean. He has a keen interest in gender and slavery and is nationally and internationally recognized for his scholarship and intellectual activities. His vast knowledge of Africa and the Caribbean, and his extensive personal and professional contacts in Barbados and other parts of the region, make his study-abroad program a unique opportunity that should not be missed. This is his 12th year leading the program to Barbados.

Applications will be accepted until the deadline, or until participant space is full.

Highlights: Swim with turtles in their natural habitat in the Caribbean Sea. View fantastic coral formations, exotic aquatic life and undersea wreckage. These are among the excursions offered in the Barbados program. Among other highlights is Family Day, where students are hosted for the day by Bajans and other gracious Caribbean hosts. In addition, participants will visit the Barbados Museum, Speightstown Museum, wildlife reserves, local potteries and art galleries. There will be a guided historical walking tour of the city of Bridgetown -- a major Atlantic port of call from the 17th century and an architectural delight. Other outings include a visit to Harrisons' Cave - a stunning cavern formed hundreds of thousands of years ago from crystallized limestone, local folk festival events during the Barbados carnival called Crop Over, and a boat cruise (ending with a swim) up the West Coast of beautiful Barbados. The boat cruise is a photographer's paradise.

Students are housed in the dormitories on the Cave Hill campus at the University of the West Indies overlooking the enticing Caribbean Sea. Meals are not included.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 2,980

* Round-trip airfare from either Washington, D.C. or Richmond
* Pick-up and drop-off at the Barbados airport
* Accommodations
* Study visits and tours
* On-site program director support
* Application fee and deposit
* Pre-departure orientation
* VCU administrative fees
* International Student Identification Card

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:

* VCU tuition and fees
* Meals
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at USD 600-1,000)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Experience Required: yes

Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in this program. Permission of the program director is required.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Barbados in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home