Smithsonian Journeys and CET Offer Study Abroad Program for High School Students in Summer 2010

Smithsonian Journeys, renowned for top-quality educational travel for 40 years, and CET Academic Programs, known for its excellent college study abroad programs, introduce a new international language-immersion program created specifically for high school students. Smithsonian Studies Abroad offers three-week summer programs that combine language instruction and cultural studies taught by top educators in a safe and secure setting.

In Avila, Spain, located between Madrid and Salamanca, students will delve into the region’s multicultural legacy and strengthen their Spanish skills during a comprehensive cultural course at the University of Salamanca. Accommodations will be at the Residencia Santo Tomás, a dormitory that is part of a Dominican monastery. Students will participate in additional studies in Spanish art and architecture, plus take excursions to El Escorial, Toledo and Andalusia.

In Florence, Italy, students will be immersed in contemporary Tuscan life with many opportunities to practice their Italian (no prior Italian language knowledge necessary). Accommodations will be at the Residence Porta al Prato, located within walking distance to the University of Florence, where language classes will be held. Additional activities such as city bicycle tours, cooking lessons and weekend excursions to Assisi and the Etruscan coast are included.

In Beijing, students will explore China’s extraordinary past and present. The program will focus on Chinese politics, history and environmental policies, and it offers students an introduction to the Chinese language (no Chinese language knowledge necessary). Students will reside at China’s top-rated Capital Normal University, located just outside of Beijing. Excursions include the Great Wall and Xi’an. An optional post-trip to Shanghai is also available.

Registration begins Aug. 30 for the 2010 summer session. Special arrangements are available for high school teachers who are interested in bringing a group of students. 

For more details on these and all tours, visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 1 (877) 338-8687.

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