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Baltic Adventures: Finland and Estonia
Finland is ranked as the happiest country in the world. With 75% of its area covered by forests, it's also a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, camp, explore lakes, and possibly catch glimpses of Santa Claus in the Lapland region. The capital of Helsinki is a center of research, finance, politics, education, and culture.
50 miles south of Helsinki, across the Gulf of Finland, is Tallin, the capital of Estonia. Known for having some of the cleanest air in the entire world, Estonia's land area is 50% forests but this doesn't stop them from being digital leaders. Estonian citizens were able to vote electronically as early as 2005 and the entire country is covered in wifi hotspots--even in the woods.
Overview
Location(s) | Helsinki, Finland and Tallin, Estonia |
Term |
Spring 2024 |
Credit |
GH 299, 1 sh |
Class Sessions | Zoom class sessions, Spring 2024. Dates/times TBA |
Travel Dates | May 31-June 9, 2024 |
Housing | Hotels |
Passport | Required |
Visa (for US citizens) | Not required |
Eligibility
GPA |
3.4 |
Hours completed | 12 |
Student Conduct |
Good status |
Grad credit |
No |
Non-WIU | No |
Pre-requisite |
Member in good standing of the Illinois Centennial Honors College
|
Student Year |
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
Entry Requirements
Passport required - Must be valid until at least November 30, 2024. For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see
Passports 101
.
Current passport processing times are 10-13 weeks. Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your ETIAS, visa, airine tickets, and other necessary items for travel. Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.
Visa required if not a US citizen.
It is your responsibility to check
the website of the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago
for more information. Visa cost not included in program cost.
Health Insurance
You must have international health insurance for the time you are on your program. Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:
- WIU student health insurance
- A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) from International Medical Group (IMG)
Health Precautions
COVID-19 - You are
REQUIRED
to follow the policies of your host country, the CDC and TSA. It is your responsibility to know and understand these policies. If policies change before or during your Course, it is your responsbility to comply with the new policies. Failure to do so can result in removal from your Course and/or the host country, financial consequences and academic consequences.
Walking/mobility/travel - Walking included in excursions but varies in length and intensity. Expect to walk 5 miles per day with study footwear. It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day, sometimes over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs. Some excursion sites and historic areas have limited handicapped accessibiity. Sidewalks in these areas can be narrow with uneven surfaces.
You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage.
Environmental - Average daytime temperatures are in the low to mid-60s with lows in the mid/upper 40s for this time period. Excursions and some portions of the Course will be conducted outside, regardless of the weather. Sun protection, including sunscreen, is strongly recommended.
Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Vaccination - No vaccinations are required for entry into Finland or Estonia. Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: Finland Estonia .
Accessibility - Accessibility and accommodation are very different than that found in the United States. Please
contact the Disability Resource Center
for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.
PLEASE NOTE
It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs. Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.
Costs & Dates
Estimated Cost* |
$3,500-$3,800 |
Included in the program | Round trip airfare from Chicago, transportation for site visits and excursions, lodging (double/multi-bedded occupancy), entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals |
Application Deadline | October 31, 2023 |
Payments | |
Non-refundable deposit |
$1,075 due December 8, 2023
|
Second payment |
$1,200 due January 31, 2024 |
Final payment* | Balance due March 1, 2024 |
* Costs subject to change based on student enrollment, exchange fluctuations and flight costs.
WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control. For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals .
Important Dates
Passport copy deadline: January 31, 2024. Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and increased costs.
MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2024
Academics
Credit offered
GH 299--Required course for University Honors, Honors in the Major, or General Honors
Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Program fits your specific academic needs.
Objectives/Activities
-
Understand Finland and Estonia's roles in the Nordic countries, Europe and the world
-
Learn about Finnish and Estonian history and culture
-
Discover why Finland is thought to be the happiest country in the world
Class sessions
Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course. You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments. Questions about course content should be directed to
Dr. Jeff Hancks
.
Contact Us
Kim McDaniel
Faculty-led Advisor
kd-mcdaniel@wiu.edu
Horrabin Room 8
309-298-2504
Dr. Jeff Hancks
Faculty leader
jl-hancks@wiu.edu
Libraries, QC Complex 2221
309-762-9481, ext. 62329
Information Sessions
October 10, 3 pm
October 13, noon
All meetings will be Zoom. Registration required for Zoom link: registration form
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