Freshman Seminar in Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands

Summer 2009 closed

On campus orientation: July 10 - July 12, 2009
On site in Scotland (U.K.): July 13 – July 24, 2009

On-campus follow-up meetings throughout fall semester 2009

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Study Abroad

What's this seminar about?

Students will choose between two tracks, focusing on either Scottish journalism and environmental issues or Scottish mysteries and fiction.

Where does it take place?

Edinburgh, Scotland is a city steeped in history and dominated by a picture-perfect medieval castle, where even the “new town” dates from the 18th century. Edinburgh is also a vibrant modern city, and as Scotland 's capital, it is home to the new Scottish Parliament, a major university, museums, and entertainment opportunities.

During this program, students will explore the city and its surroundings, visiting sites old and new. They will also experience the stunning beauty of the Highlands on a tour that includes visits to Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye.

What can I study?

Students earn two credits for UGS 102 and receive a numeric (4.0-scale) grade for their work. Credit earned in UGS 102 counts as elective credit, regardless of students' major or area of interest (although some majors may allow the course to fulfill a requirement). UGS 102 is designed to provide students with an introduction to scholarship and inquiry in international contexts. Special disciplinary-based topics are focused to develop intercultural abilities and deepen international understandings.

Students will enroll in one of two thematic tracks. Enrollment in these tracks will be on a first-come, first-served basis with every effort being made to give students their first preference.

1. The Green, the Black-&-White and the Plaid: Environmental Challenges and the Press in Scotland

Beyond the stereotypes of sweeping Highlands, sheep pastures and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Scotland confronts a series of environmental challenges, such as oil drilling, overfishing, habitat change, industrial pollution, invasive species and climate change. Students will explore both problems and solutions by meeting with scientists, governmental experts and eco-activists and visiting a variety of urban and rural sites. In addition, students will meet with journalists and media experts about the changing nature of the press and how the media covers public affairs controversies, including the environment, the Scottish independence movement, the United Kingdom 's role in the European Union and immigration.

2. Mysterious Scotland

Focusing on Edinburgh, this track will explore Scottish mysteries and intrigues such as Mary Queen of Scots, the historical Macbeth, and grave-robbers Burke and Hare, plus contemporary crime fiction. We will read Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Set in Darkness, a recent novel by bestselling Edinburgh author Ian Rankin. We will enjoy a literary walking tour of Edinburgh, the first UNESCO city of literature, plus visits to some of the many sites related to Scotland 's mysterious past; along with Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, we will explore such attractions as nearby Roslyn Chapel and the city beneath Edinburgh. We will also take a trip to the Highlands, the land of the Loch Ness monster. In the course of our explorations, we will note connections with our readings and we will consider the ways in which historical events and tourist attractions are presented to visitors.

To be eligible, applicants must have first-year freshman status at Michigan State University beginning in fall 2009 AND have paid their Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED). That is, a student must be admitted to and attending MSU for the first time as a full-time college student during the 2009-10 academic year.

It is strongly recommended that students apply early as acceptance into the program is on a rolling basis and the program may fill to capacity (30 students per program) before the priority application deadline.

Applicants' participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for seminar participation.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email Mr. Jim Lucas.

Where will I live?

While in Edinburgh participants will be staying at Pollock Halls, which is part of the University of Edinburgh. The facility is newly renovated and offers a variety of dining options. Each room includes a full breakfast, and students can choose to take advantage of cafeteria-style lunches and dinners in the John McIntyre Centre dining room. Pollock Halls are also a short walk from the Royal Mile and Princes Street, numerous cafes, internet cafes, and many other conveniences. Students will be housed in single rooms. For more information (including photos), visit the Edinburgh First Website.

During our three day road-trip to the Scottish Highlands, students will stay at a hostel near the shores of Loch Ness.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Eric Freedman
School of Journalism
Phone: ( 51) 355-4729

Eric Freedman, an associate professor of Journalism and assistant dean of International Studies & Programs, has led study abroad programs in the British Isles (Scotland, England, Ireland and Northern Ireland) and Australia. He directs the School of Journalism's Capital News Service and is associated with its Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. His specializations include public affairs reporting and international press systems. Before joining the MSU faculty, he was a newspaper reporter in New York and Michigan and won a Pulitzer Prize in Journalism.

Dr. Kathy Hadley
Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures
Phone: ( 517) 432-2568

Dr. Kathy Hadley teaches in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures. Her teaching experience includes writing at all levels; American and British literature; women's literature; and popular culture, focusing on mysteries and film. She recently completed her first mystery novel, set in Michigan, and is at work on her second. She has traveled throughout Western Europe, including as a student in MSU's study abroad program.

Shannon Lynn Burton
School of Criminal Justice
Phone: (517) 355-4679

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program's itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $3,505 and includes:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• overnight stay, meals and orientation program at MSU
• transportation (Roundtrip travel to and from Scotland )
• lodging while in Scotland
• some meals while in Scotland
• books and academic resources
• excursions and field trips
• accident and sickness insurance

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• additional meals
• local transportation during free time
• passport application fee ($100)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for two credits. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU's Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the seminar, including airfare.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Freshman Seminar Abroad (FSA) Scholarships

Students participating on an FSA program may be eligible for up to three awards created just for these programs. General information about the awards is available below.

Freshman Seminar Abroad Study Abroad Scholarships: The Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) and the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) offer a limited number of scholarships specifically for eligible FSA participants. In all cases, to be eligible for the award a student must be (1) admitted to MSU with their deposit paid, (2) have submitted their application to an FSA program, and (3) have on file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the MSU Financial Aid Office. Students must submit a scholarship application form.

Awards funded through the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) and Office of Financial Aid are for up to $2,000 toward the program fee (note: if the program fee is less than $2,000, then students will only be given an amount equal to the cost of the program fee). These scholarships are designated for Pell grant eligible students who have demonstrated high academic merit. The priority deadline for APUE awards is June 9, 2009.

Awards funded through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) are for $250, and require applicants to have a 2.5 GPA or above and demonstrate financial need. The deadline for OSA awards is June 9, 2009.

Please note that it may take several weeks after the deadlines to process and select the recipients of these awards.

How do I apply?

The application is available here.

Once admitted into Michigan State University, you may submit your application to the MSU Office of Study in person, by fax, or by mail. A complete application requires your signature on the application form (and a parent's/guardian's signature, if you are under age 18 at the time of application). A $100 application fee is required. You will receive an electronic bill (e-bill) from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the application fee, which is applied to the cost of the seminar and is non-refundable once you accept admission into the seminar. If you are denied admission into the seminar, you will receive a full refund of the $100 application fee.

Deadlines for application depend on seminar departure dates and logistical planning, and applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

Faculty will accept students into seminars until they are full or logistical factors make it impossible to add additional participants. To increase your chances of being accepted into your desired seminar, you should apply as early as possible. Don't hesitate to contact us to find out if space is still available on the program of your choice.

Admission into these seminars minimally requires you maintain your status as an MSU freshman and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

You will be notified of your acceptance status by an official letter from the Office of Study Abroad. Participation is contingent on maintaining your status as admitted student for fall 2009. Your participation may be denied or your participation approval may be revoked if your conduct before departure raises doubts as to your suitability for seminar participation.

If admitted into a seminar, you will receive an official acceptance packet in the mail that includes a Decision Form, Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization, Statement of Responsibility, and a Travel Permission for Minors (required for participants under age 18 at the time of the seminar's departure). To confirm your admission into a seminar, you must sign and return the forms included in this packet to the Office of Study Abroad within two weeks of the date of your acceptance letter or you may lose your space in the seminar. Students admitted into a seminar less than six (6) weeks prior to the seminar's departure date must sign and return the forms upon receipt.

Once you return the forms indicating your acceptance of admission you will be billed a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit. This deposit will be posted and due on your student account and must be paid by the due date indicated on the e-bill. It will be applied to the program fee. If you do not pay the application fee and/or deposit by the due date indicated on the e-bill, the fees will accrue monthly late charges until paid in full.

Students who are wait-listed because a seminar is filled to capacity will not be billed the $200 deposit until formally accepted. The application fee will be refunded to wait-listed students who are unable to participate due to seminar space limitations.

Billing notification will be sent to your MSU e-mail account, so you must check it regularly! To activate your MSU e-mail account visit New Students: Activating your MSU NetID. This site will provide you with instructions on how to activate your account. You will then be able to view your bill and determine when payment is due.

Further details can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook available on line (including information about withdrawing from a seminar).

What's next?

Visit the OSA Web site

Check out the following Additional Resources:

Office of Financial Aid
252 Student Services

MSU Travel Clinic
East Circle Drive

Academic Advisers
Located in each individual college/department

Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
120 Bessey Hall

Area Studies Centers
International Center

MSU Global Access
Information about the world - its regions and peoples and important international issues