This content was published: May 4, 2006. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Study Abroad program guides students to a renaissance
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – Students who want to experience a cultural renaissance that will change their lives can look no farther than Portland Community College.
The PCC Study Abroad program is taking applications for its trip to Florence, Italy this fall term, from Sept 24. through Dec. 7. Students get to study the pristine architecture and artwork of the country’s most culturally significant city. While in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, they’ll get a chance to see art, history and literature, exploring a wealth of museums, churches and culture in this most walkable of European cities.
“They will definitely experience Italian culture,” said Susanne Tringali, instructor in art history and leader of the trip. “Florence is the greatest city of the Italian Renaissance. Some of the people I talk to who went on these trips in the past still go back because they had made friends, close friends, and found a second family. It’s a life changing experience for them.”
The program is open to any students over the age of 18 who have earned at least 12 college units with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. If not enrolled at PCC, a student first must go through the admissions process. The trip features low-cost flights, living accommodations, ability to earn 12-15 credits which are transferable for bachelor’s degree credit. And, financial aid is available to eligible students who apply early. Deadline to apply is July and positions fill quickly. Cost is $6,925.
PCC will host a series of informational open walk-ins for those interested in joining the trip. Interested students should show up to any of the following open times between 10 a.m. to noon or 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17 at the SSB building’s Counseling Center of the Cascade Campus (705 N. Killingsworth Street); 10 a.m. to noon or 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 18 in Room 223 of Building 3 at the Rock Creek Campus, 17705 N.W. Springville Road; and 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6 in the Pine Room of the CC Building at the Sylvania Campus, 12000 S.W. 49th Ave.
“It’s great because whatever we talk about, it’s going to be right there, 500 feet away from us,” Tringali said. “So, to illustrate why this thing is magnificent, we can go and see it in person.”
For more information about signing up for this trip, call the Study Abroad program at 503-614-7150, or visit the Web site at www.pcc.edu/studyabroad.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »