Study Abroad with Piedmont
Marlie Soderquist, staff writer
Photography by Kristine Swanson
Piedmont language teachers have joined together to create a once in a lifetime experience to travel abroad this summer. Working with Education First (EF), an international education company, Piedmont is offering three travel opportunities to Paris, Spain, and Japan.
The Paris & the Chateaux trip, hosted by Kristine Swanson, leaves on May 16 and lasts nine days, traveling to important French cities such as Paris, Normandy, St. Malo, and Loire Valley. Giving travelers the opportunity to experience historic land-sites, taste French wine and food, and view beautiful gardens.
Spain: Land of Many Cultures, led by Kit Decker, departs on May 18 will last for eleven days. Travelers will experience a diverse culture and all Spain has to offer while travelling to Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville, and Madrid. Travelers will get to view the beautiful architecture of cathedrals and other Spanish buildings as well as having a free day in the beautiful Costa del Sol.
The Business and Culture in Japan trip, led by Noriko Donahue, leaves May 28 and lasts eleven days. Japan is an exotic and unique study abroad trip, and EF tours allows travelers to visit Japan’s most important cities including Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka. Travelers will visit ancient castles as well as getting to explore into one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. They will also get to experience authentic Japanese meals and stay in a traditional Japanese inn, creating an experience travelers will never forget.
If students are worried about attending the trip alone, parents, siblings, and friends (including those outside of PVCC) are welcome. There are accommodations for families and couples which is normally a double or triple room, but typically a triple involves placing a cot in the room which may not be comfortable for the duration of the trip.
Trips are expected to be full of walking and sightseeing, but weather in all three locations tends to be moderate during this time, so a light jacket is recommended as well as comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Travelers should consider they will be riding on trains and buses throughout the trip.
All trips are priced over $3,000 which includes airfare, accommodations, transportation, meals, entrance fees, and experienced tour guide support. Flight information has not yet been shared, it should be released in February or March and all flights will depart from Washington Dulles Airport. The deadlines to enroll for the trips are Feb. 10 for Spain and France and Feb. 17 for Japan.
