By Sorayda Rivera Contributing Writer
As a student, traveling might be something that doesn’t come easy; time and money may pose some issues. Tyler Junior College offers an opportunity for students and community members to travel. TJC’s travel study program offers trips to Greece, Costa Rica and New York as experiences to explore other places outside of Tyler.
Over the next issues of The Drumbeat, the staff will discuss details about the different trips, the costs, available scholarships and application information. Greece: Archaeological and Biblical Journeys to the Ancient Civilizations
This excursion to Greece takes the journeyer on a 10-day adventure from March 6-15. There are also two extended options. The trip costs $2,090, and the price does not include airfare. Those interested in traveling to Greece can purchase their desired airline ticket. There is a partial scholarship of $1,000 for students. A deposit of $590 is required at the time of registration. This trip does not offer college credit. Eligibility is based on a first-come, first-served basis. According to the TJC website, the tour is open to the public. Any community member, student or faculty member may enroll for this project.
Project director Dr. Manouchehr Khosrowshahi explained what travelers will learn on the Greece trip like history, culture and mythology. “The base of our civilization is based on Greek culture,” Khosrowshahi said. Christy Jetton, a nursing student, said this is her second year going to Greece.
“We learned a lot of history, and Dr. K made it fun,” Jetton said. She added she enjoyed theatre visits and Greek Night. While abroad, students had a unique dinner, watched some dancing and enjoyed a Greek tradition of smashing plates for celebratory events. “You’ll be missing out if you don’t go,” Jetton said. The trip includes a full day tour of Greece, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Corinth Canal and more places, including seven of the 18 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Heritage sites in Greece.
Health, accident, baggage and trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For individuals with mobility issues interested in the trip to Greece, they will be accommodated. Khosrowshahi said there is hiking on mountains and some areas are hard to get for those who are not fully ambulatory, but they do not discriminate and are willing to accommodate as much as they can. “We do not want to deprive anyone because of a disability,” Khosrowshahi said. For the full trip itinerary, conditions and responsibilities, application information and more, visit tjc.edu/info/20030/travel_ study_programs/154/greece_travel_study. For additional questions or concerns, contact Khosrowshahi at 903-510-2279 or [email protected].
Stay tuned to the next few issues to learn more about the trips to New York and Costa Rica.
Traveling Abroad with TJCStory by: Austin Newell