Description

The Global Education Office, The Department of History and the Department of African American Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to study on site in Barbados. This program, which is celebrating its 15-year anniversary in 2012, will highlight the historical and cultural heritage of the Caribbean at a festive time in Barbados (the Crop Over festival) when the island is in the midst of celebrating its African cultural traditions through music and dance. Lectures will be held at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies.

Course and credit options: 6 VCU credits
* HIST 391/ANTH 391 Caribbean History and Culture
* HIST 391 The Atlantic Slave Trade
* AFAM 491 Caribbean Perspectives on the African Diaspora

*Students are required to sign up for six credits

Course description

Through lectures and field visits led by faculty members, students will explore the evolution and development of Caribbean societies from around the 15th century to the present, as well as the responses of Caribbean peoples to forces that have shaped their lives. This exploration will include, but not be limited to the following: plantation slavery, gender, language, migration, education, religion, race, identity, sports, architecture, archaeology, music, dance, the Kadooment Day celebration and cuisine. The Barbados study abroad program is designed to give students, with or without a background in Caribbean studies, an authentic, stimulating and memorable Caribbean experience. It will appeal to broad-minded individuals who are open to ethnic and cultural diversity. Participants will gain a greater appreciation of the history and culture of the Caribbean, and the significance and uniqueness of Barbados in particular.

Bernard Moitt, Ph.D., chair of the VCU History Department who was born and raised in Antigua, does Atlantic history. He specializes in the histories and literatures of Africa and the Caribbean. He has a keen interest in gender and slavery, and is nationally and internationally recognized for his scholarship and intellectual activities. His vast knowledge of Africa and the Caribbean, and his extensive personal and professional contacts in Barbados and other parts of the region, make his study abroad program a unique opportunity that should not be missed. This is his 15th year leading the program to Barbados.

Highlights

While in Barbados

Swim with turtles in their natural habitat in the Caribbean Sea! View fantastic coral formations, exotic aquatic life and undersea wreckage! These are among the excursions that the Barbados program offers. Among other highlights is Family Day, where students are hosted for the day by Bajans and other gracious Caribbean hosts. In addition, participants will visit the Barbados Museum, the Speightstown Museum, wildlife reserves, local potteries and art galleries. There will be a guided historical walking tour of the city of Bridgetown - a major Atlantic port of call from the 17th century and an architectural delight - with a stop at the Jewish Synagogue and the adjoining museum. Other outings include a visit to Harrisons' Cave - a stunning cavern formed hundreds of thousands of years ago from crystallized limestone local folk festival events during the Barbados carnival called Crop Over, and a boat cruise (ending with a swim) up the West Coast of beautiful Barbados - a photographer's paradise.

Students are housed in the dormitories on the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies overlooking the enticing Caribbean Sea. Meals are not included.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• African-american Studies
• Anthropology
• History

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD2,600- USD2,900 plus VCU tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD2,700 and includes the following:
* Round-trip airfare from either Washington, D.C. or Richmond
* Pick-up and drop-off at the Barbados airport
* Accommodations
* Study visits and tours
* On-site Program Director support
* Application fee and deposit
* Pre-departure orientation
* VCU administrative fees
* International Student Identification Card

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
* VCU tuition and fees
* Meals
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at about USD1,000)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded

1838