Portugal Short Term Study Abroad
Service Learning (SLS 2940)
1 credit
- May 31 - June 9, 2024
- Leader
Melissa Schreiber - Leader
Marsha Butler
Before reviewing this page or applying to this program, read the entire COVID-19 Statement. If you have questions, please contact SAGE. All information is subject to change. Prices are an estimate only until flights are booked and could fluctuate.
Program Overview
Project Overview: Ocean Conservation. Join us in Portugal as we learn about Ocean conservation efforts. We will actively engage, and complete service focused on Ocean Conservation in Florida (Atlantic Ocean) and connect the experience when we explore Portugal. Before our trip, we will spend some time learning about Ocean Conservation efforts by visiting a facility located on Florida's East Coast. Then while in Portugal, we will engage in service while we learn about Ocean Conservation efforts in Lisbon and Faro. Students will complete 5 hours of service learning on Florida’s Atlantic Ocean and 20 hours in Portugal.
You will complete 25 hours of service learning in this course. Before applying what, we learn, we need to understand the environment in which they were designed. So, while in the country we will also explore historic sites, and engage in cultural activities while enjoying Portugal’s landscape, architecture, and beaches. Highlights include a tour of ruins, palaces, towers, and many more.
Service Project Overview
This service-oriented global experience will be all about learning and doing!
We will explore and learn about environmental efforts regarding Ocean Conservation both in our local area and Portugal. First, we will learn about ocean conservation on Florida’s East Coast, then while in Portugal will visit the local organizations center to learn about their efforts to save the ocean. We will actively participate in conservation and rescue efforts in our local community and overseas. The culmination of our service efforts will be a comparison of what we learned abroad and what is being done locally to address these issues. Students will examine how global solutions can be applied to impact our local community. Students will complete 25 hours of service learning.
Course Description
SERVICE LEARNING Prerequisite: Minimum 2.0 institutional or overall GPA; or department approval This course gives the student the opportunity to grow academically, pre-professionally, personally and civically through participation in a service-learning experience. Students meet real needs in the community by applying knowledge from their courses. Students complete 20 hours of service per credit, complete written reflections, and meet regularly with assigned faculty member. Multiple credit course. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits, but grade forgiveness cannot be applied.
Early Summer Application & Payment Deadlines
- August 2023 – Applications Open
- 12/08/2023 - Applications Close
- 12/15/2023 - Application Payment Deadline
- 02/02/2024 - Passport Deadline & Orientation
- 02/16/2024 - Deposit Payment Deadline
- 04/05/2024 - Final Payment Deadline
Contact us
Location
- 1800 South Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32811 - West Campus
- 10 - 218
Hours
- Monday to Friday: 8am to 4:30pm (Virtual appointments only)
Email and Phone
Social Media
Things to Consider Before You Apply
- Familiarize yourself with Portugal’s travel risk outlook, including COVID-19 entry restrictions and levels. Please visit the Department of State by clicking here and the CDC by clicking here to see more information.
- This program is open to students in good standing only. Please see GPA requirements.
- This program has no prerequisites
- Students are required to attend all pre-departure and re-entry class meetings.
- Students should expect to walk at least 10 miles per day, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Students will be traveling in the country via airplane, train, or bus. Packing light will be critical since the group will be moving around to different cities during the program. Be prepared to transport your personal belongings during those transitions.
- If a student has dietary restrictions, he/she should be prepared with extra money for meals and snacks. Dietary needs will be communicated beforehand but alternate meals may not be available due to travel arrangements, and students should plan accordingly.
- Daily breakfast and some dinners will be included in the price. All other meals, snacks, souvenirs/shopping, and structured free time activities will be the responsibility of the student.
- Students must acquire passports. Passport fees, course tuition, and course materials are not included in the price.
- Students can expect to share room accommodations with students of the same gender with en-suite bathrooms shared.
- During free time, students must always be in a group of three or more for safety reasons.
- Students are not allowed to drink alcohol per SAGE and Student Development rules.
- Valencia College requires a nightly curfew for students.
- It is important to understand that students will be acting as cultural ambassadors from the U.S. and representing Valencia positively to our foreign hosts. Students will be expected to follow the Valencia Student Code of Conduct.
Program Eligibility
- Be 18-years-old by time of travel.
- Have an Institutional GPA of 2.5 at time of application.
- Meet course requirements, including prerequisites if applicable.
Scholarship Eligibility
- Be a degree-seeking student with Valencia College.
- Completed one semester within last year.
- Completed 12 college-level credits by the time of travel.
- Have not received a SAGE scholarship in the current academic year.
Course Prerequisites
-
2.0 Institutional or Overall GPA
Funding Information
This program will receive partial funding by Valencia's Student Development Office, the Valencia Foundation, and the SAGE Office. These departments will be contributing a percentage towards the cost of participation. Funding is limited to a set number of students per program.
Eligible students can use their financial aid to cover part or all of the final payment and/or additional program costs (airfare, accommodations, meals, etc.) as long as the course satisfies your degree requirements. Complete a MY EDUCATION PLAN or meet with an Academic Advisor for details. It is important that this course count towards your degree or certificate program; otherwise, your financial aid payment may be reduced.
Program Fee Includes
- Roundtrip Airfare
- Accommodations
- Daily Continental Breakfast
- Two Group Dinners
- Cultural and Professional Visits
- Most Ground Transportation
- Onsite Director and support
- Medical and Travel Insurance
Program Fee Does Not Include
- Most meals apart from breakfasts and two dinners
- Course Tuition and Fees
- Airport Departure Fees and Taxes
- Luggage Transport/Storage Fees
- Passport Fees
- Visa (not required for U.S. citizens)
- Immunizations
- Tips
- Spending Money and Extra Activities
Travel Information
Meetings
Pre-Departure Meetings
All Meetings are required
- 02/02/2024 - SAGE Orientation
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
East Campus
bldg. 8, room 101 - 03/01/2024 Meeting #1
12:00pm - 3:00pm
TBA
TBA - 04/05/2024 Meeting #2
12:00pm - 3:00pm
TBA
TBA - 05/11/2024 - Meeting #3
8:00am - 12:00pm
TBA
TBA - 05/24/2024 - Meeting #4
12:00pm - 3:00pm
TBA
TBA
Re-Entry Meetings
All Meetings are required
- 06/14/2024 - Re Entry Meeting
12:00pm - 3:00pm
TBA
TBA
Please note that the program may be altered or cancelled at any time at the discretion of Valencia College, and, in many circumstances, airfare or other transportation costs incurred by the student may not be refundable. Dates and prices are subject to change without notice before the application deadline.