LONDON/PARIS STUDY ABROAD!

This is Dr. Merrick’s personal website for the University of South Florida’s London/Paris Program during the break between spring and summer semesters.

For more information:  merrick@usf.edu 

For the "official" USF website for London Paris go to:

http://educationabroad.global.usf.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=17549

MAJOR SITES INCLUDED

LONDON:

• Westminster Abbey guided tour
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace visit
• Belgravia Police Station and presentation on counter-terrorism
• London Eye Ferris Wheel ride
• Imperial War Museum visit
• Tower of London (daytime) tour provided by Beefeater Guards
• Tower of London (night time) Changing of the Key Ceremony (by invitation only)
• Windsor Castle visit with optional guided tour
• St. Paul’s Cathedral guided tour
Imperial War Museum

PARIS:
• Orientation tour of Paris by open top coach
• Notre Dame Cathedral guided tour
• Eiffel Tower visit to the top
• Cruise River Seine guided tour
• Church of Sainte Chapelle visit
• Conciergerie visit (jail where Marie Antoinette held)
• Galleries Lafayette Department Store visit
Palace of Versailles

For more information:  merrick@usf.edu

DETAILED ITINERARY

Thursday, Depart U.S. 
Overnight flight to London.


Friday: London
Arrive London. We hit the ground running. No time to waste!! The van picks us up at the airport and drops us at Buckingham Palace for the viewing of the magnificent Changing of the Guard ceremony. Next, we're back to the hotel to for a little R&R before heading for a ride on the London Eye Ferris Wheel, the largest ferris wheel in Europe. Each car is a glass enclosed bubble holding about 20 people. The wheel moves very slowly, and even those who are afraid of heights (like your trip director) are assured of a beautiful view of the city. On a clear evening, the views stretch all the way to France!


Saturday:  London
Up and out to the "tube" (the London subway).  We head to the Imperial War Museum.  Sounds dull, but it's not!  One student became so enthralled with the museum, she stayed 4 hours and didn't even notice when her friends left.  Most students rate this museum as one of the highlights of the trip.

Afternoon and evening are free time.  


Sunday: London
Morning: We’re up early. No time to waste!! We take the train to Windsor Castle, the royal family’s weekend and summer home. It has been totally renovated (due to a fire about 10 years ago) and is gorgeous.  Next, we're off to the Tower of London for our tour by the Beefeater Guards.   Be sure to view the Crown Jewels…they are magnificent!

Afternoon and evening:  free time 

Monday: London
Morning: Guided tour of Westminster Abbey. This is the heart of the Anglican Church in England and the site for royal coronations and holds the tombs for many famous British political and literary figures. It is also the site of Princess Diana’s funeral in 1996 and of Prince William's marriage to commoner Kate Middleton in 2011. 

Afternoon:  free time

Evening:  Changing of the Key Ceremony at the Tower of London. The Changing of the Key ceremony takes place late at night. Only about 30 visitors are allowed. We’ve always requested tickets well in advance and have always been lucky to get them. The Tower is mostly dark and quiet. We are guided to our spots by Beefeater Guards carrying centuries-old gas lamps. This ceremony is not a tourist event, but a solemn ceremony that has taken place EVERY night without exception for the past 700 years!



Tuesday: London
Morning: Tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral. This is Dr. Merrick’s favorite church in all of England. We will have a wonderful guided tour, followed (by those who are up for it) a climb to the top of the dome where you will have a magnificent view of London.


Afternoon: We have a lecture at the metropolitan police station by the director of counter-terrorism. 



Wednesday: London to Paris
Morning: van transport from hotel to train station. The Eurostar high-speed train whisks us from central London to central Paris in 2 hours and 32 minutes. Upon arrival in Paris, a van will take our luggage to the hotel while we explore the Paris Metro (subway) with Dr. Merrick in the lead. As soon as we are checked in, we walk around the corner to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the absolute heart of Paris. Location! Location! Location!


You have the afternoon free until early evening when we head to the Eiffel Tower. Hold on as the high speed elevator shoots you to the top where you will see all of Paris as dusk falls and the city’s lights come on. After dark, we cross the street to the River Seine and take a boat tour that lights up all the magnificent buildings along the Seine including Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Musee D’Orsay, and many more.


Thursday: Paris
Morning: We walk to the Cathedral of Notre Dame for our guided tour.

Afternoon:  We get ourselves acclimated to Paris by taking an open top bus tour of the city. Bring your cameras. This is a real photo opportunity!


Friday: Paris
Morning: We take the train to the Palace of Versailles and the hall of mirrors. 


Afternoon: a good time to hit your favorite museum. Don’t forget that you get to go to the front of the line by flashing your museum pass! I’ll also show you a “secret” entrance to the Louvre that is even faster than going to the front of the line at the main entrance.  On Friday evenings, the Louvre is open only for those under age 25 years.  A great chance to meet other students. 


Saturday: Paris
No scheduled events. Good day to shop for souvenirs, stroll along the Seine, or visit your favorite museum. The entrance is free with your museum card, and don’t forget to go to the front of the line!



Sunday: Paris to U.S.

Morning: Van transport from hotel to airport for return transatlantic flight to U.S.


This trip is action-packed, but there is still plenty of free time for you to explore London and Paris on your own. This trip is a unique opportunity for students to earn academic credit in two of the most magnificent cities in the world.

Life is Good! Study Abroad in London and Paris!


EXTENDING YOUR STAY IN EUROPE

If you prefer to stay in Europe after the London Paris program ends, Dr. Merrick will assist you in making travel and hotel arrangements. Each year some students stay on. Favorite travel sites include Prague, Vienna, Italy, and Spain! Flying within Europe is very cheap (cheaper than the trains) due to the large number of discount airlines. Check the following websites to see how cheap!

Ryanair.com
EasyJet.com

Contact Dr. Merrick for more information.
Email; merrick@usf.edu
Cell: 941 224 3805

HEAR WHAT FORMER STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY!!!

FROM COURTNEY: Dear Dr. Merrick
I hope you are doing well. I think of you often. Every time I flip on the travel channel or I watch a movie set in Paris, I think about you. I think about the way I am completely different and how traveling has broadened my perspective. I think about everything you taught and the unforgettable time I spent with you. I am truly a wiser person and to date I don't think any experience I have ever had, has impacted me the way Study Abroad has. So Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


FROM ROB: In my four years at USF the two most enjoyable weeks I had were my trips to London/Paris and Spain with Dr. Merrick, bar none. These two incredibly well planned trips (down to every delicious meal) will take you through the major historical landmarks of each respective country as well as provide a great opportunity to experience the local culture in the evening. Never a dull moment, you are guaranteed to get more than your money's worth on either of these trips. Through Dr. Merrick's travel's she has found and stayed in contact with the best tour guides that each city has to offer. An incredible experience, I would highly recommend both trips to anyone! The course load is very fair and the memories and knowledge you will take away will stick with you for a life time. Fly Navy! Go Bulls! Note from Dr. Merrick: The Spain trip is no longer offered.


FROM ASHLEIGH: I would have to say that by far my best experience at USF has been on the London/Paris trip. While you learn a lot from the course work you will, by far, learn more while in these cities then anything you could read about. You don’t just get to see the tourist locations, you actually get to experience what the locals see and do every day. Dr. Merrick’s travel experience makes for an amazing trip. She will show you and bring you to places that years of visiting these destinations have taught her. I went on London/Paris trip in 2007 and I still talk about it. The stories and memories that you’ll make on these trips are beyond compare. I went not knowing anyone, so don’t be afraid that you’ll be an outsider or left alone. you’d be surprised how international travel actually unites people.


FROM NATOSHA: I loved the London Paris trip. I have always wanted to go to Europe. and I am very happy that I went with Dr. Merrick and USF. My favorite thing in London was Wimbledon. I went on my free time with another student. I love tennis so it was pretty awesome to see one of the most famous tennis complexes in the world. In Paris, my favorite thing was the Eiffel Tower. It was amazing to see it in person.

FROM KATIE: This trip was an incredible experience and I will never forget it! It is definitely now the highlight of my time at USF. It was the perfect way to earn my last few credits and close out college before graduation in August. I’m sad to be leaving, but already planning a trip back!

PASSPORT INFORMATION

If you are an American citizen, you will need a current passport. You are encouraged to renew your existing passport if it will expire within a 6 month period after our trip commences.

Below is the link to the U.S. State Department Passport Office which explains the documents you will need to apply for a first-time passport or a renewed existing passport that is about to expire.

Since it can take 8 weeks after your application is received by the U.S. State Department, you are encouraged to apply for your passport no later than December 1.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

APPLICATION FORMS

For application forms, go to:

http://educationabroad.global.usf.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=17549



Don't miss out on these great opportunities to earn academic credit abroad.

For more information:
merrick@usf.edu

FINANCIAL AID and SCHOLARSHIPS

FINANCIAL AID:

Credits earned on the London/Paris Program have the same status as credits earned on the USF Tampa campus. Generally speaking, financial aid that applies to on-campus courses will apply to the London Paris program. Contact either Mr. Rene Sanchez (rene@usf.edu) or your financial aid advisor.

For more information on financial aid for the London/Paris Program, go to: http://educationabroad.global.usf.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Link_ID=AB58E997-26B9-564D-D66D7E80C4A0D776

FEES and DEADLINES

LONDON/PARIS PROGRAM FEES:  $2900 (approximately)
*Fees are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Your program fee includes:

*Tuition for 3 credits
*All guided tours
*Entry fees for all events on the itinerary
*Van transport between airports/rail stations and hotels
*Subway/bus passes for each city
*Eurostar high-speed train from London to Paris
*International Health Insurance
*All breakfasts and some lunches/dinners
*Hotel accommodations
*A “museum card” for each city that gives you free admission to most historic sites and LETS YOU JUMPTO THE FRONT OF THE LINE!

Your program fee does not include:

*Air fare
*Personal spending money
*Meals not provided by the program

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  December 1st

APPLY AT: 

http://educationabroad.global.usf.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=17549

For more information:  merrick@usf.edu
 

ACADEMIC AND COURSE INFORMATION

The London/Paris program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
The academic portion of the program will occur in on-campus and on-line class meetings prior to departure, as well as class meetings while abroad.

Three credits of undergraduate or graduate tuition are included in the program fee.  The following are "cross-listed" courses which means that students take the same course, but earn credit in different majors.     

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

***POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

INR 3033 International Political Cultures (letter grade). Fulfills undergraduate Major Works/Major Issues requirement.

POS 3142 Urban Politics (letter grade). (Fulfils a requirement for Mass Comm majors)

POS 3931 Selected Topics (satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading). Transcript will reflect in which country the work was done.

POS 4905 Independent Study (satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading). Transcript will reflect in which country the work was done.

POS 4910 Individual Directed Research (letter grade). Transcript will reflect in which country the work was done.

CPO 4930 Comparative Government and Politics of Selected Countries or Areas (letter grade). Transcript will reflect in which country the work was done.

***SOCIOLOGY

SYD 4411 Urban Life
SYA 4930 Topics in Sociology

***CRIMINOLOGY
CCJ 4910 Special Topics in Criminology


GRADUATE COURSES
Graduate students should contact Dr. Merrick by email (merrick@usf.edu) or cell phone (941 224 3805) for details.


If you prefer to earn credit in a department other than those listed, contact Dr. Merrick.
Email: merrick@usf.edu
Cell: 941 224 3805

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Students from all majors are welcome on the London Paris Program. There are no language requirements. Students from other colleges and universities and non-students who are interested in an academic experience are also accepted pending space.

Only 16 students will be accepted for the London/Paris program. In previous years, the program has filled before the deadline for applications so do not delay!

For more information:  merrick@usf.edu

CONTACT DR. MERRICK

Please email or call if you have any questions. Dr. Merrick is more than happy to meet with you individually or in small groups to answer questions.

Email: merrick@usf.edu

Cell: 941 224 3805