USAO Announces 2009 Travel Abroad Plans

CHICKASHA -- Faculty at the University of Science and Arts have announced plans for next spring's annual European trips, with two opportunities for the public to join the tours. An informational session about the 2009 tours is free and open to the public March 31 at 7 p.m. in Davis Hall 124

" We plan these trips a year in advance so students, alums and members of the community can plan well ahead," said Dr. Stephen Weber, associate professor of music.

The spring 2009 trips feature a tour of England, Ireland and Wales, led by Dr. Brenda Brown, professor of English and chair of the division of arts and humanities. Weber is planning a tour of France, the Netherlands and Belgium.

" These trips are a great way for students to see other cultures and interact with USAO alums and people from the community who travel with us," said Brown. " In today's global marketplace, travel abroad is very important to student development."

The England, Ireland and Wales trip departs May 6, 2009, and features sightseeing in London, Dublin and County Kerry. Among the highlights are Oxford, Stratford, Blarney Castle and numerous London sights.

Weber's France, Netherlands and Belgium trip departs May 13, 2009, and will spotlight Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris. Highlights include the Anne Frank House and Museum, the Delft Porcelain factory, the Grand Square and Old Town in Brussels, the Eiffel Tower and other cultural and historic spots in Paris.

Fees for the trips include two meals a day, airfare, hotels, entrance fees to sites on the tours and multilingual tour directors. The tours are run through EF Educational Tours and provide historical and cultural narratives of each location. Travel abroad stipends are available to USAO students through the Cultural and Recreation Committee.

The free informational session March 31 is open to USAO students and the community. Information regarding tour costs, itinerary, insurance and the enrollment process will be distributed. The meeting features a slide show presentation about destinations for each of the trips.

Additional information is available from Brenda Brown at (405) 574-1207 or Stephen Weber at (405) 574-1295.