Office of International Programs

Vienna, Budapest and Prague!

June 7 – 18, 2015

MSU assistant professor of art and humanities, Dr. Andrea Donovan, is organizing a short term MSU study abroad program to Vienna, Budapest and Prague from June 7 – 18, 2015.

The spire-studded skylines and impressive architecture only hint at the energy on the streets in these dynamic cities. Dotted with hilltop castles, ornate cathedrals and imperial palaces, these three cities will captivate and stimulate the mind. But thats only the start in Vienna, Budapest and Prague. Students, as well as community members, are invited to join this MSU study abroad program to discover the atchitectural beauty, vivid World War II history, radical art movements and non-stop street life of these amazing destinations!

Vienna, Budapest and Prague offer the prefect represention of Eastern European beauty, art and history.

Program Highlights

Academic Course Work
Participants in this program will be enrolled in HUMANITIES 496: Vienna, Budapest and Prague study tour (3 credits.) The class will be guided by Dr. Andrea Donovan, Assistant Professor of Art History and Humanities, who specializes in European art and architectural history.

The emphasis of this humanities course is to delve into the art, architecture, literature and cultural heritage of Eastern Europe. The itinerary will bring participants to museums dedicated to the arts and/or culture of the given country, notable examples of architecture and famous cultural sites, and allow for the discovery of market places and unique food experiences. Free time is built into the itinerary so that the program may be customized to the educational focus of each participant, while also allowing ample time to sample the foods and wares of the various destinations.

Budapest (3 days): In Budapest, students will experience fascinating architecture of the old city, which includes Matthias Church (home of the Hungarian crown jewels) and the Synagogue. This portion of the program not only provides interesting art and architecture, but some of the best chocolate cake in all of Europe!

Vienna (3 days): Vienna, on the banks of the Danube river, is the center of the 19th and 20th century art and music. Walking through the streets of Vienna will give any visitor an experience of Vienna’s culture through not only its art and music, but also from vibrant modern culture experiences through food and market places.

Prague (4 days): Prague is an amazing city, which will be evident when visiting the Prague Castle, the St. Vilus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. Prague is also the home of Kafka and Art Deco, and will make any visitor want to revisit this city, again and again.

The logistical aspects of this program are being facilitated by Go Ahead Tours. A complete itinerary can be found on the Go Ahead Website. Please note that prices advertised on the Go Ahead website are the base prices and do not reflect departure from Minot, along with other considerations.

Note: One of the benefits of this particular tour is that tour participants have large blocks of time at each destination to explore parts of the cities either on their own or in our group. In addition, an optional extension to the program to Salzburg would include touring Bohemia’s historic castles and old towns. This option can be discussed in greater length with the faculty leader.

Application Deadline: December 1^st, 2014
Download an application [pdf].

If you do not already have a passport, now is the time to apply for one.

Depending upon available space late applications might be accepted after December 1^st. Applicants who submit an application after this date are not guaranteed a spot on the program and might be required to pay a slightly higher program fee due to rate fluctuation in transportation costs. Rate increases are typically not significant.

Program Fees

The program includes round-trip international airfare and transportation within Europe, breakfast and dinners on most days, accommodations, entrance fees, guided sightseeing and walking tours, and a 24-hour multi-lingual tour director. Accommodations are double occupancy; single occupancy may be requested for an additional fee of approximately $650.

Items not included in the program fee are: lunches and some dinners, optional excursions, transportation for free-time activities, departure fees (i.e. airline luggage fees) and customary gratuities

A typical day will involve an active itinerary of sightseeing and local excursions starting early in the morning and lasting all day. The tour will be fast paced at times so that you get the most of your time abroad.

* Applicants between ages of 50-64 years of age at time of travel, add $100 for the added cost of international insurance. Applicants between ages of 65-74 years of age at time of travel, add $250 for the added cost of international insurance.

**Program participants may choose to audit coursework at 50% tuition rate. Financial Aid is not available for audited courses, and grades will not appear on transcripts. 

Transportation Deviation Fees: Transportation will be arranged from Minot. Any deviations or special requests (such as early departure or late returns) will incur a $75 booking fee, in addition to any fees charged by the airlines

Payment Deadlines:

$400 due with the Application
March 13: final balance of $3,589 due
June 10, 2015: Tuition due to MSU cashier’s window

Late Payments:

• If a payment is received 7 business days or more after the payment due date, your application will be considered withdrawn and you will be responsible for any cancellation penalties.
• If for any reason your payment cannot be processed, a fee of $50 will be incurred, plus a late payment penalty to Go Ahead Tours, if applicable.

Payment Policies:

• Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to depart on the program unless the program fees are paid in full.
• MSU is not responsible for delays caused by late passport applications, late visa applications or visa denials. Any additional costs incurred for such reasons will be the responsibility of the participant.

Cancellation & Refunds
Withdrawal from the program is effective on the date that written notification is received by MSU’s Office of International Programs.

Please Note:
■ MSU will not alter its payment and/or cancellation policies for any reason.
■ GoAhead Tours offers three different levels of trip cancellation/interruption coverage for an additional fee, which can be added at any time prior to departure. These insurance options can protect you in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Depending upon the level chosen, coverage includes: trip cancellation & interruption protection; medical & accident protection; and baggage & property protection. For more information, visit the Go Ahead Tours website.

Financial Aid
Financial Aid can be applied to cover study tour fees, so students might want to consider the possibility of obtaining Financial Aid (generally including loans) to assist in funding their program. For more information about this option, please visit the Financial Aid Office, call (701) 858-3375 or visit their website: www.minotstateu.edu/finaid 

In order to be eligible for summer term financial aid, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 summer credits. At least 3 of these credits must be from the HUM 496 course listed above. Students who wish to enroll in additional summer coursework in association with the tour may make arrangements with the faculty leader.

Program Rules
→ View MSU Study Abroad Program Rules
→ View Go Ahead Tours Terms and Conditions

Contact us for more information!
Dr. Andrea Donovan
andrea.donovan@minotstateu.edu
Phone: (701) 858-3819

MSU Office of International Programs
1st Floor Student Center
500 University Ave West Minot, ND 58701
Phone: (701) 858-4155

→ Learn more about Horizons Unlimited faculty-led study tours