Study Abroad in Summer 2014!

Ready to see the world and experience new cultures? Would you like to live in another country for the summer? This summer, MPTC students can live abroad and earn 6-8 college credits through our partnership with the Illinois Consortium for International Studies & Programs (ICISP). Month-long study abroad opportunities for the summer include Costa Rica, China, Austria and France.

Costa Rica: Students will receive seven semester hours of credit in Spanish language (all levels) and Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica. The Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica class consists of lectures and discussions accompanied by field trips and activities designed to engage students in active learning and discovery. There will be additional optional excursions to La Fortuna Waterfall and Isla Tortuga.

Costa Rica is just one location where MPTC students can spend the summer and earn college credit!

Austria: Students can earn college credit in topics ranging from International Business to Photography at Salzburg College, a private college for English-speaking students. At the college, students attend classes taught in English by Austrian professors. Classes are small and allow for a close relationship with the instructor. The instruction in this program will entail classroom instruction as well as field trips and immersion experiences.

China: The program includes a four-week stay in residence halls at Xian International University, as well as classes on culture and the Chinese language. Students will also participate in exciting field trips while earning college credit.

France: Students will study in Dijon, France, located at the crossroads of Europe. Capital of gastronomy and gateway to the prestigious vineyards of Burgundy, Dijon is exceptionally rich in history and art. Heir to the splendors of the glorious court of the Dukes of Burgundy, the city boasts numerous monuments, museums, and architectural jewels including churches, cathedrals, and private residences dating from the Middle Ages.

Students: Did you know you can earn college credit in France this summer or fall?!

Applications for summer opportunities will be due in early February, so get started soon! There will also be opportunities to spend the entire fall semester abroad while earning MPTC credits. Locations for Fall 2014 will include those listed above as well as Spain, England and Ireland. For more information, contact International Education at international@morainepark.edu. 

Students Helping Boys and Girls Club!

Learn how MPTC students are dramatically impacting their community through service-learning! Don't forget to watch the video!

Professor Marla Pearce asked her team building and problem solving class to find a problem in the community and solve it. This team went above and beyond helping the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson.

The group named their team "scope" because they looked into a problem and how to solve it. The "problem" they decided to tackle was the lack of funds and supplies at The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson. Sue Bliese is the director of The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson and was very helpful in working with them by giving the group information. Sue informed the students on what they needed in terms of supplies. The group took the information they were told and brainstormed on how they could help.

The first thing they decided to do to help solve this problem was have a donation drive. The group had a three week drive that was from October 1st- October 18th. To raise awareness of our drive they created and printed out flyers that each group member distributed throughout their neighborhoods and towns. The drop-off locations for any supplies that people wanted to donate were at Jimmy's Restaurant, Walgreens and Associated Bank all located in Jackson.

From the donation drive they received many donations from pencils to furniture and recreational activities. Individually they went out into the community to gather up anything they could. The group managed to get a brand new flat screen TV, couches and chairs, $60 in giftcards, cleaning supplies, snacks, two Foosball tables, an air hockey table and about six-seven big buckets full of miscellaneous toys and other items.

On October 18^th the group all met together at the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson and brought all of the donations there.

Click on the video to see the reactions from the children when the MPTC students revealed the donations they collected!
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWU0gKx4BSQ#

Team Scope did a great job solving a problem in the community!

International Education in JAMAICA!

MPTC students just returned from our first study abroad, service-learning trip to Jamaica! Students worked with the Blue Mountain Project in rural Jamaica, and the collaborative program included students and faculty from Moraine Park, Madison Area Technical College, and Red Rocks Community College. During the 10-day program, students installed solar panels, worked on literacy projects with children in Hagley Gap, and worked in health clinics. Students stayed with local families and enjoyed learning about Jamaican culture.

Nursing students conducted blood pressure clinics, conducted home visits, and shared information on health topics at schools in rural Jamaica. MPTC students Liz Rohde (left) and Kassie Anderson (right) are pictured with Hagley Gap community members and Madison College student Lindsey James. 

MPTC students Meghan Stubbe and Kristy Sparacio worked in both education and nursing. The students are pictured with children from the Hagley Gap Basic School.

MPTC student Hannah Miller worked in renewable energy. She is pictured with Madison College student Scott Donovan. The students were excited to install solar panels.

Students and faculty were excited to share information about renewable energy! MPTC students Kristy Sparacio and Meghan Stubbe, as well as instructor Amy Patterson, attended this presentation at Minto Primary School. Troy Wanek from Red Rocks Community College facilitated the work in renewable energy throughout the week.

The group was excited to bring donations to the Blue Mountain Project from the MPTC Multicultural Club and Hillside Dental Associates. Thank you to these groups for their support! International Education would also like to thank the Rotary Club of Beaver Dam for their scholarship donation to assist one student with the travel costs. The wonderful support from the Moraine Park community has been very much appreciated!

To see more pictures and learn more about study abroad opportunities, visit the International Education Facebook page!