June 16: New Orleans — Prague, Czech Republic

• Bags packed and spirits high, we depart New Orleans for our overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.  We arrive the next morning and board our waiting coach for the city of Prague.

June 17-18-19:  Prague, Czech Republic

• Prague and its old world charm is the most beautiful city in Eastern Europe.  She has made the transition after the Velvet Revolution of 1989 to become one of the most popular new travel destinations in Europe, and you will see why.  Nostalgic and romantic dreams come true for millions of visitors.  The view from Charles Bridge toward Prague Castle has to be one of the most spectacular in Europe.  We will visit historic Wencelas Sqare.  You can trace a rich, aristocratic past of this art Nouveau city and mingle in cafes furnished in Eastern European versions of fabulous fifties décor.  After all, this is the country that gave the world Budweiser.
• From viewing the Infant Jesus of Prague to the site of the Defenestration of Prague, which began the Thirty Years War in 1618, the visitor will be amazed at the art, architecture, cultural variety, culinary excellence and simple love of life Prague has to offer.

June 20:  Innsbruck, Austria

• Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol area of Austria, literally means “Bridge over the Inn,” and was the site of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. A stroll down its arcaded covered streets and cobblestone passages present outstanding views of he surrounding snow-capped Alps. Among the impressive sights are the Golden Roof (2,657 gold-plated tiles), the Court Church with 28 larger-than-life bronze figures of history, and the Tyrolean Folk Museum with its fine examples of interior design, furniture and costumes of early Austrian life.

June 21-22: Verona/Venice, Italy

• Back on the road, we travel the fertile Valley of the Po to Verona, home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  Verona is  enclosed in its 16th century fortifications, stands on the banks of the Adige River, and boasts that its Roman amphitheater is the third largest in the Roman world after the Colosseum in Rome.
• Today, we coach to waterborne Venice.  If there is a more romantic spot on earth, humankind has yet to find it.  There is only one Venice–enchanted city of 117 islands, 150 canals, and 400 bridges in a crescent-shaped lagoon. We will see the gilded splendor of St. Mark’s and the Palace of the Doges, with time to enjoy the boutiques around the Square.  You may want to take a romantic gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs or pass “Golden House” palace on the Grand Canal.

June 23-24-25:  Rome, Italy

• All roads lead to Rome, the “City of Seven Hills.”  Ancient, yet throbbing with life, this is indeed the Eternal City. Rome presents itself to us. We will explore the famous Colosseum, where Romans gathered to watch the gladiators; the Pantheon, perfectly preserved since 125 A.D.; and The Forum, once the city’s religious, political and commercial center.  We will walk where Caesar walked.  Contrast this ancient splendor to the grand Via Veneto, lined with lively cafes and elegant shops.  Toss two coins in the Trevi Fountain and have a special wish granted.

• Then, within the city, visit the Vatican (an independent nation) and St. Peter’s Basilica with its magnificent architecture and art treasures.  You may even be fortunate enough to see the Pope.

June 26-27:  Florence, Italy

• We travel to Florence where we have the wonderful opportunity to feast our eyes on the treasures of this magnificent city during our tour:  Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia; the Baptistery’s intricately crafted bronze doors; Giotto’s Campanile; the Duomo; and vaulted Santa Croce Church, where Michelangelo is entombed.  Discover the Florence of Dante and the powerful Medici family.  Stroll along the Arno; visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace; stop for a cooling gelato (ice cream) before heading to the Ponte Vecchio, where local artisans sell their wares.   Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, offers its art and architecture as evidence of its grandeur.  A stroll through its cobblestone streets is to be transported back in time to the age of Leonard da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante.

June 28-29:  Swiss Alps, Switzerland

• We board our waiting coach and travel to our Alpine destination high in the Swiss Alps. Our stay in Switzerland includes plenty of time for us to explore picturesque Alpine villages with wooden chalets surrounded by breathtaking scenery.  See for yourself the spectacular view of the snow-capped Alps from the top of the Bernese Oberland.  Yes, you will see snow in June!

June 30: Zurich, Switzerland

• We travel by motor coach back to Zurich stopping by Lucerne along the way.

July 1:  Zurich, Switzerland to New Orleans

• We transfer to the airport for our return flight to New Orleans, arriving that same day.

The Nicholls Europe program provides opportunities to earn credit through two programs:

• Undergraduate Program (for high schools students who have completed their junior year, high school seniors and college students)

• Upper Division Program (for participating advisers, teachers or administrators)

ELIGIBILITY

Students who have completed their junior year of high school, high school seniors, as well as college students, may earn credit during the foreign study abroad program. Credit earned may be transferred to other accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States.

CREDIT

Students may earn either three or six hours (units) of credit.

COURSES

• Humanities 260. European Humanities. (3 semester hours) — An introduction to the history and culture of Europe with emphasis on the humanistic achievements of Western man.

• Humanities 204. International Humanities. (3 semester hours) — The humanistic study of a selected country or countries; the course normally requires travel to a non-English speaking country.

CLASS REGISTRATION

The completed registration form should be sent to:

Nicholls Europe
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA 70310

A check made out to Nicholls State University for $800.84 for three hours or $1,581.68 for six hours should be included.

Registration must be completed by June 1, 2020. No registration forms will be accepted after this date. There are no other documents other than the completed application and fees needed for registration. If undergraduate students wish to enroll at Nicholls State University for the fall 2020 semester, they will need to reapply.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS, GRADING AND TRANSCRIPTS

Summer study and travel residence in Europe is required. Class attendance is required with a final examination to determine the student’s grade. Grades earned will be awarded and will appear on the student’s official transcript.

For an official transcript, contact the Office of Records and Registration. Indicate the institution of higher learning to receive the transcript, your official name, social security number and date of birth. Nicholls State University does not charge a fee for transcripts.

Grades are due before August 5. However, some foreign study itineraries will make this impossible. In these cases, an incomplete grade (“I”) will be issued.