NWC News Desk

NWC invites would-be travelers to discuss field studies in France at Oct. 15 meeting

Posted October 2, 2009
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POWELL, Wyo. - Northwest College will host an informational meeting Thursday, Oct. 15, for community members interested in traveling with a June field studies class to France. The meeting gets underway at 6 p.m. in Room 115 of the Orendorff Building.

"We've typically conducted this class during spring break in March," Harriet Bloom-Wilson, NWC assistant professor of French, said. "But because community members have asked for a different time and because of when spring break falls next year, we've decided to take the trip from June 5-15." Bloom-Wilson said the June travel dates should allow more flexibility for college students and community members alike to stay in Europe longer. The weather should also be more favorable during the summer.

The 10-day trip will take the group to the Southwest of France, an area not yet visited by NWC travel classes, although it's familiar to Bloom-Wilson and her husband, co-tour leader, Richard Wilson. The journey starts in the wine country of Bordeaux then moves south into Basque country and the Pyrenees. Travelers will spend a morning at Lourdes, the pilgrimage site, and base the second half of their stay in Toulouse, home of the famous university bearing the same name. From there, day trips will take in a medieval walled city, villages perched on hilltops and prehistoric cave paintings.

As with previous field studies classes, students enrolling for credit will be expected to attend a Tuesday evening class once a week during the final seven weeks of spring semester. This will prepare them with an advance knowledge of the culture, architecture, historical context, etc., of the sites they'll encounter on the trip.

Bloom-Wilson said participants will have free time in addition to the organized activities.

Final travel dates and costs will depend on the size and preferences of the group. Costs include travel and personal expenses, plus tuition and fees.

For more information, e-mail Harriet Bloom-Wilson or call 307-754-6429.