For the first time, students can take part in experiencing a two-week study in Istanbul, Turkey this August before the beginning of the Fall 2012 semester.

Peter Goodrich, professor and assistant head of the English department, will be the instructor conducting this trip alongside his wife, Margaret, for his online course EN 311Z, World Literature in English, Turkey. The trip will take place from August 8 to 24.

Goodrich said he hopes students participating in this trip will learn more about the Turkish literature, culture and history through direct experience.

“At Northern we have the Freshman Experience Abroad program, which is a trip right before their upcoming fall semester, and it’s only for the upcoming freshman,” Goodrich said. “We wanted to do something similar so a wider range of students can participate.”

Goodrich also aims to strengthen NMU’s bond with its Turkish partner universities where students can also study for a semester or a year and transfer their credits back to NMU.

The trip will count for two of four total credits towards EN 311Z.

If a student is not enrolled in Goodrich’s course, they are still able to sign up for this trip by arranging a two-credit directed study.

International Programs has plans to travel to many other places, including Dublin, Ireland, where a group of students will do service work this May.

Students will also get to experience living with Irish families for eight days to learn about their culture, customs and daily life.

“While in Ireland we will be volunteering in the local schools and community center, working with the elderly and possibly doing some beach clean-up,” said Cara Kamps, principal secretary of Center for Student Enrichment. “It is an experience of a lifetime.”

One thing that stops students from signing up for NMU’s study abroad programs are the expenses for the trip. The total cost to Istanbul will be $4,000, and that includes transportation, housing and some of the meals that will be provided.

Financial aid, student loans and grants all apply for studying abroad and there are also options for support from the NMU Foundation scholarship program that are specifically chosen for studying abroad.

Also, because of NMU’s flat-rate tuition plan, the two-credits earned from the program will not affect tuition and will count as progress towards a degree.

“I have studied abroad myself, and you really get to experience a lot more than your money’s worth,” Goodrich said.

Another issue students are hesitant about while studying abroad is the language barrier. However, many of the people students will meet overseas speak English. If they don’t speak English, guides and professors will be there to help interpret.

Students unsure of what trip to choose can visit the Study Abroad Resource Center in Whitman 149 and find information on specific study abroad programs that fit their academic goals.

All trips are for academic credit and led by NMU professors.

The International Programs Office is still looking for more applicants for Istanbul and the deadline to apply is May 28.

Students interested in viewing the different programs offered can visit www.nmu.edu/internationalprograms.

For more information on this program, email Peter Goodrich at [email protected] or the International Programs Office at g[email protected].