🌍 Central Piedmont Students Explore History, Nature, and Sustainability in the Azores

Group of Central Piedmont students in front of mountain range with a body of water in the backgroundOver Fall Break, a World Civilizations II class from Central Piedmont traveled to São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal, for an unforgettable study abroad experience. ✈️🌊

🔎 What They Learned

Students explored the 225-year relationship between the United States and the Azores, delving into:

  • The impact of U.S. industrialization, whaling, and trade on Azorean livelihoods
  • How immigration and diplomacy shaped the economic development of the islands
  • The Azores’ transformation into a hub for ecotourism and sustainable development

🌿 Connecting with Nature

The itinerary highlighted the Azoreans’ deep connection to nature and their commitment to sustainability. Students participated in activities like:

  • Whale and dolphin watching 🐋
  • Touring a milk factory, pineapple farm, and Europe’s only tea plantation 🍍🍵
  • Visiting volcanoes, black sand beaches, hot springs, and waterfall-filled mountains 🌋🏝️
  • Snorkeling in the crater of an ancient volcano 🤿
  • Experiencing an historic farm day 🐄

🖌️ Hands-On Cultural Experiences

The group also enjoyed:

  • A pottery workshop 🏺
  • A traditional Azorean cooking class 🍳
  • Plenty of delicious meals featuring local flavors 🥘

🧘 Mindfulness Meets Global Learning

Fittingly, the many immersive nature experiences paired perfectly with the group’s introductory mindfulness practices. Later this semester, students will complete projects analyzing how their travels align with a Sustainable Development Goal through an historical lens.

This trip was a powerful blend of history, culture, and sustainability, giving students a global perspective that will last a lifetime! 🌎✨

Exciting Study Abroad Opportunities for Spring and Summer 2025! 🌍✈️

Photo of Yellowstone National Park at sunsetThe Center for Global Engagement at Central Piedmont is thrilled to announce a series of incredible study abroad programs for the 2024-25 academic year! Whether you’re interested in ecology, cultural immersion, or exploring historical legends, there’s something for everyone. Check out the details below and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Spring Break 2025: Yellowstone Winter Ecology ❄️🦌

📅 Dates: Spring Break 2025
📍 Location: Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner & Bozeman, Montana
📚 Associated Course: Biology 112 or CCE
🔎 Description: Immerse yourself in wildlife biology alongside scientists and peers while exploring the unique landscape of Gardiner and Bozeman, Montana. Utilize radio telemetry to track ungulates, contribute to wildlife research, and collect valuable data on snow conditions and wildlife behavior to support conservation efforts. Explore the captivating geothermal features of Yellowstone on an immersive excursion.

Summer 2025: Explore Florence, Japan, and the UK & Romania! 🌞✈️

🎶 Florence, Italy: Music, History, and Cultural Immersion
📅 Dates: Two weeks in May
📚 Associated Course: Music Appreciation or CCE
🔎 Description: Spend two weeks immersing yourself in the history, music, and culture of Florence, Italy. This special program will include visits to renowned sites like The Uffizi, the Duomo, the Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Gardens, as well as day trips to destinations like San Gimignano and engaging talks by local experts about Italian music, culture, and history.
🎇 Highlights:

    • Walking tours of Renaissance Florence
    • Visits to Santa Croce, Casa di Dante, and the Galleria dell’Accademia
    • Optional concert at the Lyceum Club

🎌Japan: Japanese Warlords in Modern Media
📅 Dates: Two weeks in May
📚 Associated Course: Humanities 120 or CCE
🔎 Description: Embark on an unforgettable journey to Japan, where ancient traditions meet modern marvels. Immerse yourself in the culture of Kyoto and its historic temples. Engage in authentic experiences such as savoring Shojin Ryori, a traditional Buddhist meal, and navigating the lively streets of Osaka’s Dotonbori district.

🎇 Highlights:

    • Traditional Buddhist meal (Shojin Ryori)
    • Visits to Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
    • Free exploration days in Tokyo, including TEPIA and Square Enix Cafe

🧛‍♂️ United Kingdom & Romania: Dracula – History & Literature
📅 Dates: 10 days in late May / early June
📚 Associated Course: Humanities – Myth & Human Culture and World Civilizations II or CCE
🔎 Description: Explore the origins of Dracula and immerse yourself in the haunting world of Bram Stoker’s iconic novel with a unique study abroad experience led by Dacre Stoker, great-grandnephew of the legendary author himself. Dive into the folklore of vampires in Romanian culture, uncovering historic inspirations for Stoker’s novel.
🎇 Highlights:

    • Scenic hikes and historic tours
    • Immersion in local cuisine and traditions
    • Walking in the footsteps of the novel’s characters

These programs promise enriching experiences and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the world with Central Piedmont! 🌏✨

For more details and to apply, visit the Study Abroad page of the Center for Global Engagement website.

Study Abroad Programs for Fall Break 2024: Apply Now! 🌍✈️

The Center for Global Engagement is thrilled to announce Central Piedmont’s 2024-25 study abroad and globally-focused domestic travel programs!

Eligibility:

  • Open to students 18 and older, employees, and community members
  • Scholarships available for students
  • For questions, email the Center for Global Engagement or call 704-330-6167

Fall Break 2024 Programs – Applications Due by Fri., May 31

Photo of a body of water and the horizon in AzoresAzores, Portugal: Historical Perspectives & Mindfulness Practice🧘‍♂️

  • Associated Course: History 112 or CCE
  • Description: Explore modern world history in the Azores, an archipelago known for its volcanic landscapes and maritime culture. Learn about the impact of geography on cultural and economic development and the historical significance of whales to the islands. 🐳
  • Featured Activities:
    • Hikes through diverse terrains with lakes and geothermal springs
    • Visits to botanical gardens, pineapple and tea plantations, and a dairy farm
    • Marine excursions like whale watching and snorkeling around São Miguel Island

Bogotá, Colombia: Baking & Pastry Cultural Experience 🍰

A street in downtown Bogota in the La Candelaria neighborhood.

  • Associated Courses: Culinary 287, and/or History 112 or CCE
  • Description: Immerse yourself in Colombian baking and pastry arts while exploring local culture and traditions. Engage in various activities during the eight-day trip, including visits to local markets, thermal hot springs, and companies like Castellana 104.
  • Featured Activities:
    • Visits to local markets and thermal hot springs
    • Culinary exploration of Bogotá’s neighborhoods
    • Workshops with Colombian students

Discover all the details, including dates, specific program information, and applications for fall and spring break programs, on the Study Abroad page of the Center for Global Engagement website. 🌎✨

A few spots left! Study abroad to Ecuador or South Africa

Central Piedmont’s trip to South Africa, summer 2022. The group is at the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern most point of Africa.

Travel the world with Central Piedmont! There are still a few spots available for study abroad trips to Ecuador and South Africa in summer 2023. The Global Learning office offers options with college credit, and you will have faculty and staff support for your entire travel and learning experience.

Explore your options today! Application and payment deadlines are coming up soon. Planning for paperwork, passports, and payment deadlines can take time, so learn more about the 2023 options to find the best fit your schedule and interests.

Get more information on Study Abroad at Central Piedmont.

Want to travel the world? Study Abroad with Central Piedmont

Smiling students with ancient Greek open air columns in background

Students in Greece in summer 2022.

Want to travel to Belize, Greece and Italy, Ireland, Peru, South Africa or France? It’s possible with Central Piedmont, and you can study abroad to these locations in summer 2023. The Global Learning office offers options with college credit, and you will have faculty and staff support for your entire travel and learning experience.

Explore your options today! Planning for paperwork, passports, and payment deadlines can take time, so learn more about the 2023 options to find the best fit your schedule and interests.

Get more information on Study Abroad at Central Piedmont.

Virtual Study Abroad – Take A Trip from Wherever You Are

Travel these days can be complicated, but we won’t let that stop us. Until we are able to travel abroad, check our this cool new virtual experience. Visit up to 9 countries with over 60 hours of footage. Take a walking tour of Venice, discover ancient Rome, tour the Alps, visit the Costa Rican rainforest or see the bustling streets of India. Students can access this platform at any time by signing up with your Central Piedmont email.

Register today and have fun on your travels!

Study Abroad at Central Piedmont – Now Accepting Applications

Have you ever thought about traveling internationally while earning class credit?  Do you want to stand out among your peers academically and professionally?

Central Piedmont’s Global Learning Office has various opportunities that allow you to do both!

Study Abroad: Central Piedmont offers short term and faculty-led study abroad programs during spring break and the summer term. Travel with faculty for 1 to 4 weeks and earn class credit. (Humanities 120 is an option for most programs along with the discipline attached to the program).

By studying abroad, participants gain cultural sensitivity, foreign language skills, and a global perspective. This translates to competitiveness in the job market, as employers are increasingly looking for workers who have international skills and experience. Check out our amazing program locations for 2020 and apply now (programs are filling up quickly).

 

NC Scholars of Global Distinction: The N.C. Scholars of Global Distinction is designed to equip students with the global competencies and skills needed for the 21st-century workforce.  Participating students will expand their intercultural awareness and understanding of the global relevance of their college studies by completing the program’s requirements. This honors program sets students apart from their peers and enhances their résumés.

Learn more information about program applications and requirements.

 

Email global.learning@cpcc.edu with questions or to set up an appointment to learn more!