Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the historical beauty of Germany and France? If so, now is your opportunity.

For the first time, West Virginia University’s Office of International Programs and the Mountaineer Parents Club have joined together to provide parents of WVU students an opportunity to travel abroad.

This program, modeled after other student study abroad programs offered by WVU, will give participants a nine-day trip through Germany and France visiting cities such as Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Strasbourg and Paris. Participants will depart on April 21 and return on April 29. There are no foreign language requirements.

The program will start in Frankfurt, Germany, a city known for its contrast of modern design combined with traditional architecture. Traveling from Frankfurt, parents will stop in Heidelberg, Germany to experience an educational tour of a local company. Eventually travelers will arrive in the beautiful city of Strasbourg, France.

“For many years, our students have had the opportunity to travel and study abroad. Now, we want parents to have this exciting opportunity, as well,” said Sabrina Cave, assistant vice president for Student Affairs communications.

“On the trip, parents will stay in an ancient castle Chateau de Pourtales and spend the week exploring the Alsacian countryside.”

As with many WVU programs, this trip will be led by a faculty member Dr. Neil Bucklew, former WVU president and experienced study abroad leader. Participants will travel in a group, studying significant cultural, historical and social sites along the way.

“I am pleased to be involved in this exciting opportunity to experience such a diverse view of modern day Europe. We will visit business organizations and gain first-hand knowledge about an economy that is a critical player in the global business scene,” Bucklew said. “The trip includes a visit to the EU Parliament and Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, as well as a boat tour of Strasbourg and a wine tour of Alsatian France. Our visit is capped by two days in unparalleled Paris.

“My wife Connie and I had the opportunity last year to lead a graduate student trip including many of these experiences and it truly expands the mind and soul.”

For more information and application materials, please visit: http://internationalprograms.wvu.edu/pcfrance/

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ta/01/12/12

CONTACTS: Tara George-Jones, Office of International Programs
304-293-6955, Tara.George-Jones@mail.wvu.edu

or

Sabrina Cave, Mountaineer Parents Club
304-293-2506, Sabrina.Cave@mail.wvu.edu

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