Register by Feb. 1 for CLC's study-abroad trips

Anyone can register to travel abroad with a College of Lake County program. Opportunities are still available for upcoming international trips to Costa Rica and Ukraine, but the registration deadline is Saturday, Feb. 1.

• Costa Rica, May 15-31: See spectacular wildlife and volunteer in a public school. Learn about diversity in schools and society, as well as how Costa Rican culture influences law.

• Ukraine, May 18 to June 25: Learn the geography of central Europe and western Ukraine. The itinerary includes five days in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital and the country's largest city; four weekend field trips; and classroom instruction at Ternopil University. Live with a host family in Ternopil, visit and hike the Carpathian Mountains in Lviv, tour Kolomyya and visit various cultural world heritage sites.

While degree-seeking students make up the majority of study-abroad participants, nondegree seeking students are also welcome to sign up, said Jacob Cushing, director of CLC's Center for International Education.

"The Costa Rica trip offers students an immersive experience in the country's elementary schools," he said.

"The Ukraine venture is with our new partner, Ternopil University. Students will focus on the geography and culture of Ukraine. One strength of CLC's field-study trips is that our faculty initiate and lead these opportunities."

International relations major Alyssa Stricker studied abroad in China last year.

"I really enjoyed the challenge of learning Chinese, and I definitely want to keep studying now that I've started," she said. "And the food, culture and trips we took were all really incredible."

Studying in other countries and providing global education opportunities are the simplest forms of international diplomacy, Cushing said.

"These opportunities provided by CLC are one of the many ways the college ensures that our students receive a purposeful and focused education on their paths to being productive members in our global society," he said.

For details, including costs, courses included on each trip and registration deadlines, visit www.clcillinois.edu/studyabroad, or contact Cushing at (847) 543-2733 or jcushing@clcillinois.edu.

• To submit Your news, go to dailyherald.com/share.