WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Jan. 29, 2018 — West Liberty University’s Professor of English Dr. Peter Staffel will take his class on the road this summer as he teaches a summer session on Shakespeare in London, the historic home of the Bard. Dates for the study trip are June 23 – July 21.
Dr. Peter Staffel
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) Office of International Programs and KEI (Knowledge Exchange Institute) Abroad announced the Global WV London Program for Summer 2018 and applications must be submitted by March 10. Students will have the chance to earn seven college credits and explore England first hand during the class.
“This is a terrific opportunity for our students to earn credits and to get to know London at the same time. Since the trip is open to any college student in the United States, we are expecting a diverse group of young people ready to study in the heart of London and enjoy the experience immensely,” Staffel said.
Participants do not have to be a literature major and can earn a total of seven college credits and explore England first hand during their stay.
Staffel explained that he prepared a four-week Shakespeare course suitable for both students majoring in English and those who need a literature course to fulfill general studies requirements. The summer abroad course also will include trips to the iconic Globe Theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were originally staged.
William Shakespeare bust, part of the Elbin Library collections.
“To have a chance to see Shakespeare productions in the original way on this famous stage is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is education that goes beyond the classroom and takes a student into the global world of culture,” he added. “Though this may look expensive, it is a whole month stay and you receive seven credit hours. Plus students can use financial aid to help with the cost of the study abroad trip.”
Besides the Shakespeare class, students can take two other courses: a class on history, London: City of Change and a class on Multimedia Journalism. Professional internships also are available during the month-long stay. All courses will be offered at London South Bank University, established in 1892 and the oldest, largest and most diverse university in London.
“Such summer programs are great for those going abroad for the first time. Spending four weeks away from home, you can get a real feel for what it’s like to study abroad. You will return with a different outlook and a real sense of accomplishment,” Staffel said.
While in London, students will divide their time between academic and cultural activities. Classes will be offered Monday-Thursday, giving participants enough free time to explore the city.
“Sometimes students are hesitant to travel because they don’t know the language. This program can give students a new setting and make travelling easier because there is no language barrier and they will understand people around them. Still London is an international city that welcomes visitors from all over the world,” Staffel said.
Recognized worldwide, the red double-decker buses dot the streets of London.
Staffel has worked at WLU for over 20 years and has traveled to England many times and earned a bachelor’s degree in Classics from Edinburgh University in Scotland. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in English from UNC-Chapel Hill.
He then received his master’s in English from the University of Idaho and doctoral degree in English from Tulane University. Staffel specializes in William Shakespeare, classical studies and renaissance literature.
The London program takes place from June 23-July 21 and the fee ($5,950) covers tuition, housing, cultural excursions and comprehensive insurance. Scholarships and financial aid are available for eligible students.
KEI was founded in 1997 on the belief that study abroad should go beyond liberal arts education and cultural exchange to include discipline-specific studies and professional development. Today it continues to provide education abroad programs that allow students to complete major-specific and general education requirements, gain practical experience and enhance their understanding of the world through cultural and social immersion.
To apply, interested students must submit an online application by March 10, 2018 at KEIabroad.org. Also coming up on Feb. 7, will be a KEI information session, featuring KEI representative Ray Bates and Dr. Staffel in the Alumni Room, College Union. Dr. Staffel also is available at 304.336.8193.
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