Travel Club Forms at Lone Star College-Montgomery

Trips in 2008 include Italy, Mexico, Spain, and Great Britain

Montgomery County, TX -- Those desiring travel—either for leisure or academic credit—have a number of options in 2008 with the formation of the Continuing Education Travel Club at Lone Star College-Montgomery (formerly Montgomery College). Trips scheduled for the coming year include Italy, Mexico, Spain, and Great Britain.

“The holidays are a great time to explore travel options for next year,” said Linda Head, dean of continuing education and academic workforce support at Lone Star College-Montgomery. “The variety of trips we’ve lined up for 2008 is incredible with three European destinations and one very intriguing trip to Guadalajara, Mexico. There’s really something for every taste.”

Here is an overview for each trip:

Italy (May 21-June 4) This two-week excursion called “Italian Treasures” will begin in beautiful Venice and will travel through other cities such as Sicily and Rome. This trip will be filled with outstanding cuisine and unforgettable landmarks that define Italy. In addition, your trip sponsor is a native Italian, and will put you at ease with her knowledge and understanding of Italy. This trip can be taken for leisure or as a study abroad. If taken as study abroad, ITAL 1411 will be offered for credit during this trip. For more information about this trip, contact faculty sponsor, Romana Cortese, professor of English and Italian, (936) 273-7484.

Spain (June 6-15) Two-night stays in Madrid, Torremolinos, and Seville on this 10-day trip allow time to truly experience Spain. Included sightseeing features important highlights like Madrid's Prado Museum, Toledo's Church of Santo Tome with one of El Greco's most famous paintings, Granada's Alhambra and Water Gardens of the Generaflife, and Seville's cathedral with Columbus' Tomb. The free day in Torremolinos lets you enjoy the beaches or browse through the trendy boutiques. Other highlights are visits to historic Ronda and a sherry bodega in Jerez. On the way back to Madrid, stop in Coroba to visit the Mosque of the Caliphs, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. For more specific information about this trip, contact faculty sponsor Theresa Fernandez, professor of computer technology, (936) 273-7349.

Mexico (June 12-28 or June 12-July 12) During this trip, which has a two-week or four-week option, you will learn Spanish and study Mexican folklore in Guadalajara. Guadalajara is known for rich culture and architecture. During your stay, you will experience living with a native Mexican family and enjoy many excursions to historical sites in this safe and beautiful environment. In addition, you will travel to beautiful Mexico City before returning home. This trip can be taken for leisure or as a study abroad. If taken as study abroad, courses offered for credit during this trip include SPAN 1411 or SPAN 1412 and ENGL 1302. For more specific information about this trip, contact faculty sponsors David Zimmermann, professor of English, (936) 273-7267; or Norseman Hernandez, (936) 273-7298.

Great Britain (June 16-27) Great Britain will fill you with the excitement of London and will also allow you to walk the streets that Shakespeare and Dickens walked. This travel experience called "Shakespeare, Dickens and Scott," is a 12-day journey that will include an arrival in London, a visit to Warwick Castle, a visit to Edinburgh Castle, and a trip to North Wales. These are just a few of many excursions that will take you through the beauty of England and Scotland. This trip can be taken for leisure or as a study abroad. If taken as study abroad, courses offered for credit during this trip include ENGL 2322 (British Literature) and ENGL 2341/2342 (Shakespeare). For more specific information about this trip, contact faculty sponsor Martina Kusi-Mensah, professor of English, (936) 273-7276.

“Our programs are open to all students--college credit, leisure, and professionals—anyone interested in exploring new places, learning through experience, and meeting people from around the world,” added Head. “Travel itineraries have been carefully chosen by expert Lone Star College-Montgomery faculty sponsors with everyone’s needs in mind. But the best part is that you have an option--study abroad or leisure travel, whichever works best for you.”

For additional information, please visit www.montgomery-college.com/travel, e-mail the faculty sponsors, or call Matthew Olmstead at (936) 271-6180.

Lone Star College-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000 or visit the College's Web site.

Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including Cy-Fair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. With 49,250 students, it is the largest college system in the Houston area, and third largest community college district in Texas. To learn more, visit the college district's Web site.