General Information

Aviation Technology International Study Trips

Going Beyond The Borders.....

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You have learned that aviation is a global industry.  If you would like to learn more about aviation outside the United States, then a faculty-led study trip may be for you

Aviation Technology is currently developing its first faculty-led intensive study trips for credit.  The first two trips will be visiting England and France.  These  will be either 8 or 9-day trips visiting industry, airports, and aviation historical sites.  There will be time to explore London and Paris with your friends while studying under AT faculty.

The first trip will take place over Spring Break 2003.  We are planning for a late afternoon group departure on Friday, March 14th (after class) and returning on Sunday, March 23rd.

The second trip will depart at the end of finals week, on Friday, May 9th and returns Saturday, May 17th.  Commencement is Sunday, May 18th. 

Please note that there will be a limit of 30 students per trip.

What, where, and how much?

Check out the planned trip itinerary for specific details.

How do I sign up?

A student who wishes to take either trip must enroll in AT 490G for the spring 2003 semester.  During this two-hour, eight week night course, we will discuss what we are doing on each trip, introduce you to the faculty leading the trips, make sure we have completed all required paperwork, discuss the cultural aspects of the trip and so forth.  

The Spring Break trip is open for registration at this time.  To register, you must obtain the approval forms from the AT Advising Center and purchase your airfare by Friday, December 6, 2002.  Registration for this trip is limited and authorization will be granted on a first come-first serve basis. You then enroll in AT 490S.  Registering in AT 490S will generate the trip fee which should be around $1500.  This fee includes all ground transportation in the US and Europe, housing, one meal per day and attraction entrance fees.  NOTE - airfare is NOT included in the $1500. 

Students who wish to take the May trip also need to sign up for AT 490G at this time.  Both groups of students will meet during this course.  Final budgetary and enrollment details for the May trip will be announced to the class during the first class meeting of AT 490G in January.

We are offerings AT 490G and the two trip courses as part of the Spring 2003 semester.  Since most of you will be full time students in the spring, we can include this as part of your regular tuition.  This way we avoid having to charge the May group summer school tuition and meeting a minimum number of credit hours of summer school for financial aid issues.  Both trips qualify for financial aid.  Check with your financial aid counselor about how to factor this cost into your overall financial aid package.  

Each of the curriculum chairs in AT have agreed to count this credit in your plan of study.  Generally you can use this for one of your elective requirements.  Your academic advisor has been informed where this credit can used for each major.  You receive a grade for each course.  There will be some work involved other than simply traveling.  For those who travel in May, we will give you a grade of "Incomplete" since grades will be due while you are away.

Why isn't airfare included?.......

We have given this issue considerable thought.  In an effort to balance cost with convenience, our travel agent has reserved seats on the trans-Atlantic legs and from London to Toulouse.  Since it is important that we travel as a group from London to Toulouse we will send you to the local travel agent to purchase that ticket.  While there, if you wish to travel with the main group and faculty, you can also purchase your trans-Atlantic legs.  However some of you may have access to tickets from frequent flier miles or parents or work for an airline, and be able to obtain tickets less expensively.  We can work with that but you will have to be able to meet the group at a specified place and time in London.  All unsold airfare will be released after December 6th.  We cannot guarantee there will be seats on the London - Toulouse flight after Dec. 6th. 

NOTE - you will not be allowed to enroll in AT 490S until we see proof that you have all your airfare purchased.

Which trip should you pick?.......

Good question!  May 1 is the date when airfare and hotel costs in Europe increase for the summer season.  We anticipate the May trip costs to be slightly higher (but the trip is one day shorter).  However you will have more flexibility with the May trip if you wish to stay longer and see more of Europe.  The Spring Break trip should cost somewhat less but you will not be able to extend your time in Europe.

You will need to give some thought to the pros and cons of each and select what is best for you.

Do I have to be an AT student to go?

Not at all.  While we will be doing most of our advertising to AT students, any Purdue student is eligible.  In fact, non-Purdue students can go as well.  If you are not a student however, you would have to register for the courses and pay some tuition.  For specifics talk with Professor Nolan.

If you are not an AT student, you will need to talk with your Academic Advisor to determine if your major will allow you to use this credit towards graduation.

Anything else I should be doing?

While you are on Thanksgiving break.  Dig out your passport and see if it is current.  If you don't have one, apply for one as soon as possible.  You can get the application from the US Postal Service.

If you are one of our International students, we will want to verify if any special visas required for you to participate.  Check with Professor Nolan.

If you are planning to go and purchase your airfare for the trans-Atlantic legs elsewhere than our travel agent, be sure you understand when and where you have to meet the group so you can plan accordingly.

Be sure to talk to Professors Nolan or Thompson if you have questions.