Eligibility

GPA	3.4
Hours completed	12
Student Conduct	Good status
Grad credit	No
Non-WIU	No
Pre-requisite	Member in good standing of the Illinois Centennial Honors College
Student Year	Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Entry Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until at least November 30, 2024.  For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see Passports 101 .
Current passport processing times are 10-13 weeks.  Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your ETIAS, visa, airine tickets, and other necessary items for travel.  Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.

Visa required if not a US citizen. It is your responsibility to check the website of the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago for more information.  Visa cost not included in program cost. 

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you are on your program.  Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) from International Medical Group (IMG)

 

Health Precautions

COVID-19 - You are REQUIRED to follow the policies of your host country, the CDC and TSA.  It is your responsibility to know and understand these policies.  If policies change before or during your Course, it is your responsbility to comply with the new policies.  Failure to do so can result in removal from your Course and/or the host country, financial consequences and academic consequences.

Walking/mobility/travel - Walking included in excursions but varies in length and intensity.  Expect to walk 5 miles per day with study footwear.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day, sometimes over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs.  Some excursion sites and historic areas have limited handicapped accessibiity.  Sidewalks in these areas can be narrow with uneven surfaces. 
You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage.

Environmental - Average daytime temperatures are in the low to mid-60s with lows in the mid/upper 40s for this time period.  Excursions and some portions of the Course will be conducted outside, regardless of the weather.  Sun protection, including sunscreen, is strongly recommended.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel  if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. 

Vaccination - No vaccinations are required for entry into Finland or Estonia.  Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:  Finland      Estonia .

Accessibility - Accessibility and accommodation are very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$3,500-$3,800
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, transportation for site visits and excursions, lodging (double/multi-bedded occupancy), entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	October 31, 2023
Payments
Non-refundable deposit	$1,075 due December 8, 2023
Second payment	$1,200 due January 31, 2024
Final payment*	Balance due March 1, 2024

* Costs subject to change based on student enrollment, exchange fluctuations and flight costs.

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals .

 

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: January 31, 2024.  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and increased costs.

MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2024

Academics

Credit offered

GH 299--Required course for University Honors, Honors in the Major, or General Honors

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Program fits your specific academic needs.  

Objectives/Activities

• Understand Finland and Estonia's roles in the Nordic countries, Europe and the world  
  
• Learn about Finnish and Estonian history and culture 
  
• Discover why Finland is thought to be the happiest country in the world   
  
  

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Jeff Hancks .