Study Biology Where It Comes Alive

What if your biology classroom was the Peruvian Amazon?

This Spring Break, trade the traditional classroom for the rainforest and join Seminole State College for an unforgettable 9-day journey into the Peruvian Amazon. From exploring the jungle to observing wildlife in its natural habitat, you’ll experience biology firsthand while earning college credit toward Biology and the Environment.

Get Hands-On in the Amazon

Peru is home to a vast portion of the Amazon rainforest and an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. During this immersive experience, you’ll venture into the jungle during the rainy season, when the rainforest is bursting with activity.

You’ll have opportunities to:

• Explore the rainforest and observe wildlife in its natural habitat
• Study the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon ecosystem
• Connect what you learn in the classroom to real-world environments
• Participate in guided jungle expeditions and hands-on learning experiences
• Experience one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth alongside Seminole State faculty and fellow students

Your Spring Break, Reimagined

March 12–21, 2027

Your journey will take you from Lima to Puerto Maldonado and deep into the Peruvian rainforest, where you’ll spend five nights at a jungle research station. Led by experienced expedition guides and Seminole State Biology faculty, you’ll spend your days exploring, learning, and experiencing the Amazon.

This isn't a typical vacation. It’s an opportunity to see, study, and experience biology in one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet.

Earn Credit. Gain Experience. See the World.

This is a Travel Studies in Biology course, meaning your adventure in Peru is connected directly to your academic experience. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of biology and the environment while developing the kind of hands-on experience that can make your education—and your résumé—stand out.

An Experience Few Students Get

Space is extremely limited to just 10 students, making this an intentionally small and immersive experience.

Estimated cost: $4,000 per student

Scholarships may be available to help offset the cost, and students are encouraged to apply.

Because this is an active rainforest expedition, students should be prepared for the physical demands of traveling and exploring in a tropical environment. Additional information about trip requirements and preparation will be provided during the application process.

Ready to Go?

March 12–21, 2027 - Peru

10 students. 9 days. One incredible ecosystem.

Apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study biology in the Amazon rainforest.

Hear From Students Who Went to Peru in 2026!

Learn Spanish in Spain

What if your Spanish class took you across the Atlantic?

This summer, take your Spanish and Humanities courses beyond the classroom with two unforgettable weeks in Toledo, Spain. Live and learn alongside students at the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, explore historic cities and cultural landmarks, and experience Spanish language and culture firsthand.

Your Classroom Is Spain

May 18–June 2, 2027

Spend two weeks immersed in the language, history, and culture of Spain while earning college credit toward your Spanish and Humanities coursework.

During your experience, you’ll:

• Take beginning or intermediate Spanish classes
• Complete a co-requisite Humanities course
• Explore museums, historic sites, and cultural landmarks
• Visit Toledo and surrounding towns and communities
• Experience Spanish culture beyond the classroom
• Study alongside students at the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
• Build international experience while earning college credit

Live in the Heart of Spanish History

Toledo is one of Spain’s most fascinating historic cities, known for its centuries of cultural influences and stunning architecture. Instead of simply reading about Spanish history and culture, you’ll walk through it.

Your experience will include cultural activities, transportation, meals, and activities while in Spain, all included in the program registration cost.

Two Weeks. One Incredible Experience.

This isn't just a trip to Spain. It's a chance to live, learn, and experience another culture while earning college credit.

Whether you're already studying Spanish or simply looking for a way to make your college experience more memorable, this program gives you the opportunity to step outside the classroom and into the world.

Estimated Program Cost

The estimated cost is $3,000 + airfare and travel insurance when the group reaches 20 students.

If the group consists of 10 students, the estimated cost is $3,900 + airfare and travel insurance.

Foundation scholarships may be available to help offset the cost, and students are encouraged to apply.

Who Can Join?

The program is open to:

• Students taking beginning or intermediate Spanish
• Seminole State faculty
• Community members

Ready to Experience Spain?

May 22–June 5, 2027 - Toledo, Spain

Learn the language. Experience the culture. See the history.

Take your Spanish beyond the classroom and make Spain your summer classroom.

Hear From Students Who Went To Spain in 2026!

Go Beyond the Classroom. See the World.

*Only Honors Students Are Eligible* 

What does it mean to be a global citizen?

Find out by taking your Honors experience beyond Seminole State and into Ireland. This exclusive travel opportunity gives Grindle Honors students the chance to explore global issues, connect with students and scholars from around the world, and examine what it means to be an engaged citizen in an increasingly connected world.

An Honors Experience Like No Other

Study abroad brings together participants for an intensive academic experience focused on global issues.

You'll learn alongside other high-achieving college students while representing Seminole State as part of the Grindle Honors Institute.

And because you'll also register for IDH 2950: Honors Travel/Study Seminar, you'll earn 3 college credits while you're there.

An Opportunity Reserved for Honors Students

This is a highly selective experience. Each year, a limited number of Grindle Honors students are selected through an application and essay process.

Selected students will receive significant financial support from the Grindle Honors Institute.

Estimated trip cost: $3,900

Selected students contribute a $1,000 deposit, while the Grindle Honors Institute covers approximately $2,900 per student.

Students should plan to purchase lunch each, all meals while traveling, and any incidentals in Ireland.

Bring Your Honors Experience to the World

The Grindle Honors Institute is about more than challenging academics. It's about giving high-achieving students opportunities to connect their education to the world around them.

This is your chance to:

• Study globally.
• Meet people who see the world differently.
• Challenge your perspective.
• Represent Seminole State.
• Become a global citizen.

Ready to Take Your Honors Experience Abroad?

Global Citizenship Seminar - Ireland

3 credits. One unforgettable experience. A new perspective on your place in the world.

Apply for the opportunity to represent Seminole State Honors and take your education global.

Look Up. Way Up.

What if your astronomy lab took you to one of the best places on Earth to study the night sky?

This summer, take your astronomy experience beyond the classroom and across Chile. Over 10 days, explore the science, history, and technology behind our understanding of the universe while experiencing the Southern Hemisphere sky for yourself.

From ancient astronomy to some of the world's most advanced telescopes, this is astronomy you don't just study. You experience it.

Your Classroom Is the Cosmos

June 25–July 5, 2027 - Chile

As part of AST 1002L Astronomy Lab, you'll travel across Chile while exploring topics including:

• Southern Hemisphere astronomy — Learn how the night sky changes below the equator and explore stellar chartography and navigation.
• Deep-space telescopes — Discover how scientists use some of the world's most powerful astronomical technology to study the universe.
• Earth's formation and evolution — Explore the forces that shaped our planet, including plate tectonics.
• Ancient astronomy — Discover how civilizations throughout history observed, mapped, and understood the sky.
• Operational astronomy — See how astronomy is applied beyond the traditional classroom and explore opportunities in the field.
• Hands-on data collection — Gather, analyze, and communicate astronomical data as part of your lab experience.

See the Universe Differently

Chile is home to some of the world's most important astronomical research and observatory sites, making it an incredible setting to study the universe.

You'll experience astronomy from a completely different perspective—literally. The Southern Hemisphere offers a night sky that looks dramatically different from what we're used to seeing in Central Florida, opening up opportunities to study stars, constellations, navigation, and celestial phenomena you may have never encountered before.

Astronomy Is Bigger Than a Classroom

Whether you're planning a career in science, interested in space and technology, or simply fascinated by what's beyond our planet, this experience connects astronomy to the real world.

You'll gain experience with scientific observation, data collection, analysis, communication, and operational astronomy—skills that can connect to careers and workforce opportunities far beyond a traditional astronomy course.

Who Should Go?

This experience is designed for students who are:

• Currently completing or planning to take AST 1002 Astronomy
• Interested in taking AST 1002 and AST 1002L together
• Fascinated by astronomy, space, or scientific exploration
• Interested in operational astronomy and workforce opportunities
• Members of the Central Florida Astronomical Society
• Looking for an academic experience that is truly out of this world

Make Your Trip More Affordable

The estimated trip cost is $5,000 per student, including travel insurance.

The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium plans to host fundraising and community outreach events with the goal of helping offset some of the student cost.

That means there may be an opportunity to make this once-in-a-lifetime experience more affordable.

Ready to Explore?

June 25–July 5, 2027 - Chile

10 days. One incredible country. An entirely new view of the universe.

Take your astronomy lab beyond the classroom and discover what the Southern Hemisphere has to show you.

Faculty leading study abroad programs have access to various resources, including:

• Needed information for the Faculty-Led Study Abroad Proposal form.
• Study Abroad Faculty Information Session Recorded Video | April 2, 2025
• Study Abroad Faculty Information Session Recorded Video | September 8, 2025
• Guidelines for Developing International Academic Programs
• Developing a Risk Management Plan for Studying Abroad
• Funding Opportunities for Faculty-Led Programs
• Support for Travel Logistics and Student Recruitment
  • Travel Logistics: We recommend the use of a third party vendor with experience in create experiences in the international location of choice.
  • For additional assistance, email Hailee Handel, Coordinator, High Impact Practices & Study Abroad

Before traveling abroad, students should be well-prepared with the necessary documentation and financial planning. Below are key resources to assist students:

• Study Abroad Information Session

  • Recorded on September 8th for Peru | Spring Break 2026 & Spain | Summer A 2026 Trips

• Funding Your Study Abroad Experience

  • Seminole State College Foundation Scholarships
  • Gilman Scholarship
  • Fund for Education Abroad
  • Crowdfunding and community fundraising ideas can also be explored through platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter.

• Important Things to Know Before Traveling

  • Passport Application and Renewal Process
  • Visa requirements vary by destination; students should consult the embassy or consulate of their host country for specific information.
  • Cultural preparation and safety guidelines are available through resources like U.S. Department of State's Students Abroad.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program with the U.S. Government