Trip Leaders: Dr. Andy Laughlin, Dean Tracy Mack
From the charming streets of Krakow to the romantic allure of Paris, this trip will explore European culture and visit some of the major sites of World War II and the Cold War. We will begin our journey in Krakow, Poland’s cultural capital, where we will visit Schindler’s Factory, take a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, wander through the beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, and see the poignant history of the Wawel Castle. Next, we will head to Zakopane and experience the High Tatra Mountains. Here, we will enjoy hiking and warm thermal baths, while taking in some traditional mountain cuisine. Crossing into Slovakia, we will immerse ourselves in Bratislava’s rich history, visit some old castles, spend time boating and kayaking on the Danube river, and dive into Slovak cuisine. Moving farther west, we will enter the Austrian Alps and visit the visually stunning town of Salzburg. While here we will take a bicycle ride through the story of the Von Trapp family, hike up to the Eagle’s Nest, and spend some time with Mozart. Moving north, we will dip our toes into Luxembourg before ending our trip in Paris. While there we will see world-renowned works of art at the Louvre, visit the Eiffel Tower, walk by Notre Dame, and take a day trip to Normandy Beach.
NOTE: This trip is currently full and any additional applicants will be placed on a wait list. We encourage you to go ahead and apply because we do expect some turnover, but cannot at this time guarantee an open spot. If you have any questions about this, please contact robert.anderson@lcu.edu.
- Day 1: Fly to Krakow
- Day 2: Arrive in Krakow - City walking tour, possibly see Wawel Royal Castle
- Day 3: Krakow - Tour Schindler’s Factory & Salt Mines
- Day 4: Krakow - Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp
- Day 5: Zakopane - Travel to Tatras, Hike up to Gubalowka
- Day 6: Zakopane - Thermal hot baths, hiking, alpine slide
- Day 7: Bratislava - Travel to Bratislava, St. Martin’s cathedral
- Day 8: Bratislava - Boat on Danube to Vienna (Zoo, Spanish Riding)
- Day 9: Bratislava - Bojnice Castle, Old Town Hall, Kayaking, Opera
- Day 10: Salzburg - Travel to Salzburg
- Day 11: Salzburg - Castle, Der Untersberg, Classical concert
- Day 12: Salzburg - Sound of Music bike trip, Mozart House
- Day 13: Salzburg - Eagle’s Nest, Salt Mines
- Day 14: Rothenburg - Travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Castle Walls
- Day 15: Rothenburg - Day trip to Nuremberg
- Day 16: Rothenburg - Free day to explore
- Day 17: Luxembourg - Travel to Luxembourg, Wall of Cornish, exploring
- Day 18: Paris - Travel to Paris, Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle
- Day 19: Paris - Louvre, Eiffel, bike trip, Cooking class
- Day 20: Paris - Day trip to Normandy Beach
- Day 21: Lubbock - Fly home
May, 2025
We are doing our best to have it cost $5,000 or less per person. As you may know, this is very inexpensive for a 3-week trip to Europe. This cost includes everything (flights, hotels, meals, trains, museums, concerts, etc.).
Out-of-pocket expenses which are not included in the trip charges include passport charges, visas, cost of passport photos, cost of birth certificates or other documentation needed for passport applications, ISIC cards, health-related expenses such as immunizations, spending money for souvenirs, snacks, postcards, stamps, independent meals, and optional excursions. We would encourage you to bring $500-$1,000 of additional spending cash on the trip.
The initial $250 will be due with your application by October 15th. This is only refundable if you are not accepted to a trip. The next $ 1,500 will be due by November 15th, 2024. We will need this to start booking flights, hotels, and ground transportation. It is not refundable. The final $3,250 will be due at the start of the spring 2025 semester. It will be listed as a course fee so you can take this part out as a student loan if you need.
If you are a United States citizen, then you will need a passport. If you are an international student, then you may need a Schengen Visa. A copy of your passport is due when you return your acceptance letter. If you do not have a passport, you will need to apply by October 15, 2024. Failure to show receipt of application by November 15, 2024 will make you ineligible for the trip.
Yes. Each country has its own requirements. The requirements will be communicated upon acceptance (May, 2024). Proof of required vaccinations needs to be submitted to the Global Campus office by February 28th, 2025. Failure to show evidence of necessary vaccinations will make you ineligible for the trip.
Yes and no. The university does provide travel insurance for each student. The university does NOT provide separate major medical coverage for students. Typically, your current insurance, either through the university or through your parents, will also cover you while you are traveling. You are encouraged to check with your insurance carrier about coverage while you are traveling in a foreign country.
Yes, we will be traveling in a group and you will need to stay with the group. Going off on your own and refusing to participate in the trip activities will be cause for you being sent home early at your own expense.
Yes, absolutely! Failure to do so could result in you being sent home early, at your cost.
Not necessarily. If you choose to take the course for credit, then you have to pass the class to go on the trip. However, you may wish to audit the class. If you choose to audit the course, your obligations for course work may be less than a student taking the course for credit, but you will still need to attend all courses and do work designated by the course instructor. A limited number of students choosing to audit the course will be chosen for the trip.
YES! It counts as 3 hours towards this requirement.
Students who have completed at least one year at LCU and are in good standing academically and with Student Life. Additionally, students must be in good standing with financial aid and student life.
The Japan trip will be capped at 20 students and the Poland to Paris trip will be capped at 20 students. Each trip will have a waitlist, so if you aren't initially accepted, don't lose hope. Open spaces can and do become available.