Join us Winter Break 2018 for study in Laborie, St. Lucia as we explore the rich cultural and performing art traditions of this vibrant island country.

The inaugural St. Lucia study trip includes Winter 2018 semester class MUS 5900, Global Arts Study Abroad, St. Lucia, offered Monday, 7:10 – 9 p.m. at OU in Varner Hall. Applications are due with deposit by Nov. 1, 2017. Final program fees are due by Jan. 10, 2018. An orientation meeting will occur in late January 29. Then travel to St. Lucia for class at the Laborie Pan Yard center Feb. 17 – 25.

The program is offered by Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance and begins Winter semester with class once a week to prepare for the trip. For winter break, we depart for Laborie, St. Lucia, a small village in the south of the island for the trip duration. We will stay in safe, clean and comfortable guest houses and apartments throughout the village, walking distance from our learning center.
What you will do and learn
Seven weeks of class at Oakland University will provide students with a historical, cultural and aesthetic context for travels in St. Lucia.
Learn the music and the culture of the Caribbean will be through lectures, workshops, excursions, and hands-on music making. Learn how to play the Steel Pan along with the history and cultural importance of the instrument.
All Courses are taught by master musician and legendary Steel Pan artist Andy Narell.
Undergraduate students: sign up for MUS 5900 for 4 credits. Weekly assignments/readings throughout the semester culminating with a research project.
We will travel throughout the country on guided day excursions and explore the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the island.

Requirements
There are no prerequisite courses, GPA or class level requirements to take part in this trip.
However, students must demonstrate a clear desire to learn about the music and culture or St. Lucia and the Caribbean. As part of the application process, students will be asked to complete an essay describing how the study abroad experience in St. Lucia relates to their academic and career goals and how they hope to personally benefit from the experience.

Number of credits 4