Ahoy students! Get ready to hit the waves and make history by setting sail and joining Troy’s first study abroad trip on a cruise.
Students can join the Troy@Sea study abroad trip to Cozumel, Belize, Roatan and Costa Maya with Dr. Tammy Esteves and Dr. Kate Price-Howard.
Esteves said the whole concept of a study abroad trip on the waves was inspired by her love for cruises.
“As a Floridian who loves going on cruises, I casually commented to my friend Dr. Price that we should do a study abroad on a cruise ship,” said Esteves, an assistant professor of political science. “Price teaches courses in hospitality, tourism and event management, and both she and her husband had previous careers working on cruise ships, so we thought it would be a fun adventure and offer some unique learning opportunities.
“I mentioned it to the Study Abroad Director, Sarah McKenzie, and when she said no one at Troy had done a study abroad on a cruise ship, that made it even more appealing.”
From January 4-12, 2025, students will spend two days at sea and four days in different ports. While they are at sea, students will have the opportunity to tour the cruise ship and see what it is like behind the scenes.
“Although always subject to change, students should get a chance to see the Bridge where the captain and team operate the ship, the kitchen area where thousands of meals are prepared, meet with the Cruise Director and various cruise staff positions, and see unexpected places like the medical area and there is even a morgue and a brig,” said Price-Howard, an associate professor of Hospitality Management.
While they are having fun, students will also be learning about the hospitality, tourism, and event management aspects of a cruise ship. Additionally, students will learn about tourism in the islands, nonprofits and sustainability efforts and challenges on a cruise and in different ports.
While they are in the ports, students will also be doing different excursions. From visiting the orphanage City of Angels in Cozumel, to diving and venturing into wildlife with monkeys, sloths, and macaws in Roatan, Honduras, students will constantly be learning and exploring different cultures.
“Our final port is Costa Maya, and students again will have a choice of excursion,” Esteves said. “Some recommendations are a Mexican cultural folklore activity or visiting local Mayan ruins.”
In addition to planning this trip, Esteves is also planning Troy’s first study abroad trip to Bali. This trip will last two weeks for the same price as one week to other locations.
Students who take a related course with Esteves or Price-Howard are eligible for the Chancellor’s Award for Global Competitiveness of $1,250. This will lower the cost of the trip to around $850, not including airfare to Tampa.
Students who are interested in sailing away can email tlesteves@troy.edu or join the TEAMS information session on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. To join, go to https://bit.ly/StudyAbroad2025.
Comments