What is a Focus Program?

In Focus Programs, students enroll in one course at Susquehanna that focuses on a foreign country. Focus Caribbean focuses on the entire Caribbean with an emphasis on Barbados and St Lucia. Students may choose one course from a variety of courses designed to discuss issues related to the Caribbean. These course provide the students with some background on the Caribbean before they visit the countries.

Environmental Hazards 102 or Earth Systems History 103 (satisfys the core: science and technology)

Comparative Government and Politics 121 (satisfies the core: Contemporary World)

Caribbean Culture and Society 210

Though students only take one course from the list above, they will learn about the issues from the other courses when they visit the countries. In the 2nd half of May, students travel with their professors from the courses listed above and explore the cultural, environmental, and political landscape of Barbados and St. Lucia. We spend one week in each of the countries. During this time, the student is required to keep a journal with supporting materials (photographs, video, etc) of their experiences from sites they visit, interactions with islanders, and whatever they have learned (their thoughts, feelings, etc) about that country and its culture. Upon returning to Susquehanna in the fall semester, the students earn 2 credits when they turn in their journal and supporting materials for evaluation.