Program Overview
RPTM 399 - Paris 2024 Olympics: Creating Worldwide Events and Experiences
Creating an event on a global or national scale, like the 2024 Summer Paris Olympics, is an incredible feat. Within and tangential to the main event are numerous spinoff events and community experiences which are the subject of this course. Using the elements of experience design, the aim of the course is to compare the intent of event design choices on the stakeholders involved with or affected by the 2024 Summer Paris Olympics with what is experienced. In the process, students will interpret and creatively retell stakeholder stories.
During the seven weeks of the course, students will develop an understanding of modern French culture and language, the history of, and possible mixed feelings toward this global symbolic event. After the travel components (March 2-9) students will synthesize data and work on the final project for the course. Content will be delivered by Penn State faculty from RPTM, the French department, and international scholars. The main mode of instruction will be residential in-person.
While abroad, students will interact with local businesses, artisans, organizations, contracted Olympics employees (and other stakeholders) to observe , discuss and document perspectives pertaining to design processes involved in creating the Olympic experience.
Dates
Program Quicklinks
Eligibility
Housing and Meals
Program Costs
Financial Aid & Scholarships
More Information
How to Apply
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Any pre-requisite courses are established by the faculty leader or department hosting the course. The following have been listed as pre-requisites for consideration to enroll in this course and travel on the embedded education abroad program:
- The program is open to all majors at a first-year standing or higher at Penn State University Park.
- Admission in the course and permission to travel with the group are at the discretion of the faculty leader and/or academic department hosting the course. Academic standing and disciplinary or conduct issues may impact eligibility.
- The education abroad program may involve travel by boat/river cruise that is part of the official program itinerary so selected students will be required to complete a Water Acknowledgment Form as part of their pre-departure requirements.
Housing and Meals
During the embedded travel component, housing will consist of hotel/hostel accommodations.
Program Costs
Students pay regular Penn State tuition (either in-state or out-of-state) for the credits associated with the embedded course. Travel costs, lodging, meals, excursions, and other fees are determined by the program budget which is set by the program leader. Please consult the program leader for additional information.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Embedded Programs Scholarship is issued through Penn State Global Education Abroad for students studying on approved Penn State embedded programs. There is no application required to be considered for this scholarship. The Education Abroad scholarship selection team will utilize course rosters submitted by the embedded course leaders and will determine eligible scholarship recipients based on financial need.
Because of the volume of eligible candidates, awards usually go to students with the highest level of financial need as determined by the Office of Student Aid. Among those with the highest need, preference may be given to students with higher cumulative grade point averages and/or to those with no prior Penn State education abroad experience.
For More Information
For more information about this course, please contact the program leader: Kristin Thomas by emailing klt16@psu.edu.
How to Apply
The process for enrolling in an embedded course varies according to the instructor and/or department. The program leader has indicated that in order to enroll in the course and travel component, students must contact the program leader, submit an application by November 8, 2023, and commit to the program by December 10, 2023.
Studying Abroad with a Disability
Many students with disabilities successfully study abroad each year. Please note that other cultures may have different attitudes and available accommodations regarding disabilities. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged in consultation with our office, the Student Disability Resources office, and our partners abroad. To prepare for success, students are strongly encouraged to research the country and program location to consider if and how they will manage their disabilities abroad in advance of selecting a program. Students with disabilities and other diverse backgrounds can begin their research on our Diversity Awareness Abroad page.
