For this coming summer, the College of Arts and Sciences has unveiled a fresh course load for its collection of Exploration Seminars.

The classes cover a diversity of concentrations and locales near and far, including France, England, Italy, Oregon and Canada.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2007 series.

"Exploration Seminars are essentially meant to get you out of the classroom," said Patricia Moy, a program director for the Communications course in Paris. "Students have a chance to study in a place they've never had the opportunity to study in, learn about a culture they wouldn't have an opportunity to visit. Basically, to take a break from routine."

Each course is four weeks in duration and begins in mid-August. Courses range in cost, depending on location and resources, but the average price is $1,500 - 3,500, plus additional travel costs.

Financial aid is available in the form of student loans for up to $2,500.

Students who are awarded aid for the program will receive an extension for their autumn quarter funds, as Exploration Seminar credits apply to the fall grading period.

"You're not taking summer classes, so the benefit is that for the autumn, you can take two classes [rather than three] or just take seven credits to get your twelve total," Moy said.

One of the appealing aspects of the offered courses is that they provide a unique perspective and hands-on cultural experience, she said.

"Learning things hands-on means that you get to apply things that you've learned in theory," she said. "I think taking part in an Exploration Seminar for someone who has not visited overseas will open his or her eyes."

Because each course varies drastically from one another, each instructional experience varies as far as structure. Most of the time is spent outside a classroom setting, but there is a lecture aspect to each class. Moy estimates about eight hours a week are spent in lecture.

According to the Exploration Seminars Web site, prerequisites are as minimal as possible, although admission is competitive.

Applications are due by March 9, but are accepted on a rolling basis, which means that all slots may fill up before this date.

While the application process is open to all enrolled students of any major, priority is given to upper-division undergraduates. Every applicant must include a personal statement and undergo an interview with the seminar program director.

Information and applications are available at: http://depts.washington.edu/explore/about/index.htm.

Reporter Jeff Tripoli at newsasst@thedaily.washington.edu