Global Arts in St. Lucia

Students fly together as a group during spring break to Laborie, St. Lucia, a small village in the south of the island. Saint Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean island nation with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, the Pitons, on its west coast. Its coast is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts and fishing villages. Creole heritage is still visible today, both in the local culture and in the Saint Lucian Creole French language that is still widely spoken.

Students spend nine days at the Labowie Center where they will learn the music and the culture of the Caribbean 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.

There is plenty of time for enjoying the natural beauty of the island and interacting with the locals.

The group will travel throughout the country on guided day excursions and explore the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the island.

Students return together to Michigan.

Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Students who don't meet the GPA requirement may still be eligible and should speak with OU's International Education Office prior to applying.

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.

Course: MUS 4326: Global Arts Study Abroad (4 credits) / MUS 5435: Global Arts Study Abroad (2 credits)

The program begins Winter semester with class once a week to prepare for the trip. Weekly assignments/readings throughout the semester culminating with a research project.

All courses at the Labowie Center are taught by master musician and legendary Steel Pan Artist Andy Narell.

Students stay in safe, clean and comfortable guest houses and apartments throughout the village, walking distance from the Labowie learning center.

Meals are served at the Labowie Center-all meals are included. Students may purchase meals independently at the local cafes in Laborie. Favorite cuisine on St. Lucia includes Green figs and saltfish, grilled fish, lambi, bouyon, and stewed meats.

Tuition: 4 Credits

You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Program Fee: $2,870

To be paid to OU on our MarketPlace payment system and includes: airfare, housing and most meals, ground transportation and all excursions while in St. Lucia, and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $375

You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by program fee. Amounts are estimated.
Meals: $100
Incidental personal expenses: $100
Passport (if you don't have one): $175

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.