Beginning this year, the American Institute for Roman Culture (AIRC) has named Fresno State’s Division of Continuing and Global Education as the exclusive provider of academic credit for its educational travel study programs.

Students from across the nation completed registration for the summer 2013 term, that began this week, with one- to eight-week educational programs and dynamic heritage projects that promote Rome’s history and protects the city’s historic resources for future generations.

Founded in 2002, AIRC offers courses in history, Latin, excavation and conservation, journalism/communications, archaeology, video production and social/digital media. Participants experience Rome at its core and its history through all activities every day and by living in  centrally located AIRC facilities and housing.

This year, about 50 students participating in all of AIRC’s resident programs in Rome will earn academic credit, through Fresno State, that is transferable to their home institutions. Previously, students individually arranged for academic credit, typically through an independent study option, from their own college or university.

The partnership with the American Institute for Roman Culture will elevate Fresno State’s visibility among higher education institutions throughout the country, said Russel Statham, manager of Administration and Global Operations for the Division of Continuing and Global Education.

“Students from Brown University, Northeastern University, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin, and many other institutions have participated in AIRC’s programs in the past,” said Statham.  “Now, all students who complete AIRC’s programs in Rome will receive transcripts from Fresno State for their study abroad experience.”

Fresno State was selected as the exclusive provider after AIRC hosted a successful custom-designed short-term program with the university last summer, led by Dr. Honora Chapman, director of the Smittcamp Honors College, and based on the academic quality of Fresno State’s Humanities program.

“The outstanding experience of the students and faculty prompted discussion of a mutually beneficial partnership between AIRC and Fresno State that simplifies the process for students wishing to earn academic credit for their study abroad experiences,” Statham said.

The partnership with AIRC also provides new opportunities for Fresno State students to study abroad in a location that has not been available in the past.

Heather Donat, of Clovis, who completed the 2012 program in Rome, said participating through AIRC enhanced her study abroad experience and eliminated worries about details and problems that can arise when studying abroad.

“AIRC handled all the little details which allowed me to take full advantage of the amazing opportunities Rome had to offer,”  said the Class of 2013 history grad.

For more information, contact Russel Statham at 559.278.0333 or rdstatham@csufresno.edu.

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