Storytelling in the Park

School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: Acadia National Park, Maine
Course: MC 4382Y: Mobile Storytelling in the Outdoors and MC 4356F: Feature Writing
CRN: TBD
Program Directors: Dale Blasingame, blasingame@txstate.edu and Jessica James, jlj138@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Summer I, dates TBD
Travel: June 11 - 17, 2025
Program Fee: $1,380
Course Tuition: $2,136.48
*Financial Aid eligible

Apply Now

The Acadia National Park SIA program application deadline is December 1. Don't miss your chance to study beyond the classroom!

Submit Your Application

Program Itinerary

Students will have the opportunity to tell many different stories in one of the most gorgeous places in the country, Acadia National Park in Maine. This park offers several different environments for the students to experience - coastline, forest, etc.

Date	Activities
Wednesday, June 11	Travel to Maine
Thursday, June 12	Acadia National Park
Friday, June 13	Acadia National Park
Saturday, June 14	Acadia National Park
Sunday, June 15	Acadia National Park
Monday, June 16	Acadia National Park
Tuesday, June 17	Travel home

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete program application. Priority deadline is December 1, 2024.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 21, 2025.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  All Mass Communication majors are eligible.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  Instruction before and after the program trip will be online; however, there will be an in-person orientation prior to departure.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The $1,520 program fee includes:
  - Lodging
  - On-site transportation
  - Meals - 1 lunch, 1 dinner, some groceries for snacks and sandwich lunches
  - Entrance fees to program activities
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare to/from Maine.
  - Breakfast throughout the duration of the trip. Most lunches and dinners.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per OXP policy, airfare is purchased by the student is not refundable by the university. Students are encouraged to purchase flexible airfare or travel insurance in case of the event they are unable to travel.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Students are responsible for purchasing airfare to/from Maine.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  There is no required dress code.
- Will there be downtime on the trip?
  
  Yes but we keep a pretty packed schedule. There is some time for students to do their own thing in the park (depending on transportation).
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs.
  The following policy applies to students that drop/withdraw from the course/program:
  - 100% of the program fee is refundable 45 days prior to the course start date.
  - 70% of the program fee is refundable 44 days prior to the course start date.
  - 50% of the program fee is refundable after the first start date of the course.
  Students that cannot complete the program and would like to appeal the refund policy, please contact extension@txstate.edu for assistance.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.