Career Exploration: Destination America, NYC

TXST students in Times Square, New York

School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: New York City, NY
Course: MC 3114: Career Exploration, Public Relations
CRN: 40306
Program Director: Charles Kaufman, ck17@txstate.edu
Course Dates: January 5 - 20, 2025
Travel: January 5 - 11, 2025
Program Fee: $1,800
Course Tuition: $356.08
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

Sixteen SJMC students participated in the 2024 Study in America program in New York City. Among notable highlights were separate visits with SJMC alumni who have flourished in New York’s dynamic media landscape. Encounters with Allie Horton of Conde Nast, Chris Eudaily of CNBC, Lemondria Hobbs, mostly recently from Weber Shandwick, and Claudia Marvin of Ketchum offered abundant advice and first-hand experiences. The 2024 trip also included visits to global giants Burson Cohn and Wolfe, Hill & Knowlton and media experts at the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts.

Professor of Instruction Charles O. Kaufman and SJMC media specialist Albert Suarez led 16 students from Texas State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication on a transformative journey as part of the Study In America program. In 2025, they will lead the MC 3114 Study in America trip again to the vibrant hub of media and communication, New York City.

For the past 10 years, this immersive experience has provided an opportunity for aspiring media professionals to delve into the heart of their field, beyond the familiar confines of our Central Texas campus. The trip focuses on cultivating insights and forging connections pivotal to their professional development. A notable highlight of this mission is engaging with SJMC alumni from Texas State University who have flourished in New York City's dynamic media landscape. These encounters not only offered wisdom and first-hand experiences but also underscored the transformative impact of education and perseverance.

Beyond professional endeavors, the students immersed themselves in New York City's rich cultural environment, broadening their horizons through visits with television entertainment, art museums, legendary theaters and culinary destinations. Whether exploring iconic landmarks, attending cultural events, or navigating bustling streets, each encounter contributed to their nuanced understanding of the world and their role within it.

DateActivities
Sunday, January 5Travel to NYC
Monday, January 69/11 Memorial Museum
Tuesday, January 7Two (2) client visits
Wednesday, January 8United Nations tour, United Nations bress briefing, and client visit
Thursday, January 9Three (3) client visits
Friday, January 10Two (2) client visits and visit Central Park
Saturday, January 11Travel home

*Itinerary is subject to change. Client visits will be solidified closer to the program date. 

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Application closed.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Director & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is November 1, 2024.

STEP 4

Register for SIA associated course.

Program FAQ

Midtown in the thick of Times Square
TXST students in NYC
CitiField, home of the New York Mets, welcome our delegation in 2019.
Expand FAQ List

  • General Information

  • Costs

    • The $1,800 program fee includes:

      • Shuttle to/from the hotel to the airport.
      • Lodging, six nights hotel in mid-town Manhattan.
      • Breakfast included at the hotel
      • Tour of the United Nations, followed by a press briefing at noon.
      • Tour of 9/11 Memorial.
      • Client visits.

      *Note that transportation to/from the airport will be provided at the most common arrival time of participants. If you do not arrive/depart at the most common time of the group you may not be eligible for the shuttle.

    • The program fee does not include:

      • Airfare to/from NYC.
      • Lunch throughout the duration of the trip.
      • Dinner throughout the duration of the trip.
      • On-site transportation. Students are expected to purchase a metro pass upon arrival in NYC.
      • 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. 

    • 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. 

    • 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

  • Drop & Refund Policy

    • 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.

    • 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.