Department of Mass Communication

Contact: Elli Barnette

Public Relations Specialist
803-323-5155
barnettee4@winthrop.edu

Spokesperson: Dr. Sabrina Habib

Department of Mass Communication Assistant Professor
803-323-3304
habibs@winthrop.edu

For Immediate Release

Winthrop study abroad plans 15 faculty-led study abroad opportunities

Winthrop faculty travels with students to Cuba

As the fall 2017 semester comes to a close, students around campus are planning their schedules
for the upcoming spring semester. Questions like, “Which class should I take to complete my global
perspectives requirement?” or “What course opens a travel component?” may run through their
minds before registration opens. As answers to both of these questions, Winthrop offers several
faculty-led study abroad opportunities for next semester, including trips to China, Argentina, Peru,
Scotland, and Cuba.

The Department of Mass Communication leads an annual short-term study abroad trip at the end of
every spring semester. This spring, the department’s faculty is traveling with students to Cuba from
May 16-25, 2018, where they will experience Cuban culture. In an effort to find ways to encourage
more students to study abroad to Cuba and future opportunities, the Department of Mass
Communication distributed surveys to mass communication, integrated marketing communication
and digital information design majors. Surveys showed that students prefer to get information on
study abroad through display boards, email and social media.

Dr. Sabrina Habib, mass communication assistant professor, will lead the study abroad trip to Cuba
along with Mark Nortz, senior instructor of mass communication, and Bonnye Stuart, instructor of
international communication. Students need to sign up for one of the class options by Dec. 4 in
order to take the Cuba trip in May.

Study Abroad Opportunities offer unconventional classroom settings during the Spring 2018
semester
 Department of Mass Communication: Cuba
 College of Business Administration Field Experience: China, France and Spain
 Department of World Languages and Cultures: Argentina
 Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics: Bolivia and Peru

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219 Johnson Hall Rock Hill, South Carolina 29733 803/323-2121 masscomm@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/cas/masscomm/
 -More-
Winthrop Study Abroad Plans…, p. 2

What are the best ways to reach you with

information regarding study abroad?

Display Boards

In-class presentations
Ways to Contact

Posters

Website

E-mail

Social Media

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Number of Responses

The Department of Mass Communication student survey finds the best ways to contact students
about study abroad opportunities are by promoting them on display boards, sending emails and
advertising them using social media platforms. Winthrop provides students with opportunities to
study abroad with faculty at the end of the spring semester, including trips to China, Peru,
Argentina and Scotland. The mass communication department is leading its annual faculty-led
study abroad trip, and this spring students and faculty are traveling to newly-opened Cuba.

Complete List of Faculty-led Study Abroad Trips for 2017-2018:

http://winthrop.abroadoffice.net/facultyled.html
Cuba Website with Full Itinerary: https://tinyurl.com/y7pnlztk

Approved quotes:
“There has been an embargo on Cuba for many years now. Even though it’s so close to us, most
Americans do not know much about the country.” –Dr. Frederick, assistant professor of mass
communication

“During the trip, students will make a documentary video of the trip, which is a good opportunity
for students to apply what they have been learning in the classroom.” –Mark Nortz, senior
instructor of mass communication

Upon request: Possible destinations for the 2019 faculty-led study abroad trip.

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University is a public, coeducational, comprehensive university that

teaches students to live, learn, and lead for a lifetime.

###

2
219 Johnson Hall Rock Hill, South Carolina 29733 803/323-2121 masscomm@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/cas/masscomm/
Audience Analysis
 The Roddey McMillan Record
o Those interested in issues of minorities
o Political science majors
o Multicultural clubs and organization on campus
 Multicultural Student Council
 National Alliance of Black School Educators
o Student minorities
o Minoring in Humanities
o Mass Communication majors
 Cuba Audience
o People interested in the history of Cuba
o Those interested in learning about a Cuban culture
o Students interested in the political background of Cuba
o Those who need cultural event credits
 Overlap
o Students who want to travel
o Students who prefer a short-term study abroad option
o Student who prefer having planned activities and being led by faculty

Timeliness – there are faculty-led study abroad options every spring semester
Interest – those who want to study abroad short-term
Prominence – trips occur at the end of the spring semester
Conflict – problems with the Cuban Embassy
Unusualness – first trip to Cuba
Proximity – classes can be taken on campus
Significance - faculty-led trips are going to 14 different countries

3
219 Johnson Hall Rock Hill, South Carolina 29733 803/323-2121 masscomm@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/cas/masscomm/