School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: Santa Fe, NM & Albuquerque, NM;
Course: MC 4324: Visual Storytelling / MC 4359: Travel Writing
CRN: TBD
Program Directors: Eraldo "Dino" Chiecchi, eec99@txstate.edu and Jessica James, jlj138@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Summer I, June 1 - July 2, 2027
Travel: June 12 - 19, 2027
Program Fee: $2,075.92
Course Tuition: $1,068.24
*Financial Aid eligible
Program Itinerary
Students will embark on a cultural trip starting in El Paso, Texas, and drive north on Interstate 25 through cities such as Santa Fe, Chimayo, Albuquerque, Acomo Pueblo and other New Mexico cities. But beyond just the cultural experience, students will be writing, photographing and blogging throughout their trip on a daily basis, using their various multimedia skills to post to a web site. Additionally, their work will be used to create a magazine in the Media Design class. Students will be practicing what they learn in the classroom on the road in real time.
| Date | Activities |
|---|---|
| Saturday, June 12 | Travel to Santa FE |
| Sunday, June 13 | Sunrise hot-air balloon, reporting day, Meow Wolf |
| Monday, June 14 | Bandelier National Monument, Santa Fe National Forest |
| Tuesday, June 15 | Rail Runner to Albuquerque |
| Wednesday, June 16 | Chimayo and Northern New Mexico culture and art |
| Thursday, June 17 | Albiquiu and Albiquiu Lake |
| Friday, June 18 | Santa Fe student reporting day |
| Saturday, June 19 | Fly home |
*Itinerary is subject to change.
Application Process
Follow these steps to enroll.
STEP 2
Applications reviewed by Program Directors & SIA.
STEP 3
Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 15, 2027.
STEP 4
Register for SIA associated course.
Program FAQ
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General Information
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Who is eligible to participate in the program?
All Mass Communication majors are eligible.
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Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
No, you do not need to be in San Marcos to participate in the program. Instruction before and after the program trip will be online.
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Costs
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What is included in the program fee?
The program fee includes:
- Lodging
- On-site transportation
- Breakfasts
- Entrance fees to program activities
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What is NOT included in the program fee?
The program fee does not include:
- Airfare to El Paso and from Albuquerque.
- Lunches and dinners throughout the trip.
- Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
- Course tuition.
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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.
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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.
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Program Preparation
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Will I need to provide my transportation?
Students are responsible for purchasing airfare.
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Is there a dress code for specific visits?
There is no required dress code.
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Will there be downtime on the trip?
Yes, students will have free time in the evenings.
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Drop & Refund Policy
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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.
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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.
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