Career Exploration in Seattle, WA (Public Relations Focus) : International Affairs : Texas State University

School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: Seattle, WA
Course: MC 3114: Career Exploration: Destination America (1-hour), MC 4376J: Career Exploration: Destination America (3-hour), or MC 5311: Independent Study
CRN: TBD
Program Directors: Debra Price, debraprice@txstate.edu and Jennifer Scharlach, jscharlach@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Summer II, June 30 - July 31, 2026
Travel: July 26 - August 1, 2026
Program Fee: $1,793
Course Tuition: Undergraduate 1-hour $356.08, Undergraduate 3-hour $1,068.24, Graduate $1,289.58
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

This week-long career exploration trip will take students inside the headquarters of global corporations and local landmarks in beautiful Seattle, Washington. Exposure to leading public relations and communications pros will keep students current on latest developments in the industry and provide insight on how to land a job in a major market. Networking with industry leaders and alumni solidify contacts and connections for our students seeking professional experience in prominent media markets.

Date	Activities
Sunday, July 26	The group arrives in Seattle and settles in at Seattle University. In the evening, everyone will gather for a Welcome Dinner at the Seattle University Dining Hall. Welcome dinner.
Monday, July 27	Morning: Pike’s Place Fish Market tourStart the day with breakfast at the dorm before heading out to explore one of Seattle’s most iconic locations: Pike Place Fish Market. You'll have time to tour the market at your own pace, discovering its famous fish-tossing vendors, artisan shops, and local food spots. In the afternoon, the group will head to Amazon's headquarters, including a visit to The Spheres, the company's stunning plant-filled glass domes in the heart of the city.
Tuesday, July 28	Visit with Public Relations professionals at Microsoft and the Seattle Kraken. End the day with a Seattle harbor cruise.
Wednesday, July 29	Day trip to Mount Rainier National Park.
Thursday, July 30	Visit Expedia and Hotels.com in the morning, learning about the business side of travel and hospitality. In the afternoon, head to Weber Shandwick, a global PR and marketing agency, to discover how communications professionals shape brand stories.
Friday, July 31	Visit with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center public relations team. In the afternoon, enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience with the Seattle Mariners, followed by a trip debrief session to reflect on the week. The day concludes with an exciting Mariners baseball game, capped off with a fireworks show at the stadium.
Saturday, August 1	Travel home

*Itinerary is subject to change. Agency visits will be solidified closer to travel.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is February 1, 2026.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & SIA.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 22, 2026.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

TXST students in Expedia conference room

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  All Mass Communication majors are eligible to participate.
- 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.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The program fee includes:
  - 6 nights lodging in Seattle.
  - Breakfast daily.
  - Some lunches and dinners.
  - $50 ORCA pass (public transportation).
  - Agency visits.
  - Seattle Harbor Cruise.
  - Tickets to Seattle Mariners game.
  - Seattle CityPass, admission to three activities.
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare to/from Seattle, WA.
  - Some lunches and dinners.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per SIA 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 will be responsible for booking and paying for airfare to Seattle. All participants will be given a transit pass that will cover the cost of daily public transportation (trains, busses, monorail) during the trip, and the pass will also cover the cost of a train to and from the airport.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Students will need to pack business casual clothes for site visits made to major corporations in Seattle. Participants should also bring comfortable walking shoes, a jacket for cool weather, and casual clothes for sightseeing and hiking.
- Will there be down time on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have some down time on most days of the trip.
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. See full drop/refund policy.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.