Storytelling in the Park : Online and Extended Programs : Texas State University

School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Course: MC 4360: Mobile Storytelling in the Outdoors & MC 4359: Travel Writing
CRN: TBD
Program Directors: Dale Blasingame, blasingame@txstate.edu and Jessica James, jlj138@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Summer I, May 26 - June 29, 2026
Travel: June 9 - 15, 2026
Program Fee: $1,815
Course Tuition: $2,136.48
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

Students will have the opportunity to tell stories about the outdoors, nature and tourism in one of the most gorgeous places in the country, Lake Tahoe. This area features several different park environments, including national forests and state parks.

Date	Activities
Tuesday, June 9	Travel to Lake Tahoe
Wednesday, June 10	Lake Tahoe – Tahoe National Forest
Thursday, June 11	Lake Tahoe – Tahoe State Rec Area
Friday, June 12	Lake Tahoe – Emerald Bay State Park
Saturday, June 13	Lake Tahoe – Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Sunday, June 14	Lake Tahoe – Sand Harbor
Monday, June 15	Travel home

*Itinerary is subject to change.

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 & OXP.

STEP 3

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

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 program fee includes:
  - Lodging
  - On site transportation
  - Groceries for some breakfasts and lunches
  - 2 dinners
  - All program activities
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare
  - Breakfasts and lunches that groceries are not purchased for, 4-5 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.
- 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. See full drop/refund policy.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.