Storytelling from The Media Capital of the World : Online and Extended Programs : Texas State University

School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Location: New York City, NY
Course: MC 4376J: Career Exploration: Destination America
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Charles Kaufman, ck17@txstate.edu
Program Assistant: Jessica James, jlj138@txstate.edu
Course Dates: December 17, 2025 - February 15, 2026
Travel: January 11 - 17, 2026
Program Fee: $1,735
Course Tuition: $1,068.24
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

Produce media work for our "Newsroom" that will boost your portfolio! This program will give students direct access to industry operations, strategists and decision makers across a wide span of media. It will connect students directly to professionals in the media world and give them access to media opportunities in the New York area. Students will experience the internationality of one of the world's great cities — in fine arts, food, sports, merchandising and, of course, media. Content students will produce for their portfolios will be discussed and assigned during orientation meetings.

Date	Activities
Sunday, January 11	Travel to NYC Rockefeller Center
Monday, January 12	9/11 Memorial Museum Conde Nast meeting
Tuesday, January 13	Client visits
Wednesday, January 14	United Nations tour, United Nations press briefing, and client visit
Thursday, January 15	Client visits
Friday, January 16	Client visits Client visit in one of the World Trade Center office buildings
Saturday, January 17	Travel 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

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is October 15, 2025.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Director & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is November 2, 2025.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  Participants must be in good academic standing in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  This program includes pre-program orientation meetings on the Texas State University campus in the fall 2025 semester and will also include a required seven-day field trip to study the public relations industry in New York City in January 2026.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The program fee includes:
  - Shuttle from the hotel to the airport and back.
  - Lodging, six nights hotel.
  - Breakfast included at the hotel
  - Guided tour of the United Nations, followed by a press briefing at noon.
  - Self-guided tour of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
  - 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. Students will arrange their own air transportation, though a nonstop flight from Austin will be recommended.
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare to/from NYC. A nonstop flight from Austin will be recommended to participants.
  - 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.
- 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 to/from New York and on-site transportation (Subway, Taxis) A nonstop flight recommendation from Austin will be forthcoming. Do not book air travel until you’ve been accepted into the program.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Students will dress for the occasion, but most activities will follow "business casual" dress. New York will be experienced in the winter. Students will be coached how to dress accordingly.
- Will there be down time on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have evenings to take full advantage of a myriad of activities or simply to relax. The days will be busy, but there will be gaps of time where students can enjoy the city. The options are many and students must go out in groups of at least three.
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.