Physical Activity & the Environment in the Netherlands and Denmark Summer 2026 $500 deposit

A growing body of research and practice in diverse disciplines (e.g., public health, urban planning, architecture, transportation, parks and recreation) recognizes that the design of neighborhoods and cities has a substantial influence on a variety of health behaviors and concerns (e.g., obesity, pollution, mental health, chronic disease). This course is designed to help students understand how the built environment can influence physical activity behavior and other related health outcomes. Students will explore how two countries (Netherlands and Denmark) with differing environments affect lifestyle, leisure, and transport-related physical activity behaviors in children, adults, and older adults. While in Amsterdam and Copenhagen, students will visit key cultural and historical sites, experience urban design features (e.g., parks, cycling infrastructure) related to pedestrian and biking behavior, and learn from the instructors, peer class members, and academic and local officials in each location.

Tentative travel dates: May 13-23, 2026

DEPOSIT AND WITHDRAWL INFORMATION
Total program fee: $4,500 (including $500 non-refundable deposit)

Program fee includes:

• Ground transportation throughout the duration of the trip
• Hotel accommodations (4 students per room)
• Breakfast daily
• Other meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Cultural activities and excursions as outlined in the itinerary

Program Fee does not include:

• Room and board costs outside of the official program dates (including to cover an expected or unexpected quarantine period)
• Roundtrip airfare and any applicable baggage, passport, or visa fees
• Some meals and spending money
• Required international insurance fee added to the student's USC bill
• USC tuition and fees for 3 credit hours
• USC study abroad application fee of $225.00

Payment schedule:

• Payment 1: $1,366.67 (due January 15, 2026)
• Payment 2: $1,366.67 (due February 15, 2026)
• Payment 3: $1,366.67 (due March 15, 2026)

Each payment will include a 2.5% processing fee.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY
I understand that if this program is cancelled by the University prior to departure I will be refunded the full amount of the payments I have made. However, if the University is forced to cancel a program due to safety and health concerns, acts of nature, acts of terrorism, or circumstances beyond its control, I will be refunded the full amount of recoverable costs. I also understand that if the program is delayed due to acts of nature, acts of terrorism, or circumstances beyond its control, I will be responsible for any additional costs that I may incur. If I choose to withdraw from this program for any reason, or to not register for the course(s) associated with this program, I understand that I will receive a refund of the program fee according to the refund schedule detailed below:

• Full refund of program fees by January 15, 2026 (except non-refundable $500 program fee)
• 50% refund of program fees: January 16 - February 15, 2026 (except non-refundable $500 program fee)
• 25% refund of program fees: February 16 - March 15, 2026 (except non-refundable $500 program fee)
• No refunds after March 16, 2026