“Study like a Star” in Los Angeles next summer in a study abroad course for urban geography. This Summer session I class offers both unique experiences and hands-on learning as students explore the city of angels.

This is not Jason Post’s, A-State’s assistant research professor of geography, first rodeo.

James Rogers, a graduate sociology student from Benton, Arkansas attended Post’s previous study abroad trip to the island of Dominica in Summer 2026. Rogers only had good things to say about the opportunities and said he would recommend the trip

“Especially with Dr. Post as the trip leader. He is very capable and very safe, he will guide you and make sure nothing bad happens. I would highly recommend it,” said Rogers.

At the information session Friday, Post delved further into the details of this trip.

This trip won’t just be fun, but also educational. However, there’s no need to worry about work overload as Post promises no exams and no papers in this 5-week course.

Graduate and undergraduate students can expect to be graded mainly on their participation in the actual trip. Students will keep a journal, field notebook, and write a short reflection on their experience.

Junior psychology major Sami Hammaker from Cabot, Arkansas said her major and educational goals aligned with the trip.

“I am taking a class with Dr. Post, and I told him that I am interested in environmental psychology, which is basically interactions with people and their environment,  and he told me that this trip would be something that could involve that,” Hammaker said.

Because of these unique educational goals of students, the travel experience of the trip will be catered more specifically based on attendees.

Students will ride to LA on the Amtrak from the station in Walnut Ridge all the way to California. Travel by train is not only more affordable but also allows time for lectures, movies and reading time for students.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, students can expect to have a plethora of unique experiences in the city.

Post described his plans for exploring the city, hiking in the Santa Monica mountains, beach days at Malibu and Zuma, exploration of unique geographical sites like the Ballona wetlands and more optional excursions for students to decide upon.

Students can potentially go deep sea fishing, attend a Dodgers game, go on a studio tour, be part of a live TV audience and go to a variety of museums. There is much to do in LA, and this trip is designed around these student’s educational wants and needs.

Educationally, this trip is not just designed around Geography majors. The class is open to all majors, but specifically caters to environmental studies, psychology, sociology, history, criminal justice, entertainment, disaster management, transportation, and public health.

Dr. Post encouraged students to make their deposits early to secure a spot on the trip, as the capacity for the course is only 14 students. For further inquiries, you can contact him at jpost@AState.edu.

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