SMU lines up noncredit classes for travelers

SMU Continuing and Professional Education offers a variety of noncredit classes that can help travelers prepare for trips abroad. Most classes are held during the evening at Southern Methodist University's main campus in University Park.

Among the classes starting soon:

• German Made Easy is an introduction to basic German pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary that prepares people for travel to German-speaking countries. It begins Feb. 25 and meets Thursday nights for 10 weeks. Fee: $139.
  
• Chinese for Travelers introduces participants to Mandarin Chinese, using basic pronunciation and sentence structure, practical vocabulary and conversational phrases. Chinese culture and customs also are discussed. It begins March 15 and meets Monday nights for seven weeks. Fee: $139.
  
• Getting Ready for Travel to China: What You Need to Know Before You Go helps first-time visitors to China overcome language and cultural barriers. About 70 million are expected to visit China this year between May 1 and Oct. 31 for Expo 2010, a world's fair in Shanghai. The class begins March 15 and meets for six Monday nights. Fee: $99.
  
• Survival French: 5 Keys for a Successful Travel Experience in France covers essential phrases, pronunciation, culture and more. It begins April 27 and meets for three consecutive nights. Fee: $69.

Noncredit classes in additional languages are offered during other months.

Contact: 214-768-2273; http://smu.edu/education/continuingstudies

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