2008 Woodie Awards
Destination education: students study abroad to expand horizons
Juliana Brittis
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Features
Although campus atmosphere is always nice, the opportunity to travel and study in a foreign country is an unbeatable experience.
Australia, Spain, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, and Bermuda; these exotic lands are where students can study for a summer session or up to two semesters. Classes in all different fields are offered, including a class teaching the native language of the country, making it easier to adapt to the culture change.
"Returning study abroad students often describe their experience abroad as 'life-changing.' They return as confident, globally aware individuals," said the coordinator of the Study Abroad Program, Mary-Lou Roof.
With famous sites such as the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, beaches in Dingle, Ireland, and the Cathedral of Annunciation, in Granada, Spain, the choice of where to go can be overwhelming.
"The choice of a study abroad destination depends on the student's course of study and general goals," said coordinator of the French and Italian programs, Professor Claire Marrone.
"'Finding the Right Program' or country that will work for a student, we first discuss what the student's expectations are and research such items as location, duration, available courses, eligibility requirements, expenses, transferability of credit, and how study abroad would fit the student's overall degree scheme" said Roof.
Studying abroad offers tons of new and different opportunities for students. Each different location offers a glimpse into the life of a different culture.
"I want to be able to experience the lifestyle and culture of another country and to learn new things about students of other backgrounds," said sophomore Megan Liguori.
Students who have already completed the study-abroad program can't say enough about it. Although they admit that adjusting to a new country is difficult, they would jump at the chance to do it again.
"At first it was overwhelming to be in a new country but it's not too hard to get adjusted. I met so many new people and made new friends. I most definitely would love to go back to Ireland in the near future," said junior Dough Busche.
Students are well prepared for what to expect from the foreign country.
"We prepare students as much as possible at our Pre-Departure Meetings by providing them with important Web sites, distributing country-specific information such as Consular Information Sheets and discussing important issues such as emergency preparedness and how to deal with "culture shock."
Applications for the summer session are due in February. Check your e-mail for all meetings and application dates.
Australia, Spain, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, and Bermuda; these exotic lands are where students can study for a summer session or up to two semesters. Classes in all different fields are offered, including a class teaching the native language of the country, making it easier to adapt to the culture change.
"Returning study abroad students often describe their experience abroad as 'life-changing.' They return as confident, globally aware individuals," said the coordinator of the Study Abroad Program, Mary-Lou Roof.
With famous sites such as the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, beaches in Dingle, Ireland, and the Cathedral of Annunciation, in Granada, Spain, the choice of where to go can be overwhelming.
"The choice of a study abroad destination depends on the student's course of study and general goals," said coordinator of the French and Italian programs, Professor Claire Marrone.
"'Finding the Right Program' or country that will work for a student, we first discuss what the student's expectations are and research such items as location, duration, available courses, eligibility requirements, expenses, transferability of credit, and how study abroad would fit the student's overall degree scheme" said Roof.
Studying abroad offers tons of new and different opportunities for students. Each different location offers a glimpse into the life of a different culture.
"I want to be able to experience the lifestyle and culture of another country and to learn new things about students of other backgrounds," said sophomore Megan Liguori.
Students who have already completed the study-abroad program can't say enough about it. Although they admit that adjusting to a new country is difficult, they would jump at the chance to do it again.
"At first it was overwhelming to be in a new country but it's not too hard to get adjusted. I met so many new people and made new friends. I most definitely would love to go back to Ireland in the near future," said junior Dough Busche.
Students are well prepared for what to expect from the foreign country.
"We prepare students as much as possible at our Pre-Departure Meetings by providing them with important Web sites, distributing country-specific information such as Consular Information Sheets and discussing important issues such as emergency preparedness and how to deal with "culture shock."
Applications for the summer session are due in February. Check your e-mail for all meetings and application dates.
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