Students prepare for
January 2013 study abroad programs
By Brian Mezerski
It’s never
too early for students to pack their suitcases for travel.
Elon
University students had the opportunity to learn more about the various study
abroad courses being offered for January 2013 at the Winter Term Study Abroad
fair, hosted by the Isabella Cannon International Centre, on Thursday.
Interested
students spoke with faculty leading the courses abroad, fellow students who
recently participated in 2012 programs, study abroad student ambassadors and
the ICIC staff.
“The opportunity
to speak with faculty, students and staff in person is invaluable,” said
Elizabeth Snell, assistant director for short-term study abroad programs.
Snell said
the International Centre hosted the fair because students can interact more at
a fair than through program promotional brochures and online descriptions.
“Not only
does it provide an opportunity to explore multiple courses at once,” Snell
said, “but it also allows the students to find out information quickly and efficiently
so that they can select the best course for them.”
The event
was also important because of its sole focus on Winter Term programs. Snell said many students – including athletes
and others with full-time jobs – have restrictive schedules, so Winter Term is
the only time they are able to study abroad.
Some
students participate in programs during Winter Term because studying abroad is
the ultimate example of experiential learning.
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Junior
Alex Lake, right, talks with a student
about his study abroad experience.
|
“It’s a
more nurturing atmosphere,” said Junior Alex Lake, a student who attended the
2011 Argentina program.
Lake said
he loved having the opportunity to immerse himself in a mix of cultures.
“There is a
huge difference,” Snell said, “between reading about a work of art or a
location in history and having the opportunity to see or visit it in
person. There is no other way to
replicate that experience.”
But
students are not experiencing cultures alone while abroad. They study a topic in depth with an Elon
faculty member in locations relevant to the Winter Term topic and course.
Lake said
it was great to have Elon resources and to work with Elon professors during his
experience.
“There is a
connection you make with the professors you get to know well while spending
trips with them,” Lake said. “You come
back to Elon and the relationship becomes a professional relationship that
develops into help with school and your career.”
Lake encouraged
other students to pack their suitcases for at least one study abroad
experience.
