The Student Center hosted a Study Abroad Fair, presented by Academic Programs Abroad from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Tuesday in room 310. More than 20 academic and exchange programs were presented in the showcase, with offerings in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia.
“Being immersed in another culture is amazing,” Danielle Marsh said.
Marsh studied history as an undergraduate and graduate student in Italy during winter 2010.
“Seeing Rome and Florence and all the monuments was pretty breathtaking,” Marsh said. “You just can’t grasp it from a picture.” Many of the faculty at the fair were quick to add the experience isn’t just an extended vacation.
“It’s an invaluable investment in your future,” said Benita Goldman, program associate and instructor for Cultural History Tours for the APA. The message was repeated by many of the presenters.
“A student that would make the investment would quickly realize the value,” said Jeremy Baldwin, senior tour manager for the APA.
Students and faculty who were on hand to make the pitch for the APA’s many programs stressed that investment wasn’t synonymous with hefty bills.
“It does cost more than traditional study programs, its inevitable,” Baldwin said. “We work hard with the students to find a way to make it work.”
Baldwin also said Provost Jack Kay has made helping fund study abroad programs a priority for his office.
Bill Kosidlo, an EMU financial aid adviser, was on hand to help answer questions for students interested in the program, and said many of the additional costs associated with studying abroad can be absorbed by financial aid. He added every student’s situation was different, and a student’s best bet is to meet with an adviser at the financial aid office at 403 Pierce Hall.
Advisers, faculty and students who are involved with the program all encouraged interested students to look into the program and stressed not to let costs deter them from considering participating. Tuition, room and board and even travel expenses are all considered along with the student’s cost of attendance. Then the University and the financial aid office often adjust awards accordingly.
For those who are still concerned about money, it should be noted some programs even pay students to participate. The Korea TaLK Program, sponsored by the government of the Republic of Korea, pays students between $1,300 and $1,500 a month, a one-time settlement allowance, airfare, housing and health insurance to teach English to rural schoolchildren outside of the EMU student’s regular studies.
Dr. Myung-Sook Koh, associate professor and director of the TaLK program, said it’s “all about immersing yourself in the culture, and a fantastic learning experience.” The program is open to any major, and participants need not be familiar with the Korean language to participate.
Annette Whang, a junior studying communication and theatre arts in secondary education, praised the TaLK program for helping her connect with her heritage and helping her prepare for her future.
Marcus Adams, who holds multiple degrees from EMU and is studying library science at Wayne State University, said he has never encountered language issues on three study abroad experiences, despite speaking only English.
“My first night in Paris, I got lost and had to find my way back, despite being fluent in nothing, even English,” he said jokingly. “It really makes you change how you think.”
Programs offered can be as long as a full year to as little as seven days.
“Study abroad doesn’t mean you have to leave for an entire semester;” said Steven Ramold, professor of American military history and tour leader of Operation Overlord: D-Day and Beyond.
The course takes place Aug. 22-Aug. 28, 2011, traveling from Paris, to the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy and back. Participants receive three credit hours for the experience.
Students interested in participating in APA programs are encouraged to start planning early. Most programs have limits on the number of participants accepted, and preparation for the trips can take many months.
“You want to have all your ducks in a row for the fall by the middle of the previous winter semester,” Baldwin said. “Passports, air travel, all these things take time to plan.”
Baldwin reiterated the underlying message to a group of students toward the end of the day: “The way you have to look at it, find a program you feel good about, and see it as an investment in your future.”
