By Tessa Everett and Dylan Cross
Many students dream of studying abroad. At William Peace University, study abroad opportunities are offered each academic year to provide students with effective, immersive learning opportunities to enhance their college experience.
WPU is offering three study abroad trips during Summer 2023. Students have the opportunity to travel to London and Paris, hosted by Matt Hodge and Elizabeth Kusko; Japan, hosted by Roger Christman; and Costa Rica, hosted by Lisa Bonner and Patrick Meyer.
Details on the London and Paris and Japan trips can be found here:
- Japan: www.efcst.com/2559460AN
- London & Paris: www.efcst.com/2424790FA
The International Studies Program is led by Adair Roberston, retired associate professor of mathematics, and Kathy Corley, adjunct professor. The courses are open to all students, and alumni are encouraged to accompany current students and faculty.
Robertson believes the most beneficial aspect of traveling abroad is the opportunity to interact with different cultures. One of the most powerful things a student can take away from learning about different cultures is that it is okay to deviate from the norm. Spending time away from your home country allows people to see there are many ways to accomplish something, and there is no right or wrong way if you’re succeeding.
Students benefit from “seeing a different culture, seeing how people are different, but so much the same,” Robertson said. “You know, we all want the same things. We want shelter, food, safety for our families, we want to be able to get an education. Those are basic things everybody wants, but how we go about it is so interesting.”
Offering three destinations for Summer 2023 is a big milestone for the International Studies Program. Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, all study abroad programs were put on hold for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021.
Logan Moore, senior psychology and criminal justice major, traveled to Italy, Hungary and Slovenia in May 2022 for 11 days. Due to her high academic standing, she was offered a scholarship for the trip. Scholarships are available to all full time students who have a gpa of 2.6 or higher.
“Traveling is a passion of mine but being able to travel and get an education is a dream come true. I would have loved to do a whole semester there if I could have, it was so enlightening,” said Moore.
The Italy study abroad was geared toward Business Administration majors, and students learned how business is a global market and the importance of flexibility, strong communication and adaptation within another country’s domain.
Moore leaves students with a tip: pack nice clothes.
“I understand you want to be comfortable but most places around the world don’t wear athletic clothes in public,” said Moore. “In Europe, everyone looked presentable at all times, so if you wear Nike shorts and a T-shirt on the streets, you might stick out like a sore thumb.”
