Students represent UW-Parkside abroad

By Samantha Savaglio

With the world seemingly shrinking this day in age, it is fundamental now, more than ever, that students take the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom and develop them further. Studying abroad allows students to develop their cultural awareness and intercultural skills. 

Utilizing their experiences at UW-Parkside, along with their curiosity and motivation to travel to new and foreign lands, students who have traveled abroad bring back a new perspective on different cultures and a new sense of who they are.

International Education Program Associate Director, Consuelo Clemens, recommends that students use this time in their lives to take advantage of the resources provided for them. The Center for International Studies (CIS) encourages students to travel abroad.

"These are extraordinary experiences that reinforce what is learned within the classroom," she says.

To guide perspective travelers to the destination of their dreams, Clemens, along with faculty members, meet with students for an initial inquiry. They work with the students to create a program that will benefit them individually.

"We want to make sure students will benefit from their travels," she says. "We consider their long term goals on a professional and personal level."

Study Abroad Programs

CSI works with a number of programs to provide students with a wealth of options from around the world.

UW-Parkside's own study programs are short-term visits to a variety of countries, usually spanning anywhere from two weeks to a semester course. Led by faculty, they pair cultural excursions with in-class learning. 

These programs also offer student and faculty exchanges to Italy, Germany, China, India, Jordan, and Brazil. Here, students can take a variety of courses in their field of study, whether or not they are experienced with the language.

And, just as international partnership schools host these students in their academic adventures, UW-Parkside is a residence for their students as well. Currently, 42 exchange students from China and Germany are studying on campus. This diverse population helps further internationalize the campus community.

Another option CIS encourages students to consider is the programs offered through the UW System and other colleges. Depending on the availability of a particular program, students can sight-see in Spain with UW-Platteville or coast through Costa Rica with UW-Milwaukee. Also, students have participated in Carthage College's annual J-Term medical mission to Nicaragua.

And, if none of these choices correlate with students' interests, through its international partnership agreements, UW-Parkside is able to send students anywhere else in the world they would wish to travel.

Whether it is to study, work, intern, teach, or volunteer abroad, CIS works diligently to provide students, faculty, staff, and even community members with all of the support they need to make well-informed decisions.

These interactive, cultural experiences provide travelers with a global competence that cannot be learned at home or in the class room. Only with the use of a passport will individuals be fully immersed in a new culture, forever opening their perceptions to what truly is around them.

Contact

If you are interested in traveling abroad, contact the Center for International Studies'  Education Abroad Office located in Greenquist 210, open weekdays from 10 a.m. ? 5 a.m. Call 262-595-2701 or contact Consuelo Clemens at consuelo.clemens@uwp.edu via email.

For more information, visit www.uwp.edu Keyword: International Studies

An overview of upcoming study abroad opportunities for 2012-2013 can be viewed online.

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ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 11/16/2012

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