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Photos courtesy of Jess Cable (top) and Ed Rafter (bottom)
St. Augustine once said, “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” 13 students “read more than a page” this summer by spending a few weeks abroad.
The Study Abroad program at King’s offers students a wide variety of choices to study or intern abroad, either for a semester or a few weeks in the summer. Mollie Farmer, the director of the program, tries her hardest to place students in an ideal environment, time and academic wise.
“The summer programs can be more ideal for students and their work schedules,” says Farmer. “It might also be a better time if they’re involved with sports or other commitments.”
The summer program ranges from four to six weeks with some three and 10 week programs available. When asked how their experience was, the students who studied abroad this summer unanimously agreed it was one of the best decisions they have made. Ellen Callahan traveled to Cape Town, South Africa for a Community Development Service Learning Program.
“I loved having the opportunity to meet new people and try new things,” says Callahan. “We were able to do a lot of fun things like shark diving and going on a safari, but the bonds I made with IT learners and students was the best.”
Jessica Cable also spent time in South Africa where she found a University that offered a Service Learning course in which volunteering was an integral part of the class. Cable enjoyed many things about her trip such as playing soccer and reading stories to underprivileged children.
“It’s a great feeling to know that you are helping change a child's life,” says Cable.
Cable also had the opportunity to visit an array of animal sanctuaries, including monkeys and elephants, and she also had the chance to see wild penguins, baboons, and came into contact with cheetahs. As an education major, the summer program worked better since there is a lot of field work involved in her courses.
Ed Rafter spent time close to Africa, but in Sydney, Australia. He studied through the Arcadia University Program and interned at the SBW Stables Theatre with the Griffin Theatre Company in their PR Department.
The highlights of his experience including being close to famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbor where one of the world largest Imax’s is located and where they filmed The Real World-Sydney.
nother highlight for Rafter was celebrating his 21st birthday. Just like Cable, Rafter chose to study abroad during the summer because it was more convenient for him.
Jessica Woodin spent her summer participating in a traveling program offered through AIFS studying European Art & Architecture all over Europe, including London, Amsterdam, and Paris (etc.)
“The highlight of my experience was our tour of the Colosseum in Rome,” says Woodin. “It was so strange to be standing there in a place that has so much history in it. I couldn't even fathom what it used to be for.”
Woodin chose the summer because it was the only this particular program was offered, and it provided her plenty of traveling opportunities. Other students who studied abroad this summer include Ashley Barket, William Bednarz, Maria Pilar Lizasoain, Catherine Olshefski, Susan Prentice, Edward Rafter, Michelle Smith, MichalLynn Vilushis and Maria Walpole. Their places of study included Italy, Greece, Peru, London, and Australia. Also returning from an academic year abroad in Northern Ireland is Timothy Gildea.
Any students interested in studying abroad should attend the Study Abroad Fair coming up in a few weeks.
“The fair is a better idea for students to see what’s available,” says Farmer.
It’s taking place on Wednesday, October 1, in the lobby of the Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center between 10 AM and 2 PM. Eight representatives from various programs, as well as King’s students who have studied abroad, will set up table displays to promote their programs to students who have an interest in studying abroad or just want to learn more about how everything works. If anyone is unable to attend the fair but still has an interest, please contact Mollie Farmer. |
