The Institue of Study Abroads allows students to travel to multiple locations around the world. (Photo courtesy Institute of Study Abroad)
Adrian College is a school that has a number of unique opportunities and experiences to offer the students. One of the organizations that sets AC apart from other universities is the Institute for Study Abroad.
The Institute provides AC students with a chance to take courses and learn in other countries around the world.
“You get to see the different ways they [people from other countries] study,” senior Megan Pavlak said. “You are influenced by the way they act, compared to the way we act at home.”
Pavlak chose to study at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan for a semester-long program last school year. During that time, Pavlak was enrolled in a spoken Japanese course, a Japanese reading and writing class, a Japanese news class, Japanese cinema and a body and communication class.
According to institute director Robin Bott, along with the semester-long programs, there are also two additional programs which make up the basis for all student trips. These two programs include the May Tour program, a 10-11 day trip, and the six-week summer program.
“In the programs, you can choose to do traditional classroom courses, or you can do an internship somewhere abroad or service learning and volunteer work,” she said. “Basically the kinds of classes and off-campus opportunities that you can do here, you can [also] do overseas.”
Bott feels a study abroad experience can aid students in a number of ways.
“Study abroad will help you in many facets of your life,” she said. “Study abroad is value-added to your education, to your life, [and] to your career later on.”
One of the important characteristics Bott says the institute provides for students is the availability of classes, locations and times for programs the fact an office is available for use.
“[Some of the] positive features are the flexibility in terms of where you can go, what you can study and when you can go,” she said. “[Another feature is] the fact that we have an office where you can be helped and advised every step of the way.”
The institute has arranged for students to study in a number of programs across the globe.
“We have sites on every continent, including Antarctica,” she said.
According to Bott, some of the locations students have previously traveled to through the program include Mexico, Spain, France, Japan, England, Germany, Italy, Costa Rica, South Korea, Northern Ireland, Argentina, Thailand, Greece, New Zealand, Australia, Austria and Chile.
However, senior RJ Cichy thinks the numerous location and program openings is not the most important reason why students should make the choice to study abroad.
“[Students should study abroad] to get an overall different view of the education process,” he said. “You get to see a whole other aspect of things.”
This past summer, Cichy traveled to Oxford University during a May Tour program. He believes a study abroad experience can enrich an individual’s artistic views because he/she is exposed firsthand to the difference aspects of a particular culture.
“I loved it and would definitely recommend it,” he said. “Just being outside the continent gives you a better idea of how another culture lives, which is very valuable.”
Another important factor for students to consider is the amount of learning which occurs, and how this can impact one’s overall career.
“I think it’s important for lifelong learning,” said Bott. “It will be important for your career. Employers these days are looking for people who are progressive.”
Pavlak also agrees that a study abroad experience is attractive for employers to spot on a résumé.
“I think that when an employer looks at a résumé or potential hire, they want to see someone who’s well-rounded,” she said. “Being well-rounded technically would mean having a good head on your shoulders. [It would mean] to have a good grasp of not just yourself and your community, but the way people in different places interact.”
Even setting aiside all the educational and future career positives, Bott believes the unconditional advantage of studying abroad is how one’s views can shift because of the firsthand exposure to a culture.
“Personally, you come back a different person,” she said. “Your perspectives are enlarged. You have a deeper understanding not only of another culture, but when you’re living in another country, your own culture is refracted through your experiences in that country.”
Putting aside the financial burden which studying abroad can create, Bott urges students to explore the programs and take the opportunity to delve into another culture. She says this will deepen student’s views and knowledge on society.
“Everyone needs to do it, and everyone needs to do it now,” she said. “No matter what it costs to you now, it is cheap compared to what you will get out of it. You won’t be as narrow-minded [when you study abroad]. It gives you a knowledge that takes you from a realm of ignorance into good experience.”