Study abroad offers cultural experiences

by: erin tiesman
Staff Writer

Each year, hundreds of St. Ambrose University students embark on the opportunity of a lifetime – studying abroad.

The study abroad program at SAU has enhanced student learning and cultural perspectives in light of their degrees.

Jon Stauff is the international education director and said that studying abroad is an opportunity that any student should take if they are interested.

“We have many different programs offered between one semester, two semesters or just a winter or summer session,” he said.  Places such as Germany, England, Brazil and Ecuador offer short-term sessions.

Places in Latin America and Europe seem to be the most popular places to visit, Stauff said.  Students studying in history, communications, engineering, business and English are just some of the many majors that make their ways overseas.  154 students took part in the study abroad program in 2004, according to Stauff.

“SAU also offers many different grants and scholarships for students,” Stauff said. “We try to keep things affordable and give students different options.”

One such option is the Fulbright Scholarship, a scholarship offered to students looking to obtain their graduate degree.  Successful students that are awarded the scholarship look to increase their education by taking their degree to another country, in some cases, teaching what they know.

Other programs include the Gilman Scholarship for students that are receiving Pell Grants as well as the Rotary Scholarship, for students looking for full-year or multi-year studies and at least two years of university coursework or professional experience equivalent.

For undergraduates, programs such as the SAU Study Abroad Grant is awarded for up to $1000 to students looking to broaden their horizons overseas.  However, students with athletic scholarships, department scholarships or other school-offered grants cannot use them toward their study abroad experience.

According to SAU’s study abroad website, universities such as Loyola University in Chicago, St. Louis University, Arcadia University and many others act as affiliates for the study abroad process.  The College Consortium for International Studies is another key player in helping students prepare for their new experience.

“Any student that needs help with financial aid is urged to speak to financial aid directly before finalizing their travel plans,” Stauff said.

The SAU study abroad website (www.sau.edu/studyabroad) gives students a view of the different countries to visit, classes offered, and the first steps in preparing your new experience.

“The first step for any of this is to talk to mom and dad,” Stauff said. “We also recommend that students do research on the program itself, as well as the country of their choice. But definitely talk to mom and dad first.”

Thirty credits and a 2.5 grade point average are required for students looking to participate. “We work with just about everything,” Stauff said, in relation to classes and majors. “We also don’t send students anywhere unsafe.”

Stauff said he also does family meetings with students and parents for any questions, concerns or information that needs to be brought up.

SAU student Rachael Wagner studied in Ecuador for the spring 2005 semester and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“All of my professors were wonderful. They were extremely interested in how I learned in helped me in any way I needed,” she said.

Wagner said she took other curricular classes that helped her adapt to life in Ecuador such as a pottery class instructed by a local artisan and a cultural cooking class that helped them make Ecuadorian food.  She even learned how to play basic classical guitar from a local musician.

“During my four-month experience, I lived with a wonderful Ecuadorian family who really took me in and treated me like I was their daughter and sister,” Wagner said. “I also met people from the United States and Canada that were involved in the program and we also became very close.”

Wagner said she participated in outside group trips like hiking and horseback riding in the Andes Mountains and various waterfalls and experienced the “salsa” life at night.

“I learned a lot about the culture of Ecuador and South America,” Wagner said. “I would recommend the study abroad experience to anyone as long as they are willing to open up their minds to new ideas and new ways of thinking.”