Students apply to study away, share opportunities

Kari Plog

mast news reporter

Today marks the deadline for study away applications for J-term and spring semester 2009 academic programs through PLU’s Wang Center for International Programs.

“If students are looking to apply for J-term and Spring 2009 study away experiences, this is the deadline for those programs,” said Wang Center study away advisor Kristin Labs.

The study away preparation process is a detailed one and for those students that are meeting today’s deadline, the Wang Center advises to start as soon as possible.

“We normally recommend that students begin their planning process 9 to 12 months ahead of time before their chosen program starts,” Labs said. “This gives students the opportunity to look at what is offered and the different lengths of programs, whether that be spring semester, J-term or year-long trips.”

The application process for studying away has different stages that vary depending on the program one is involved with. For the semester-long programs, students must complete an application available in the Wang Center. Two letters of recommendation and essay questions are also required. J-term programs require a similar submission, requiring an application form and one letter of recommendation.

“I have had a good experience with the Wang Center thus far, they are pretty good about letting us know about what we need to get done for them, and are always willing to answer questions,” said Erin Milliren, a sophomore studying away in Santiago, Chile from July through mid-December “The study away orientation was most helpful as far as getting the PLU pre-department requirements.”

Labs and the Wang Center wanted to make the nature of these study away experiences clear.

“We want to make it clear that all study away opportunities are academic programs, not just trips,” Labs said. “They are great opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to practical situations outside our culture to gain a new perspective. It is a great way to learn more about yourself and your role in the world.”

“Personally, I think the most rewarding thing is tightening the global community through personal connection,” Sojourner Advocate Kate Geldaker said. Geldaker previously studied for a J-term in Holden Village, Wash., a J-term in Dubai, a semester in South Africa, and will be studying in Central America this fall.

“All of these places are fabulous in their own way, but I really became a part of the community I was in when I was in South Africa,” Geldaker said.

Sojourner Advocates are made up of junior and senior students who have had one or more study away experiences. According to Labs, they have a passion for the opportunities the Wang Center provides and serve as guides for supporting current and past study away students, as well as great sources for promoting opportunities and recruiting new study away students. Sojourner Advocates also plan events year-round all over campus, providing informational study away 101 sessions and interest meetings.

“If you try hard enough, anyone can go [abroad], and PLU makes it very possible,” Geldaker said. “PLU is flexible and supportive no matter what a person’s situation entails financially or academically.”

Study away experiences are rewarding for students, according to advocates from the Wang Center. The idea of studying away integrates the global emphasis promoted both by the university’s mission statement and PLU faculty’s personal and academic philosophies. Global education has been an important aspect to PLU’s dedication to multiple perspectives, and is, according to Labs, a challenging yet rewarding process.

“It is hard to pick out one piece that is the most rewarding. There are times when students are challenged to understand themselves during this experience,” Labs said. “Part of the challenge is, in itself, a rewarding experience because study away is one of those experiences that can change your direction and outlook on life.”

For some students, the application process is complete, and the preparation for the program is in full swing. Tyler Faust is preparing to study in China this upcoming fall semester.

“[The most difficult thing in preparing to study away was] really making sure I wanted to go,” Faust said. “The Wang Center makes it really easy to apply and go wherever you want.”

One planned element that is part of Faust’s experience is studying panda bears at the panda reserve in Chengdu, China. One piece of advice Faust gives students considering participating in a study away experience is to just go for it.

“You will probably never have a chance like this again in your life,” Faust said “Always resort to the 20 year rule. What will really matter 20 years from now? The experience you have in a foreign country or another semester at PLU?”

Alumna Emily Isensee is also studying in China this fall.

“I had a great experience abroad during J-term and wanted the opportunity to go somewhere else,” Isensee said. The center is located on Wheeler Street. Students can also visit their Web site www.plu.edu/wangcenter.