Lutes Across the Globe
At PLU studying abroad means more than a trip to an exotic, historic and beautiful location; it is a chance to be a sojourner – to stay as a temporary resident. It is an opportunity to take an intensive course and study a focused topic, on location, with a professor who knows the subject and location well. It is a vital part of our commitment to prepare students to understand how the world is changing and the complex reasons why.
PLU’s goal is that through a J-term study-away experience, students will be able to learn about cultures and cultural diversity in the US and abroad, develop intercultural skills, recognize global issues and processes and their interconnectedness, and become involved citizens, both locally and globally.
While faculty and students enjoy this year’s international courses, they can look forward to learning about 2010’s adventures during the Study Away Fair on March 4th, which is always highly anticipated! With more than 40% of the student body participating in study away programs, the Wang Center for International Programs plays a prominent role in the lives and global academic pursuits of many members of the PLU student body. This January, 20 J-term programs with a combined total of about 300 students will traverse the globe. Programs cover a variety of locations with a wide range of academic course credits offered.
For the 4th consecutive year, the Wang Center will continue the tradition of the J-term Blog. Students are invited to share, in real time, their thoughts and impressions as they interact with other people, other cultures and the environment on several continents. The site can be found at their
website where students will blog their reflections based on a weekly prompt posted by the Wang Center on campus.
Starting Thursday evening, Feb. 26, and continuing all-day Friday, Feb. 27, the Wang Center for International Programs will be coordinating a World Conversations event for the 2008-2009 academic year. The keynote speaker for Thursday will be Professor Chuck Bergman, who will be discussing his work in the Amazon on the illegal wildlife trade. On Friday the key note speaker will be Professor Colleen Hacker, who will be discussing her experiences as an Olympic coach at last summer’s games in China.
The event will also include students and faculty sharing their international experiences from Tobago to Washington’s own Neah Bay. They will also discuss and have conversations about global issues and how those issues impact locations other than where they studied. The presentations will follow the Friday class schedule, excluding the 8 a.m. class. In addition to hearing about the several places students have visited over this academic year, dining services will offer an internationally themed dinner Thursday, in the UC.
Questions?
Wang Center 
