Study Abroad engages students to become ‘global citizens’

Study Abroad pushes to make international study a part of every student’s four years at PLNU. Only now, they’re trying to get student attention and fast.

Last Wednesday, the office, which is located next to the Tutorial Center on the end of Bond Academic Center, hosted a Study Abroad Fair on Caf Lane from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Booths lined up and down the central avenue of campus hosted representatives from study abroad organizations affiliated with PLNU.

At the end of this month and through the beginning of October, the ambassadors will make visits to each dorm, posting up in the lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. to answer any questions students might have. Other events focused on engaging students include: Welcome Back Dinner, Baggage Claim, Spanish cooking class in October and an international movie night in November.

In full swing this year is the Global Ambassadors program, a group of 12 students who have returned from studying abroad and now act as guides for their peers in the process of engaging in international study. The ambassadors are: Savannah Lee, AnnaMarie Edwards, Viviane Mejia, Korinne Pyle, Corinna Hobart, Clint Betkey, Mandy Barton, Rebecca Aguilera, Kelsey Werner, Candice Drain, Katie Dexter and Kendra Peterson.

Student Ambassador Kelsey Werner said that studying abroad is an opportunity to learn and experience new things.

“Why not? It gives you the chance to experience a different part of the world and a new culture,” said Werner. “You can learn so much about yourself.”

For those desiring to go abroad for a term, the process starts with attending one of the informational meetings that take place Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. in the Study Abroad Office. These meetings are hosted by Frank Serna, Andra Jacques and Karen Eisenhut, the study abroad director, coordinator and adviser, respectively, and provide prospective travelers with information about the application process and how to navigate the thousands of programs offered here.

Eisenhut wants to help students affordably travel to places they’ve only imagined, and come back changed.

“You can become a more global citizen, and doing this shouldn’t delay your graduation at all. It should complement your education and, most importantly, give you the invaluable opportunity to learn more about yourself,” said Eisenhut.

Currently,PLNU students are studying in 30 different countries across the globe, with England, Spain and Italy as the most popular destinations.