Students get the chance to expand knowledge in foreign countries
–By Cindy Petersen, Kirkwood Communique’
The Study Abroad program at Kirkwood Community College is an opportunity for students to experience different cultures, earn college credits and help make a difference in the lives of others.
“I don’t think most students know how accessible this program really is,” said Dawn Wood, international programs director. “Most of the programs hold fund raisers throughout the year to help pay the expenses. Scholarships are available that will take care of $750 of that expense. Students usually end up paying about two-thirds of the cost but we set up payment plans to make it convenient for them,” she said.
Program destinations include Japan, London, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Singapore, France, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Most trips take place during the spring and according to Wood, the lengths of the visits vary.
“Most of them are two weeks long except for the Spanish program students, who are visiting Costa Rica for four weeks and a group of health students who will visit London for a week over spring break,” she said.
Wood said interested students should visit the International Studies office in room 134 Linn Hall. “Students can fill out an application for the program they would like and at the same time, one for the scholarship. Faculty will then review the application and meet with the student. This really is an opportunity of a lifetime. Students should take advantage of it,” she added.
A group of health students spent the last two weeks of their summer vacation this year in Guatemala helping the less fortunate. Lisa Hebl, clinical coordinator for the dental hygiene program, said that she takes a group of students from the health program to Antigua once a year. “The students learn first hand what hard work really is but all agree that it is a very rewarding experience,” she said.
Kara Goodwin, Nursing program, was among the group who visited Guatemala. “The people were so appreciative for everything we did for them. This experience has really changed my life,” she added.
[Copyright 2008: The Communique’, the student newspaper of Kirkwood Community College.]