Studying abroad has become increasingly popular among University students, according to the Office of International Studies Web site, which reports that 1,019 students went abroad during the 2002-2003 academic year.
Whether gaping at the Turia in Valencia or enjoying the local cuisine in Shanghai, foreign countries offer new perspectives and opportunities for any interested Wahoo.
The International Studies Office will hold informational meetings Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. until April 21 in Minor 225 for interested students.
Programs for this summer include: Australia, China, Guyana, England, France, Morocco, Spain and South Africa. But with applications for Shanghai and Australia due Feb. 16 and all others March 19, time is of the essence for aspiring travelers.
Fourth-year Architecture student Ben Montgomery, who spent this past fall in Copenhagen, Denmark, said he would recommend studying overseas to anyone.
"I really had a great opportunity to explore an interesting culture hands on while still getting credit at the University," he said. "There's nothing like walking through medieval Copenhagen at three in the morning in the cold wind without a car in sight and noticing some crazy Dane standing on the corner waiting for the 'walk/don't walk' sign to change. I mean who are these guys anyway? Cross the street already!"
Second-year College student Joey Griesbeck said he plans to study in Valencia this summer.
"I have really been thinking about taking up a Spanish minor, and there is no better way to learn a language that to immerse yourself in it," he said. "I'm really looking forward to familiarizing myself with Spanish culture, and I hear the beer and chicks are great."
Students who choose a study abroad program are not limited to just one city, as there are long weekends during which students can travel at their leisure.
"We went all around," Montgomery said. "In Amsterdam we emerged from a crowd under the Rijks museum in a dazed state to find we were in rush-hour bike traffic. In Athens, we chartered a sailboat and the Greek skipper lost his Speedo."
Applications can be found on the Web site, and as long as students have at least a 2.5 GPA, they can receive academic credit for studying in a foreign country.
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