Metropolitan State University offers study abroad
By Randi Johnson
Published February 2010
Seven Metropolitan State University students recently returned from a trip to Nicaragua led by Dr. Kathryn Kelley, associate professor of the Communication, Writing and Arts department. The students, ranging in age from 22 to 60, spent half of their days doing volunteer work at the local community center and the other half studying Spanish. Weekends were comprised of traveling and shopping. The entire two-week trip cost roughly $1,000.
Dr. Kelley’s theory on studying abroad is that money shouldn’t be the deciding factor. “Can you learn something about the culture, about yourself and have a good time?” is all she asks of her students. Those in Nicaragua worked within the community that hosted them by teaching English and interacting with teachers and students. “Our students cannot think of the United States as the only place on earth,” Dr. Kelley added.
Five years ago, faculty members at Metropolitan State planned a study-abroad committee, initially led by the dean of First College, Daniel Abebe. Recently Jeannine Harff and Michal Moskow, both of the Center for Community-Based Learning, took over leadership for the committee and are planning new study-abroad opportunities, as well as a new designation for study-abroad courses with the letter “A” following the course number.
The committee has recently revealed that students will be able to use their financial aid money to cover a course overseas. “If our students had a year to plan for a study-abroad course and could rely on their financial aid, they could plan far in advance for childcare and for time off of work. Everything could get taken care of, ” Dr. Kelley said.
Upcoming study-abroad opportunities include an intercultural study trip to Puerto Rico, tentatively scheduled Feb. 28-March 15, 2010. Students interested should contact Fred Carpenter at (651) 999-5958 or Suzanne Walfoort at (651) 999-5947. A central Europe trip is also planned for students currently enrolled in HIST 353 during spring break, March 4-13, 2010, at an estimated cost of $2,000.
Currently, there are no campus offices where the study abroad committee meets. However, any students who wish to receive further information should contact the Center for Community-Based Learning at cbl.center@metrostate.edu. The Metropolitan will be covering developments in the study-abroad program and will inform readers of upcoming opportunities.