|
Alnwick offers culture, travel
Each semester, hundreds of students embark on a journey to see the world, explore other cultures and receive college credit at the same time.
To be a part of this experience is much easier than most students think.
Alnwick, England is a small town 90 miles south of Edinburgh, Scotland, and offers SCSU students the opportunity of a lifetime: study in England for a semester, live in a castle and experience a whole new culture.
According to Student Advisor Kim Pearson, Alnwick is one of the most popular study abroad courses offered to students.
"It's popular because you live in a castle, everyone speaks English and it's led through SCSU professors. Students are more comfortable with people from the same area. That, and all of your courses are counted for SCSU credit."
Until the recent additions of the Australian and South African programs, England was one of the few English-speaking countries offered in the program. It is also one of the first programs that was offered by International Studies, proving the true test of time.
"It is definitely one of the oldest programs we have," said David Sikes, an advisor who works in International Studies.
Each semester offers a variety of courses. There are fall, spring and summer programs available, and each semester offers different courses from history and biology to art and philosophy because different professors take part at different times. Students are required to take courses related to British culture and community, to make the transition easier for students, as well as providing a background and framework to students who know little about the country. A tentative schedule of classes is posted until Summer 2006, perfect for those students who like to plan ahead.
"College is the best time to (travel)," Pearson said. "It's more than just a classroom, it's a whole experience. It's the cheapest way to live in England for a year, and it's highly recommended." It also looks impressive on a resume, especially for students interested in international positions.
Costs vary from $4000-$6000, depending on what term you plan on participating in, which includes tuition, room and board, round-trip transportation and cultural events and trips. Payments are made to the university over a period of time, as opposed to one lump fee. The application process takes some time and effort, including an application packet, autobiographical essay, transcript with recommendations and students must have a minimum 2.25 GPA to apply. Students must also discuss with their advisors the classes that they'll be taking while abroad and receive approval.
The application deadlines are April 1 for the fall program, Oct. 1 for the spring program and Feb. 1 for the summer program. The deadline for this summer has been extended to Feb. 17, allowing those who want to join in at the last minute an opportunity to do so.
Financial aid is available and people are notified after the application deadline and acceptance into the program. In addition to the grants and loans that are applicable, there are a variety of scholarships available to students, including six offered through the Center for International Studies.
Although the application process is lengthy, most students believe it is worth the effort.
"On my trip, we actually had two people who extended their stay for a full year because they loved it so much," Pearson said.
Roshelle Kiecker, a student who studied in Alnwick last spring, also felt the same.
"It's like a fairytale come true. It's the only way to experience culture first hand," she said. "You're not just learning in the classroom; you walk outside the door and really experience it. I would say it has enlightened me and made me a well-rounded person."
For more information, contact the Center for International Studies at 255-4287 or [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
