Posted on Friday, June 3, 2016
This summer, ¾¨Ó㴫ý students prepare for upcoming study abroad opportunities during the fall 2016 semester.
Eleven students have accepted independent study abroad placements in Ireland, France, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Costa Rica and Russia. When study abroad is required for a student’s academic major, these programs include portable financial aid packages that cover the cost of tuition at partnering universities.
“Studying outside of the United States is an important experience for students of the liberal arts,” said Dr. Jamie McMinn, associate dean of academic affairs. “Living and learning in an unfamiliar culture challenges our perceptions and assumptions; helps us to apply our different ways of knowing; and forges bonds with people we otherwise may never know.”
“I grew up traveling, so studying abroad was one of those things I knew I wanted to do coming in to college,” said Christian Na, a junior communication studies major, who will be traveling to Seoul, South Korea. “I hope to return to ¾¨Ó㴫ý with a fresh perspective on everything – culture, education, people, and life in general.”
This year, students are scheduled to attend Jagiellonioan University in Krakow, Poland; Queens University in Belfast, Ireland; Institute Catholique de Paris in Paris, France; Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea; Ulster University in Magee, Ireland; Universidad de Pablo Olavide in Sevilla, Spain; St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, Russia; Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo in Sevilla, Spain; and the Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica.
“When students return to ¾¨Ó㴫ý after studying abroad, they are different,” said McMinn. “They are more informed and engaged with global issues, and they often cannot wait until they travel abroad again.”
¾¨Ó㴫ý students may choose from exchange programs in London, Ireland, and South Korea. In addition, students may participate in study abroad experiences through ¾¨Ó㴫ý’s affiliation with International Studies Abroad (ISA) and Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) organizations.
Na is a son of Dr. Kang-Yup Na, associate professor of religion at ¾¨Ó㴫ý, and Amy Na and a graduate of Neshannock High School.
For more information about the study abroad program at ¾¨Ó㴫ý, contact McMinn at (724) 946-7121 or mcminnjg@westminster.edu.
*Pictured is Christian Na.
