A record number of adventurous Sonoma State University students have been selected to study abroad next year. A special reception is being held to recognize their achievements from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16 in the University Art Gallery.
A total of 66 students have been selected to study in countries ranging from Spain and Chili to Japan and the United Kingdom. Other popular destinations include Mexico, Sweden, and Italy. Last year's program had 56 students overseas.
Students who participate in the international program at SSU study their major from an entirely new perspective in a country of their choice for the same tuition they would pay if they were on a CSU campus.
"Perhaps students see the need for better global communication and understanding in the light of recent world events," says Jan Beaulyn ,
director of the program on the SSU campus, in explaining the increase in interest.
"Most of our overseas sites are in Western Europe, Australia, Canada and South America, none of which will place them in danger zones, " she says. The Zimbabwe and Israel programs are on suspension for the time being. There is only one student going to Japan and none this year for China, Taiwan or Korea.
Elizabeth Coonrod Martinez, SSU's faculty representative to the statewide Council on International Programs, says that many of these students have excelled academically and hold double-majors.
"Many students tell me they want to learn how people think outside of "America," or to study beyond the U.S. point of view, " she says.
The courses they take are often courses they would never encounter in the U.S. In most cases, students return after their year abroad, fluent in a second language, says Martinez.
The International Program was created to help students develop intercultural communication skills and international understanding.
For more information on the Study Abroad program at Sonoma State University, contact Jan Beaulyn, (707) 664-2582.
