The Quad

Issue date: 10/8/07 Section: Features

Imagine the beautiful city of Rome and all of its attractions: the Colosseum, the Romano Forum, the Pantheon and the Vatican. Now, imagine enrolling in a semester abroad program and living in Rome for a semester. To some, the experiences of participating in a semester abroad, are priceless and with careful planning, anyone can travel the world.

"Studying abroad has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," Lori Belinsky, a psychology and foreign languages major, said. Belinsky has participated in three study aboard programs.

There will be a study abroad symposium Oct. 10 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. in Sykes Ballroom C for students who are considering studying abroad. The event is being organized by Alpha Mu Gamma, an active foreign language honors society that is advised by Dr. Alice Speh.

The goal of the symposium is to inform students of the steps to be taken in preparation for studying abroad and to answer questions regarding transfer credits and financial aid and to discuss what programs are available to students.

Many study abroad opportunities are available at West Chester University. Professors representing a few departments will be there to discuss their particular programs. These programs differ slightly from independent study abroad programs.

Dr. Gary Coutu, a professor of the Geography and Planning Department, is organizing a trip to Thailand during the first Summer Session, May 22-June 12, 2008. The class is GEO402/502: Topical Seminar in Geography of Southeast Asia.

The trip will focus on two areas of Thailand in and around Bangkok and the Krabi Province. Students enroll in the program through WCU and travel with Coutu and other WCU students.

Sites that will be visited in Thailand include the old capital, an ancient city, a crocodile farm, a Thai university, temples, palaces and many markets.

"The goal of the course is to teach students how to be world travelers," Coutu said. "We spend time in areas where I am familiar and I am able to introduce students to a variety of different areas."

Any undergraduate or graduate student who enrolls in GEO 402/502 can go on this trip. There are opportunities to stay in Thailand after the class has ended. According to Coutu, some students choose to stay and teach English or stay to do research for a master's thesis.

Several students will share their experiences at the symposium and will also answer any questions that students have.

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