by RACHEL DINKIN
Intern News Reporter

Appalachian State University celebrates international education this week with the theme of “Sowing Seeds of Prosperity and Peace” resonating throughout campus.

Among several of the programs and movie viewings during the four days of appreciation, one of the main events was the 5th Annual International Fair held in Grandfather Mountain Ballroom Monday.

At the fair, students were introduced to around 60 newly approved faculty-led study abroad programs offered in over 30 countries for this academic year.

“During my travel abroad, I was very comforted by the fact that other students from my school were with me because it gave me a sense of community and connection to home that I otherwise may not have had,” said Amanda F. Highsmith, a senior communication major who did a month-long, faculty-led photography study abroad in France during summer 2007. 

Highsmith said she was immersed into French culture and the study of photography in a way unlike any she could have received in a classroom setting.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.

“[International Education Week] is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States,” according the International Education Week Web site.

There are currently eight countries offered for non-exchange study abroad programs at Appalachian:  Costa Rica, China, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom.

“The pace of life is just different, it’s very laid back,” Carolina Blunk said about Ronda, Spain, where she is currently studying at a branch of the University of Malaga. “Siesta is well and alive ­– I can’t really do anything from about two to five because all the shops close and everyone goes home and eats with their family, naps or just chills for a while.”

Blunk said more about how Ronda is very Andalucian, which means the culture consists of the most stereotypical Spanish experiences like tapas, bull-fighting and flamenco. She also said Andalucians are very open, vivacious people who know how to enjoy and live life to the fullest.

In addition to study abroad information during International Education Week, Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) provided information about international faculty-led service-learning courses offered during the spring and summer in Africa, Latin America, Whales, Russia and New Zealand. 

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments