February 27, 2004 Feature
Utah
State University Students Explore Their
Options — And The World
 People
dream their whole lives about hiking the French Alps, basking
on the coast of Thailand or visiting the ancient ruins of Rome.
But for many Utah State University students, it's just part
of their education.
With exchange programs at more than 100 universities in 40
countries, Utah State's Study Abroad program is adding an international
perspective to students' curriculum, something that study abroad
coordinator Kay Forsyth said is important.
"Studying abroad helps students look at their career from
an international perspective, which gives them an edge in an
increasingly diverse, competitive work force," Forsyth
said.
Aside from boosting their resumes, Forsyth said most students
choose to study abroad because it's an affordable way to discover
a new region of the world, as student Mark Morris found when
he went to Slovenia.
"I was able to visit 10 countries during my semester in
Slovenia, and I made friends while I was there that I still
keep in touch with," Morris said. "I went because
I wanted a little adventure in my life--and I certainly got
it."
 More
than 200 students each year from Utah State are paying in-state
tuition to enjoy the same kind of experiences Morris did, gaining
a new appreciation for other cultures. Chris Fawson, vice-provost
for academic and international affairs at Utah State, said that
many Utah State students who already have significant international
experiences in a religious setting could benefit from gaining
international experience in an academic environment, as most
religious-affiliated experiences are undervalued by employers
who aren't familiar with the local Latter Day Saint culture.
"A study abroad experience complements other international
experience and allows students to more effectively market their
language and cultural adaptation skills," Fawson said.
Fawson said exchange universities are constantly being added
to Utah State's list, including the most recent additions of
Korea University and Sungkyunkwan University, two of the most
distinguished institutions in South Korea. Forsyth said these
universities, like many other exchange universities, offer hundreds
of courses taught in English. The two campuses also offer many
international student services, which is one of the reasons
the study abroad office is excited about the new additions.
 "These
universities provide student mentors to our students, helping
them meet new people and get situated more quickly," Forsyth
said. "There are also opportunities for spouses to teach
English, making it a great study abroad option for married couples."
Fawson is also eager to have Utah State students attend the
new universities.
"In some cases, countries we have exchange relations with
are on the frontier of technological discovery, and these two
new universities fall into that category," Fawson said.
"An academic experience at these universities introduces
students to a different cultural context for technological innovation,
which goes hand-in-hand with Utah State's mission of research
and discovery."
Forsyth added that students can take Korean language classes
at any level they choose, and for those who are already fluent,
there are opportunities to work in laboratories on campus.
Although semester-long study abroad programs like these are
popular among students, one and two-month faculty-led summer
programs are also available in Belize, Chile, France, Switzerland,
Costa Rica, Peru and Germany. These programs allow students
to experience another country with a Utah State faculty member
on location at all times.
 Alison
Aikele, who opted for the five-week summer program in Annecy,
France, lived with a French family and learned the ins and outs
of the French culture.
"I loved learning the language and getting to know the
people of Annecy," Aikele said. "The French family
I stayed with showed me the sights and helped me get the most
from my experience."
These programs and others, Forsyth said, can make a huge difference
in the college career of students.
"The growth we see in students who have studied abroad
is phenomenal," Forsyth said. "They build language
skills, experience another culture and learn about what they
value as Americans, all of which makes them more well-rounded
individuals."
For more information about study abroad and specific programs,
call 797-1253 or visit: http://www.usu.edu/stdyabrd/.
Writer: Miaken Christensen, (435) 797-5506, miaken@cc.usu.edu
Photos by: Miaken Christensen and Alison Aikele
Contact: Kay-Forsyth, (435) 797-1253, kay.forsyth@usu.edu
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