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Volume 11.1 Spring 2008
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Introduction / Germany / France / Argentina
In the paragraphs to follow, three students share their stories and photographs from their once in a lifetime experiences. The FLLC department and the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences offer numerous scholarships to assist students with the costs of studying abroad. Many of these scholarships were established by CMU alumni and faculty members who believe that studying abroad is an essential component of pursuing a degree in higher education. Although the number of scholarships available continues to increase, the number of students applying for these scholarships each year far exceeds the amount of funding available. If you would like to learn more about the study abroad scholarships offered through CHSBS and its departments, or ways to support these scholarships, please call 989-774-3341 or visit www.chsbs.cmich.edu/chsbs/scholarships.htm.
Name: Adam Orange Major: German, Secondary Education Minor: English as a Second Language Hometown: Midland, Mich. Graduation: December 2009
Destination Germany: Bielefeld University, Spring 2005; University of Stuttgart, 2006-07
Lodging Host family in Bielefeld; dormitory at Stuttgart
A typical day in Germany School began every morning at 8 a.m. and ended at 1 p.m. I studied history, intercultural communication, grammar, literature and applied geography. I took advantage of libraries and bookstores to read more in German and often spent endless hours roaming through the city or hopping into the subway to explore the many areas of Stuttgart. On the weekends I traveled with classmates, joined a local tennis club and made sure to interact with native speakers. I simply immersed myself within new situations with no reservations.
Benefits of studying abroad Because of globalization and the idea of a ‘smaller world,’ it’s tremendously beneficial to move beyond your comfort zone to learn about another culture and language while at the same time developing bicultural relationships that help break down barriers of ignorance. In addition, studying the German language in Germany enabled me to apply it to everyday situations that aren’t easily replicated in a classroom setting.
Scholarships CMU’s Office of International Education; Federation of German-American Clubs
Post-graduation plans I plan to teach German at a U.S. high school or at one of the U.S. Army bases in Germany.
Name: Lindsay Blackmore Major: French, Secondary Education Minor: Physical Ed. and Leadership Hometown: Rockford, Mich. Graduation: Spring 2009
Destination France: Angers, Fall 2007
Lodging Host family
A typical day in France I had breakfast with my host family and then spent most of the day in classes. I took courses in conversational French, written and spoken French, interpreting the French language, grammar, history of French art, and French civilization. In the evenings, I shared two- to three-hour dinners with my host family where we would talk in French and enjoy the meal. On weekends or days off from school, my host family took me to theatre productions, taught me how to cook, and traveled with me to tour castles and surrounding cities.
Studying abroad changed my outlook on life here in the United States and placed me in a situation where I had to adapt to a different way of living. I met wonderful people, traveled to several other countries, and saw many sights that even my parents have never experienced. I also returned fluent in French and very excited to share my experiences with my future students. I am more confident in my speaking abilities, and I am more confident in myself because I know what I have accomplished through studying abroad.
Scholarships Edana DuGuay Scholarship; Gilles Labrie Scholarship; FLLC Department; Office of International Education
Post-graduation plans I will teach French at a U.S. high school, but I would also like to return to France for a year to teach English as a Second Language to French students to expand my cultural experience in the country.
Name: Julie (Niki) James Major: Spanish Minor: Bilingual, Bicultural Education Hometown: Howell, Mich. Graduation: Fall 2009
Destination Argentina: La Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Fall 2007
Lodging Host family
A typical day in Argentina Our class schedules varied each day. I completed courses in political science of Latin America, prehistoric anthropology of South America, Spanish grammar, and Spanish American literature. All of the courses were taught in Spanish and my classmates were all native Argentine students. After class, I’d often meet friends for café con leche y medialunas (coffee with milk and flakey pastries). My evenings and weekends were spent doing homework or going out with friends to explore the city’s cultural offerings.
This was an experience of a lifetime. There are few opportunities outside of higher education where you can visit a foreign country for an extended period of time at an affordable price. Studying abroad is an advantage in any career, but especially when studying a foreign language. I learned more in my semester abroad than in many semesters of classes in the United States, not to mention the fluidity acquired in my speaking skills. I genuinely believe that studying abroad is a priceless experience!
Scholarships Elizabeth Etnire Scholarship; FLLC Department; Office of International Education; Honors Program
Post-graduation plans I plan to teach Spanish in a secondary school for a few years before attending graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Spanish linguistics.
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The main office of CHSBS is located in 106 Anspach Hall, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Phone: (989) 774-3341 • FAX: (989) 774-7106 • E-mail: chsbs@cmich.edu Contact Us (Unit Administration) / Contact This Site's Webmaster
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859 - (989)
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Each
year, dozens of students from the Department of Foreign
Languages, Literatures and Cultures spend a semester studying
abroad. They return to the U.S. describing these experiences as
priceless and life-altering, and many vow to return for second,
third or more trips abroad.
Benefits
of studying abroad