2015-2016 faculty-led study abroad opportunities announced by IEC

As an enhancement to a student’s academic experience, international study is a valuable investment with real benefits.

"Study abroad can develop a personality that is more adaptable, handles risk better and is more confident," said Paul Currant, director of the International Education Center (IEC). "Add that to the unique educational experiences study abroad can bring and the overall value to a student is enormous."

In conjunction with Radford University faculty, the IEC is currently proposing 16 varied programs to destinations in Europe, Africa, South and Central America and the Arctic in disciplines such as political science, physics, nursing, biology and education. They take place during summer, spring break or Maymester. Some include opportunities for professional experience and fieldwork while others are interdisciplinary.

The evidence from research, Currant said, indicates that study abroad experiences are a proven asset that can improve a student’s GPA and post-graduate earnings. Just as importantly, the IEC can direct students to sources of funding to make study abroad affordable.

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Radford students pose before the gates of one of the many historic and cultural sites they visited during their study abroad experience in England, France and Belgium last summer.

The proposed destinations and faculty trip leaders for 2015-16 are:

  • Alaska, led by Physics Professor Rhett Herman
  • Bahamas, led by Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Joshua Carroll
  • China, led by Associate Professor I-Ping Fu
  • Costa Rica, led by Adjunct Professor of Peace Studies Courtney Ross
  • Dominican Republic, led by Professor of Health and Human Performance Kathleen Poole and Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance Pam Frasier
  • England, led by Associate Professor of Communications Matthew Turner
  • France, led by MBA Program Director Stacey Turmel and Associate Professor of Management Tal Zarankin
  • Ireland, led by Associate Professor of Music Wayne Gallops
  • South Korea and Taiwan, led by Associate Professor of Nursing Eunyoung Lee
  • London and Paris, led by Political Science Department Chair Paige Tan
  • Malawi, led by Professor of Teacher Education and Leadership Jennifer Powell and Patricia Talbot
  • Mexico, led by Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Leadership
  • Patricia Talbot
  • Netherlands, led by Emeritus Professor of Nursing Maggie Bassett
  • Peruvian Amazon, led by Associate Professor of Psychology Jay Caughron and Assistant Professor of Biology Joy Caughron
  • Spain, led by Associate Professor of Foreign Language and Literature Blas Hernandez
  • Virgin Islands, led by Professor of Biology Jeremy Wojdak

Students interested in these faculty-led study abroad experiences should contact the individual faculty leader or the IEC. Application deadline is October 31.

For more information, visit the IEC website, drop by the office at Cook 105 or call 831-6200.

Sep 23, 2015