For the first time since 2007, RWC will have more than one study abroad program with enough students to go. This year, all three RWC study abroad programs being offered this year (Costa Rica, Great Britain, and Quebec) will not only go, but go with record numbers of student. The RWC British Study Abroad Program, dubbed “Evolution and Revolution: Charles Darwin and the Beatles,” will offer a Biology and a Creative Writing course. Professor Mark Otten will focus on the works of Charles Darwin and the concepts of evolution. Professor Michael Roos will cover the Beatles and the British impact on the cultural revolution of the 1960’s. The trip will be based at Harlaxton College near Grantham, England, and will make field trips to sites in London, Cambridge, and Liverpool. Twenty-two students, a record number, have been accepted into the program.
The Costa Rica trip will immerse the students in the language, culture, and beauty that Costa Rica offers. The students will have a full course in Spanish and will focus on the speaking of the language fluently. The program will be led by Professor Angie Woods, who will conduct the cultural portions of the course, while students will be enrolled in intensive Spanish language classes at Intercultura Institute in Heredia, Costa Rica. They will study local newspapers, magazines, videos, and other current popular culture. This trip gives the students a well-rounded experience. Twelve students have been accepted into the Costa Rica Program.
Six French students at RWC will be visiting the beautiful city of Quebec, under the leadership of RWC French Professor Jody Ballah. Like the Costa Rica program, this trip will offer language classes and the ability to explore the rich and diverse city of Quebec. Students will also get to explore the city through organized excursions, cultural activities, group reflections, and readings.
Much credit for the big numbers of students taking advantage of study abroad this year goes to the $15,000 RWC Dean Cady Short-Thompson set aside for study abroad scholarships. Winners of the scholarships will be announced in the next issue of the Activist.
Study Abroad trips are an annual opportunity for students to explore the world around them. Plans are already in the works for 2012. If you missed this year’s deadline of Feb. 1, there’s always next year.