Studying abroad isn’t an option many students consider doing. Whether it’s because of financial hurdles, not having the time to do so, or just not knowing how accessible it can be for students. The Honors Program worked with students who recently studied abroad to show how accessible study abroad can be on Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Doane Cafeteria.
“Study abroad enhances students’ Doane education by giving them a whole new perspective on the world. Students aren’t studying to make an impact on the world and tackle its challenges in isolation,” Director of International Programs Tim Burge said, “There are people all over the world exploring these same issues and taking different approaches to global issues — many of which are informed by different cultural values, norms and shared experiences — and understanding and exposure to this diversity of thought and experience really makes you better-rounded and more-prepared to offer solutions.”
To Burge, an event like this can open student’s eyes to the possible benefits of a study abroad. While some language majors and minors and programs require their students to go abroad in order to graduate, the opportunity to study abroad has become increasingly accessible due to more English study abroad programs. Burge spoke of a renewed interest in studying abroad at Doane and that renewed interest has resulted in more support for students financially to do their studies abroad.
“Students that study abroad can count on support from Doane from starting to think about it all the way through going abroad and returning. As Director of International Programs, I advise students who study abroad through any of our university’s study abroad partners. It can be from everything as general as figuring out what study abroad options even look like all the way to specifically helping find answers to questions about a chosen study abroad program. I’m here to help guide students through every step along the way,” Burge said.
Doane offers up a $1,000 study abroad scholarship for all students in junior standing or higher who have been at Doane for at least four semesters. Students who are required to do a study abroad such as the Honors Program or as Spanish majors have access to funding to help them meet those program requirements. Additionally, multiple scholarships can be found through resources at the Financial Aid office.
Burge wants students to know the resources available for studying abroad because he has seen the effect it has on students whether it’s in their classroom, their personal lives, or their interactions with the world.
“Students that go abroad usually come back transformed. I’ve been working in study abroad for eight years now, and students who come back invariably seem more confident in themselves and energized by their experience,” Burge said “I believe that the experience of going outside of your normal comfort zone and finding that you are able to not only adapt but succeed is something that has the power to be a powerful force for students as they finish their studies and move into their careers. Study abroad has the power to give a global perspective to students’ studies, build intercultural understanding and empathy, and challenge taken-for-granted assumptions about how the world works and how people experience it.”
Students who have questions for Tim Burge can reach out to him at timothy.burge@doane.edu.
