The world is full of innovative objects and ancient relics that are waiting to be explored by fresh minds. This may include bargaining in an Arab bazaar, strolling the streets of Rome, taking a picture beneath the Eiffel Tower or visiting a Buddhist Temple in Asia. How about a tour of the Taj Mahal or seeing the spots where Nelson Mandela fought against Apartheid?
At Lewis University these dreams and faraway places can become reality to interested students. Lewis offers an extensive study abroad program. The study abroad office provides students with a variety of international academic opportunities to complement their academic careers. Students can earn credit towards graduation on these trips.
Students can choose to study abroad for a spring or fall semester, perhaps even an entire year. During the fall semester, students can discover locations like Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy and Spain. They can study in world-class cities like Melbourne, London, Dublin, Rome and Madrid. General education, major, minor and elective courses are all offered. Spring has a slightly different roster including designations in South Africa and Mexico.
Travel study trips typically last a few weeks; students are able to gain a few credits from this. Places previously visited include Japan, China, Dubai, India, Brazil and Italy. This past spring break ,select students attended a trip visiting Dubai, UAE, Mumbai and India. Dubai is a trading, finance and leisure hub for the region. Numerous corporations such as Microsoft, McDonald’s, CNN and Oracle have all settled in this booming city. Mumbai is the financial capital of India, and is home to the national stock exchange. The program was part of a travel study from the College of Business.
The College of Arts and travels to Italy from May 7-21. To view historical cities such as Rome, Florence and Assisi. The program will include visits to churches, museums and historical and cultural sites. Students will experience St. Peter’s Basilica, the Coliseum and the Basilica d’ San Francesco in Assisi. Course credit can be earned in theology and history. Dennis Cremin of the history department and Dominic Colonna of the theology department will supervise the trip.
Cremin said, “I expect a really busy trip full of adventure this year. I think the students look forward to visiting the Coliseum and St. Peter’s. I really enjoy having long conversations about the course materials over several days. I think that the students are surprised by how much they learn about the course content and about themselves.”
Lewis students have different ideas of where they would like to study abroad. Junior Viola Antonio-Engo, said, “I would choose to study abroad in the Dominican Republic. I want to study language and work with the Dominican Orphanage Outreach program.”
Sophomore Rebecca Paquette said, “I would like to study abroad in London, England because the experience is once in a lifetime. It will benefit me not only socially, but in my future, as well. Being a history major, there is no better way to grasp the subject than hands on, and seeing for myself the places which historical events took place.”
Studying abroad can be a life changing experience. Pictures are taken, memories aremade and lifelong friends are met. Most of all, study abroad allows students to learn first hand experiences in the actual environment of the culture.
Those interested in International Study Abroad can contact Director Christopher Swanson in the Leckrone Academic Resource Center. The study abroad office can be reached at (815) 836-5993 or via e-mail at studyabroad@lewisu.edu.
James Meador, Staff Writer
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