A literal world of opportunities was opened for students of Pacific Lutheran University on Sep. 23.
Students stared, wide-eyed, as they learned of prospective courses they could participate in from Germany to Namibia.
Alongside the professors who are leading these classes around the world were student veterans of the study abroad program. Beth Johannsen was among these student leaders, encouraging her fellow students to try studying abroad.
“Being in the U.S.,” Johannsen says, “you get set in the American dream. People become ignorant about the world when there is so much more out there.”
During her time at Pacific Lutheran University, Johannsen has had the opportunity to travel to Germany and the Caribbean.
“Traveling around the world really helped me learn about myself,” she recalls, “I learned to be more flexible and conduct myself in different situations. Overall, it gave me an alternative perspective on the world and helped me become more mature.”
While there were students at the Study Away Fair that have had experience traveling abroad, there were also those who were new to the experience. Sophomore, Jessica Wilson, who was referred to the fair by a staff member, was attending as an attempt to find out some more information on the study away courses that Pacific Lutheran University has to offer.
“I’m not sure where I want to go yet,” Wilson explains, “Ireland or Scotland look interesting. I have never been there before.”
After studying abroad, Wilson hopes to gain a new perspective on life. After experiencing different cultures, she expects her global perspective to improve. Another goal of Wilson is to be more comfortable around new people and gain confidence as an individual.
A member of Pacific Lutheran University’s faculty who was encouraging students to travel the world is German Professor, Kirsten Christensen. Leading a class, focusing on the German language to Berlin for the third time in six years, she offers advice to those who are new to the Study Away program.
“Be prepared to be exhausted,” Christensen explains, “Students are often not prepared for being in Berlin. It’s a huge city.”
Students who take part in Christensen’s course, Language and Culture in the New Germany, need a basic level of knowledge of the German language. With this in mind, students with various levels of expertise are encouraged to participate.
“After studying away, students should walk away with increased confidence and the knowledge how to navigate a foreign city. They also get to learn about other cultures as well as their own.”
Faculty Member gives Pacific Lutheran University student information on studying abroad.
