Study Abroad Program Expands Education for Students
By Rachel Williams | Observer Contributor
Photo by Greg Clement
Tracy Betts Sarefield, Study Abroad Staff Assistant, said the new study abroad program will provide students and faculty with opportunities to travel and further the curriculum on an international level.
Sarefield explained that one reason for the new program was to give the students easier access to traveling abroad through there studies. The new program is doing its best to give the students what they are asking for to have the best ability to study abroad.
The program is incorporating abroad learning into average classes. Sarefield explained that if a faculty member would like to take a trip abroad with their class to help further the learning, they can.
For example, an arts teacher could incorporate a trip to Italy inside his/her semester’s curriculum with their students to study the arts for a week in a new environment with different types of art.
According to Sarefield, any student needing a requirement that can be fulfilled with a class studying abroad can take the course as long as they meet the standard requirements. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 and good academic standing. The cost of the class is the same as any other class. The extra fees will come from plane fair, housing, and meals while on the abroad trip.
Sarefield explained that although she was not able to study abroad because of limited access, she wished that she had been able to because of all that can be learned during the time away.
Sarefield said that skills like cultural sensitivity, coping skills, tolerance, personality management, and leadership are just some of the skills that students learn while on the adventure. She has also seen students come back from the trip more focused on their learning and knowledgeable about the strengths they have within themselves.
“The trip is very powerful for students,” said Sarefield.
Sarefield encouraged students who might be interested in the program to talk with others about the opportunities. She is glad to answer any questions that students might have and hopes that they will also talk to advisors and other students who have taken trips abroad. “Although it is not talked about often, studying abroad is very common,” noted Sarefield.
Sarefield is excited for this new opportunity for students. The next trip in the study abroad program will be to Peru in 2020. If you would like to contact Sarefield to discuss the program, her email is tbettssarefield@mwcc.mass.edu.
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