Ball State University students interested in studying abroad have many options when choosing where and how they study abroad, Jim Coffin, Rinker Center for International Programs director, said.
RCIP offers four different study abroad programs and a chance to intern internationally, Coffin said.
"We want to cater to any style of learning," he said.
Experience abroad teaches students about much more than their coursework, Coffin said.
"You will have new knowledge," he said. "You're going to have new perspectives. You're going to appreciate the perspectives of other countries toward world affairs and towards America. You're going to be more prepared for the future."
Personal growth and independence is a major effect of studying abroad, Coffin said.
"When you go abroad, you're taking care of your personal matters sometimes for the first time in your life," he said. "If you meet those challenges, you're better for it and you mature. Sometimes those of us that just stay home never get those challenges."
Centre Programs
Centre programs are the most popular study abroad option for Ball State students, Coffin said. Currently, 38 students are signed up for the London Centre, and 31 students are signed up for the Australia Centre this spring, he said.
Senior Ashley Briggs, who traveled to Australia in Spring 2005, said her experience was amazing.
"You get acclimated pretty quickly," she said. "It became like home, and then it was depressing to come back to America."
Briggs said she would recommend study abroad to anyone.
"I feel like we had a really diverse group go with us [to Australia]," she said. "I think every single person that went there had a really good time and that it was the best semester they've had in college."
Coffin said the semester programs are one semester long and offer 12 to 15 hours of course credit.
"We have all sorts of course options which would include courses taught by British or Australian faculty and the director for the programs," he said. "We also allow for independent studies out of [the student's] major department and we allow one online course."
This spring, the Australia Centre costs $11,900 and the London Centre costs $13,400, Coffin said.
"[The price] includes tuition, airfare, housing, food and cultural activities," Coffin said. "In other words, it pays for everything. Financial aid is available, and if they have any kind of scholarships or any other forms, all those are applicable to their field."
Centre programs offer "cultural packages," which are pre-planned and pay for field trips, such as plays and concerts, in the host country, he said.
Junior Michael Hosking said he is planning to go the London Centre this spring.
"I just have a passion for traveling," Hosking said. "[At the London Centre,] I'll be able to hop on a plane or train and travel real cheaply around Europe. It's going to be a great experience and I'm looking forward to it."
Hosking said he thinks his experience in London will increase his employability. Studying abroad demonstrates one's versatility and understanding, he said.
"Not only can [employees who studied abroad] network for their companies, but they tend to have a better outlook on world affairs and knowledge of other cultures," Coffin said. "You're just a more well-rounded individual."
Field Studies
RCIP offers field studies during the summer and winter break, Coffin said. The average cost of the trips is $4,200 to $5,900, he said.
"Every summer, we take around 20 different field studies," Coffin said. "They last from three to five weeks, and they usually have a specific discipline topic."
About five professors are working to create summer field studies, he said. They are planning a trip to Sweden that focuses on Swedish physics theory, a trip to Jamaica where students will work on projects to improve local economic welfare and a trip to Kenya for counseling psychology majors to work with HIV-positive patients, Coffin said.
Last winter, 21 Ball State students traveled to Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, he said, and this winter, RCIP is planning a trip to New Zealand and Australia where students will interact with native tribes.
Consortiums
Students have the option to travel abroad with other university students. Ball State is a member of several consortiums, which are groups of universities that share faculty for field studies, Coffin said.
Christine Shea, Modern Languages and Classics chairperson, said 10 Ball State students and 20 others traveled to Greece with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies for five weeks last summer.
Shea, who taught two classes in Greece, said experience abroad allows students to discover new talents, meet wonderful people, stimulate their minds and learn new languages.
"When you go to another place," Shea said. "You get to try out a different you, in a sense."
Exchange Programs
Through the International Student Exchange Program, students have the chance to study abroad individually, Coffin said.
"They will be living in a university context," he said. "They'll be on a campus, and they will be taking a set of courses that the host university offers."
France is the most popular country with students who travel through ISEP, Coffin said. ISEP and other exchange programs tend to cost about $11,000, he said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
