Many colleges offer study abroad opportunities, actually, most of them do. But there are a few institutions that offer exceptional programs abroad, and I will be posting about these here on the blog. First, let’s take a look at Eckerd College. The Chronicle of Higher Education named Eckerd number one in 2003 for the number of undergraduates who studied abroad. One of their most amazing programs is their London Study Centre.
I have some hands on experience with this program as my daughter, an Eckerd alum, spent a semester in London. Eckerd leases a house on Gower Street in London which is in the University of London area, 2 blocks from the British Museum in the district of Bloomsbury. 19 students live in the house each semester. An Eckerd faculty member lives with the students and teaches a British seminar and a course in their own field. Other courses are taught by British professors. The opportunity to immerse oneself in British culture and to hear the language, the same and yet not the same, is a great experience. You think British culture is the same as an American culture? NOT, absolutely not.
Most of the students also take the opportunity to perform community service, work in internships, and travel. Student discounts in Europe are much better than they are in the United States, so traveling to other countries is not out of reach.
The study abroad experience is enriching for students. My husband and I saw tremendous growth in our daughter from living abroad. It takes maturity and a “can do” attitude to find your way in a foreign country. We were amazed at how she navigated in a completely different environment. She matured so much in London and became an independent individual. Living with 19 people is also a challenge, and she met it successfully. Close friendships evolved among the students that last to this day.
Study abroads can be intimidating when students look at being alone in a strange place….and Eckerd offers a range of experiences. Our daughter also did a winter term in the British Virgin Islands, 3 weeks of taking core samples and examining the health of reefs, another enriching experience. I certainly urge all students to take the jump into a foreign culture for a period of time. It truly pays big dividends.
