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Students encourage others to explore study abroad options Alex Milstein amilstei@unca.edu - Staff Writer International Education Week offers college students a chance to learn about the cultural importance and benefits of studying abroad. “International Education Week is a program sponsored by the Department of State and Education, and it’s a time that schools, colleges, universities and community organizations can highlight the importance of international educa tion and global exchangesaid Bon nie Parker, director of study abroad/ study away at UNC Asheville. “It’s a great time for us to celebrate all of the international opportunities at UNCA, too.’’ UNCA’s International Education Week will be held Nov. 11-15 and in cludes multiple events, such as a study abroad student panel, an African drum ensemble and an Afro-Caribbean dance party. More information about the events can be found at UNCA’s study abroad website. Parker said she suggests attending the international dining luncheon on Nov. 13, one of many events during Interna tional Education Week, because it offers students a good chance to explore op tions in the non-profit sector. Parker also said she suggests seeing speaker Chris Bashinelli, the keynote event during International Education Week. Bashinelli, a global explorer, hosted and produced a film series titled “Inspiring Action: Bridging the Gap” about cultural learning. Bashinelli speaks at 8 p.m. on Nov. 13 in Alumni Hall. “It was a really great experi ence that was mainly eye opening because of the im mensely different culture that I experienced while living there. I got to not only learn about the place, but about people in general. The first thing we do is highlight the differences we experience when traveling to a new cul ture, but I think it’s important to realize the similarities.” —Lindsay Holton, Junior chemisty student who studied abroad in Thailand According to Parker, approximately 175-180 students study abroad in aca demic programs each year. Students travel to different parts of the world, with most students going to Europe. Asia recently became a popular destina tion due to the growth of the Asian stud ies program. Parker said she encourages students to study abroad as an important learning experience, and said she wants people to be aware International Education Week and of other cultural events hap pening on campus all year. “Really, throughout the year, there are a lot of events that are internation ally related and so to kind of specify one week is a little bit difficult because we could really do something for every week,” Parker said. “Studying abroad is a great opportu nity for an educational experience, per sonal growth and it’s also a good time to go abroad while they are students. They can have an intercultural experience as well as a different academic experi ence,” Parker said. Lindsay Holton, a junior chemis try student, said she studied abroad at Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand, and suggests studying abroad to all students. “It was a really great experience that was mainly eye opening because of the immensely different culture that I expe rienced while living there,” Holton said. “I got to not only learn about the place, but about people in general. The first thing we do is highlight the differences we experience when traveling to a new culture, but I think it's important to real ize the similarities and how I was able to make friends and meet really awesome people who I didn't share a language with, but could still find a common ground.” Holton said meeting new people con tributed greatly to her experience study ing abroad, but studying abroad some times requires tough decisions. “It's an integral piece to the academic experience and can be truly eye opening. Not everything about studying abroad is amazing; for me there was a lot of cul ture shock and homesickness,” Holton said. “My roommate while staying in Thailand, was from Japan, and we got along phenomenally well, which was surprising considering our language and cultural barriers. What I basically took away from studying abroad is that ev erybody has the capability of getting to know each other, no matter your differ ences.” Holton said she hasn't been to any events during International Education Week in the past, but said she recom mends it to anybody interested. Corey McClintock, a chemistry and creative writing student, said Interna tional Education Week should be great because of the study abroad staff. “We have such a strong, dedicated study abroad staff that I am sure it will be lovely,” McClintock said. McClintock said he studied in Scot land last fall. After arriving a month be fore class started to become acquainted with his new surroundings, he said mak ing friends and learning about new cul tures offered a great experience. “I lived in the city of Edinburgh for three months, where I took literature classes at Edinburgh Napier University. I would suggest to other international students to budget substantial time and money for travel, and to expect that while many things will not go as planned, it will all be part of a wonder ful experience. Things that seem like trials at the time will not only make you more of an adult, they will also just be funny to look back upon. I would also suggest that students be very active in meeting people, making friends and at tending as many events as possible in their first few weeks abroad. There will be plenty of time to settle down, and it's important to make friends, explore and become acquainted with the customs in the first few weeks,” McClintock said. Campus police urge students to take advantage of free car clinic Meredith Foster mfosfer@unca.edu - Staff Writer A drive-up clinic provided by Mike’s Auto Service and hosted by UNC Ashe ville campus police comes to campus this Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We held this clinic once before,” said Dennis Thompson, a UNCA po lice officer in charge of security and parking enforcement. “We Just want to make sure that the vehicles are safe for the weather and the upcoming trips they might take home.” Last year’s free service clinic prevent ed a few potential problems. “We had a student last year that was about to head home to Greensboro for break,” Thompson said. “They found out that her belt was ripping from the side and it probably would have deterio rated on a drive like that.” According to Thompson, the auto clinic held in lot P17 across from Gov ernors Hall aims to prevent those types of problems. “They’ll be checking tires, belts, lights and fluids, all for free,” Thomp son said. “The auto clinic is drive up and is for faculty, staff and students.” “T’went last year Just because my PT cruiser has more than 150,000 miles on it,” said Rebecca Keil, director of stu dent-athlete services. “To have some- see CAR CLINIC on page 4 *hoto by Will Breedlove - Staff photographer Students can receive a free check-up for their cars before the holidays.
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