Shrinking the Globe!
As innovative technologies and communication systems continue to link
countries around the world, the international dimension of education grows
in importance. True to its Mission Statement, Chowan College is commit
ted to “providing the environment for students to become learners who
possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, and ethical values necessary to survive
and flourish in a rapidly-changing, culturally diverse, global society.”
Inherent in that mission is Chowan’s goal of providing opportunities for
students to participate in affordable study-abroad programs - and other global
education experiences - as an integral part of their college experience. Although
the Intemet and other media make information easily accessible from around the
world, there is no replacement for the actual, first-hand experience of another
culture.
A student’s education is tremendously enriched by spending time in another
country or by otherwise experiencing diverse peoples and cultures. Time abroad,
for example, opens students’ minds to social, political, economic, and cultural
traditions different from their own. Such opportunities can serve to enlighten and
prepare students for the challenges they will face in their lives and careers in the
21st century.
This semester, 15 Chowan College students are embarking on one such
adventure to study in London, England with Dr Nancy Duke of Chowan College,
Dr. Connie Douglas of Louisiana College, and several British professors.
On these pages, you will find four examples of educational experiences
currently available to Chowan College students. In addition, the college will
continue to explore other overseas study opportunities.
For further information about these programs and others as they are added to
the Chowan roster, please contact Dr. David B. Gowler, assistant dean for
academic affairs, and visit the Chowan College Global Education web site.
http://www.chowan edu/acadp/GlobalEd/global.htm
London
London is one of the world’s most cosmopoli
tan cities - unrivaled for the excellence and diver
sity of its theatres, concert halls, museums, and art
galleries Designed to take full advantage of this
richness and diversity, the Chowan College/Louis
iana College London Semester program allows up to
thirty-two students to study in London for a spring
semester This remarkable semesfer-long program is
only available to Chowan College and Louisiana
college students.
Students study under British and U.S. faculty
members who design courses around London as the
classroom. British history, London museums and
galleries, overseas media, theatre and parliament
experiences are incorporated into the courses taught
by British professors. U.S. professors teach
courses in literature, history, science, religion, mu
sic, and other disciplines. Field trips include visits
to such famous locations as the Globe museum,
London Tower, Royal Society, Kew Gardens, Strat
ford, Cambridge, Dover, Canterbury, and Hampton
Court.
Following six weeks in central London at St.
Margaret's, a bed and breakfast hotel near the
British Museimi and the University of London, stu
dents spend four weeks with a British family.
Dur-ing this “home stay,” small groups of students
move to the London suburbs and conunute to
classes on the Tube. Interaction with a British
host family gives students an opportunity to learn
first-hand about British life while sharing meals,
conver-sation, and ideas.
During midterm break, students tour England,
Scotland, and Wales. Visits include the Lake
District, York, Bath, Stratford, and Stonehenge in
England; Edinburgh in Scotland; and Camaervon
Castle in Wales.
The semester lasts mid-January to mid-April
and students must enroll in a minimum of four
credit courses to earn 12-15 hours of academic
credit. They return to their home campus having
studied in a major European city with all the
knowledge, confidence, and cross-cultural skills that
can only be gained through an overseas experience.
The London Semester truly is an exceptional
program, especially when compared to programs at
other institutions which charge a great deal more
for fewer opportunities and experiences. It could
prove to be the highlight of a student’s entire
college experience.
Washington, D. C.
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American government. Law and Criminal Justice. Business Administration.
Arts, Education, Science and Health. Real-world work experience for college
credit.
The Washington Center offers all of the above and many more opportuni
ties for college students across the nation and The Washington Semester
program provides a way for Chowan students to work and study inexpensively
for a semester in our nation’s capital.
At the apex of The Washington Semester is a unique educational approach
that integrates professional work experience with academic seminars. The
Washington Center, which sponsors the program, has been at the forefront of
providing educational internships to college students since its founding in 1975.
Specifically and individually tailored to meet students’ needs, internship
placements include positions in government offices, communications organiza
tions, law firms, trade and professional organizations, human rights groups, and
a variety of companies and organizations. Although the Washington Semester is
open to all majors and all eligible students who are accepted by the Washington
Center, Chowan students must work closely with academic advisors and the
chair of the department in which they major
The program is structured to provide:
♦ Substantive, entry-level professional work experience to merit academic
credit (the amount and type of credit must be worked out with the chair
of the department in which the student majors)
♦ Internships of 4 ‘/j days per week during a 15-week semester
♦ Program supervisor and staff members to assist students in putting
together a program best for them
♦ Presidential Lecture Series on Monday afternoons
♦ Congressional Breakfast Series
♦ Weekly academic course
♦ Tours and topical discussion opportunities
♦ Housing at The Virginian Suites, near Rosslyn, Virginia (convenient,
comfortable, and secure apartments)
In today s competitive employment environment, students who have
practical experience have a sigmficant advantage - both in obtaining a position
and in succeeding in their chosen careers. The goal of the Washington Semester
is to prepare students for the challenges they will face as they enter the
working commumty. However, the program is much more than a resume-
building experience; it seeks to enhance students’ academic, personal, civic, and
professional development through such opportunities as academic course
offerings, professional work experience, and exposure to the insights and ideas
of nationally and intemationally-renowned guest speakers and lecturers.
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