Venturing across the pond

STLCC offers several study abroad programs to benefit students

Every year STLCC district offers several study abroad programs for students that would like to travel overseas and experience new cultures while obtaining a degree. Students can volunteer to travel across the world to experience a new setting in places like England, Russia, Brazil as well as others.

“Study abroad is an academic program that gives an opportunity to students to study while they travel and [experience] with other cultures being in a different country,” Christopher Sulincevski, International Programs Coordinator and V.C., Academic and Student Office at the Cosand Center, said.

Each study abroad program offers a specific focus subject in each country. These subjects typically range from Culture, History, Photography and many more. Each program allows students to stay 10-20 days (the short-term programs) or for a whole semester.

“Most study abroad programs include everything in the cost except personal items such as souvenirs. Although, there are some that don’t include airfare or one or two meals per day. The cost decision is up to the faculty member teaching the course,” Dr. Cindy Epperson, STLCC-Meramec Sociology professor, said.

The cost of the short-term programs usually ranges from $2,000-$4,000 per student. Semester abroad programs cost around $7,500 plus air ticket and insurance. The tuition is in addition to the programs cost. Students should check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if they qualify for financial aid or see if Boren Awards for International Study will provide a scholarship for students who want to study languages and cultures abroad.

Most of the programs for study abroad are on a volunteer basis. Depending on the program, students need to obtain a certain GPA and credit hours to qualify for study abroad. If students wondering if they qualify for a study abroad program they should contact Sulincevski, International Programs Coordinator for further instructions and information.

“The first thing [students] do is talk to me,” Sulincevski said. “If they have any questions about the program, I will explain it to them. Then I put them in contact with the faculty who leads the program, that way we will discuss the logistical side of the program including finances, GPA, hours, then the application part.”

Study abroad programs offer cultural and academic benefits for students. Students receive credit with the course or courses for the completion of the study abroad program. Sulvincevski said going overseas to study gives students a deeper knowledge about their subjects and the culture from the country.

“Depending on what kind of program it is, sometimes [students] stay with host families. [Students] do interact with different cultures by gaining knowledge about history, art, or anything about which country they go to,” Sulincevski said.

Sulincevski said, that students should consider studying abroad because it gives [students] an edge for the work force.

“Students [applying for] a job are not only competing nationally they are competing against the whole world,” Sulincevski said. “With our economy, most employers would like to see potential employees with travel experience with different cultures.”