Studying Abroad on a non-Goucher Program
Oct 30th, 2009 by Admissions Counselor
Goucher has always been known as an innovative institution, providing unique and challenging opportunities for its students. In the Fall of 2006, we bcame the first college to require its students to study abroad. Of course, with that requirement comes scores of programs, ranging from three-week intensive Goucher courses up through year-long programs at universities around the world. We give students the choice of participating in programs coordinated by Goucher faculty members, or enrolling in a study abroad program through other organizations, colleges, and universities. One of our seniors spent last spring in Thailand:
From the beginning I knew I wanted to volunteer and participate in service learning when I went abroad. I found out about IPSL (International Partnership for Service Learning and Leadership) through my own research, contact with the Office of International Studies (OIS), and friends who had previously studied abroad on IPSL programs, and I decided to go on their Thailand program. I wanted to go somewhere unlike anywhere I had ever been and I’d never been to Asia. OIS was familiar with this program so it was very easy to get everything approved to go. It took a little more paper work than Goucher programs, but it was worth it - I loved my study abroad program. Not only was I studying abroad at a international university, living with Thai students, eating fantastic food and learning about a new culture, but I was able to do service learning and work at an orphanage. I feel like this immersed me in the culture even more. I had a variety of responsibilities at the orphanage, including translating English documents, helping students and staff with their English skills, helping with English homework, working in the garden, cooking in the kitchen, cleaning and pretty much anything else you can think of. While abroad I kept a blog: maiaabroad.wordpress.com. If you’re looking for an entry about a specific experience, some of my favorites were Songkran, Mae Sot and Mae La, and Bangkok. There are also some pictures on the blog too, and you can see me in my awesome school uniform I had to wear while I was there. Navigating this new school system and culture without the language skills to really communicate, I closely connected to the people and children at the orphanage and it was sad to leave them behind. - Maia R. is a senior from Massachussetts