Is Off-Campus Study on Your Student's Christmas List?
Despite the
unfavorable economic situation, interest and participation in off-campus
programs at Cornell remain high. Students are taking advantage of opportunities
both close to home and around the globe. In 2009-10, Cornellians will travel to
a number of destinations-- Texas, Laos, Japan, Northern Ireland, Chicago, Nicaragua,
China, and the United Kingdom-- to name a few. Off-campus study can help
develop a student's cross-cultural knowledge, independence, and interpersonal
skills, preparing them to enter either the world of graduate school or an
interview with a prospective employer.
The most popular off-campus study option for Cornellians remains the faculty-led block courses, with over 150 students traveling with a course this year. These courses spend between one and three weeks off campus and allow for experiential learning opportunities in a full-immersion environment. Students are responsible for travel costs associated with the course (which vary depending on location/duration, but average $1000-$5000). Next year, students will have the opportunity to meditate alongside monks in Bangalore, develop their creative writing skills in Johannesburg, discuss economic development in Montevideo, read works by Shakespeare's rivals in the Windy City, or hone their Spanish or French language skills in Argentina or France. A full list of off-campus courses in 2010-11 will be available on the off-campus studies website in late December.
Students wishing to spend more than a few weeks away from campus can also opt to participate in a semester or year-long program. These programs allow for students to explore a topic, culture, and/or language in greater depth. Applications for 2010-11 programs are due February 1st, 2010. The college offers a number of exchange programs as well, including a semester/year program in Belfast and a summer exchange in South Korea.
The Office of International and Off-Campus Studies is available to help students narrow down options based on individual interests and needs. The Office is also pleased to offer two scholarships, the Levy and Class of '55 Awards, which help defer the costs associated with off-campus study. Interested students should schedule an initial appointment with Amanda Ross to discuss different opportunities and begin the process of applying for off-campus study.
Website: http://www.cornellcollege.edu/off-campus-studies/
Contact: Amanda Ross (aross@cornellcollege.edu or 319-895-4385)