GLOBAL PAMPLIN
Expanding Horizons
Study Abroad programs give students experience of a lifetime
S
tudying abroad can be one
of the most important
experiences in a college
education. Students who study
abroad return with new insights
about their own culture – and
about themselves.
But at Augusta University, only
about 4 to 5 percent of students
study abroad or away during their
college years, according to Maria
Darley, the director of AU’s Study
Abroad Office. This is lower than
the national average.
“The only way that (number)
will grow is if more programs are
offered and more students are
wanting and able to go (on trips),”
Darley said.
The majority of the study
abroad/away programs offered at
the University are from Pamplin
College. Some (like Salamanca,
Spain) have been offered for many
years. Others are newer programs.
One thing that remains is the
students’ need for scholarships and
fundraising.
“One of the first things students
say is, ‘Oh, I’d love to go, but I can’t
afford it,’” noted Darley. “So it’s up
to our staff, faculty, and our student
leaders to say, ‘Wait, wait, wait,
the Study Abroad Office offers
scholarships and some fundraising
opportunities,’ because a lot of the
time people want to immediately
say, ‘I want to but can’t,’ and walk
away. So we find that outside
funding is very important.”
Pamplin College is creating a
scholarship fund specifically to
support our students attending a
study abroad program. Watch for
an announcement about that
soon!
China
“One of the most
fun parts of China
was essentially being a
celebrity because of my
ethnicity. We forget
that we sort of live in a
melting pot of culture
in America, so when
you go to a place of
ethnic homogeneity,
you can really stick out.
One lady jumped out in
front of my bike to stop
me so she could take a
picture.”
– Zak Hill,
Communication
major
(Photo courtesy of Zak Hill)
Japan
“I adore Japan.
Having been there
before, this Study
Abroad trip allowed me
to step back and look
at the people and the
country with a different
lens. I went with the
“Photographic Essay”
class which allowed me
to use my photography
skills to capture people
on the streets and in
their daily routines.
The experience is
something I will always
remember.”
– Zhenya Townley,
Communication
major
(Photo by Lindsey Morris)
24 | #WeArePamplin · Fall 2018