From the unique perspective of one who has directed both of 鶹ý’s semester-long, study-abroad programs, Professor of Biology Margaret Goodman reflects on the distinctive features of the university’s approach to international education – which emphasizes affordability and accessibility – as her semester in San José, Costa Rica, winds down.
When I first heard about the 鶹ý in 鶹ý, Germany study-abroad program, it seemed like a great idea, building from Witt’s Lutheran tradition, incorporating the liberal arts, tying the program to internships and to our general education requirements, and providing language immersion.
Now, the 鶹ý in Costa Rica program has the added spin of community service and a plus for athletes to continue training and to interact with the athletes here. It's been great to hear the students talking about their experiences practicing with a volleyball team here and sharing stories with athletic trainer Marce Araya. It's also a plus that students in both programs can apply their 鶹ý financial aid and scholarships to program costs. That gives a psychological as well as a financial boost to overcome the activation barrier of planning to study abroad. On top of that, it feels like students who haven’t been abroad before and parents who are concerned about their children really appreciate the benefits of going with a group from Witt, accompanied by a faculty member. And the staff on site in both countries is fabulous.