Center for Global Education highlights opportunities, hosts workshops
November 2024 – Study abroad opportunities have long been a staple of a Drew University education.
From the long-running London Semester to multi-week excursions to Italy, South Africa, Vietnam, Spain, and more, Drew students are able to explore myriad subjects in a wide variety of settings and cultures.
Drew’s Center for Global Education and Tilghman International Student Center hosted a number of events to emphasize the value of study abroad experiences and highlight the school’s programs as part of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education.
“Drew’s study abroad programs expand horizons for students by embedding them in other cultures and communities,” said Megan Jones, director of the Center for Global Education. “Not only do students take courses to fulfill their degree path requirements, but they also engage in internships and volunteer opportunities that enable them to interact and connect with people and places with different languages, cultures, and practices. These experiences can leave students with critical connections in a given workplace industry, academic field, or culture.”
In addition to spotlighting global education programs, the week’s events celebrated various cultures, as was the case at Drew’s first-ever international film festival and annual Rhythm of Nations celebration. Two co-hosted workshops explored complexities surrounding identity while studying abroad.
“Discussion about personal identity and related self-reflection exercises are an important component of any student’s study abroad experience,” said Jones. “Students will be traveling to another country and may find that their racial, ethnic, religious, gender, or other component of their identity may be lived or perceived differently than when they are in the U.S. They will be living outside of their comfort zones for weeks or months, so these discussions are critical preparatory work for all students prior to going abroad.”
The week was a chance to shine the spotlight on the full range of the study abroad experience, both at Drew and in general.
“Studying abroad offers students an opportunity to grow personally, academically, and professionally,” said Parham Santana, assistant director of the Center for Global Education. “Students learn in and outside of the classroom while building independence, career readiness skills, and professional connections. Once back home, they will return with memories, new perspectives, and friendships that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Interested in exploring Drew’s study abroad opportunities? Click here.
