JMU birds and blokes intern abroad
Posted on August 30, 2007
The Office of International Programs recently enhanced the semester in London program by allowing students to complete an internship overseas.
Partnered with the Centers for Academic Programs Abroad the program will place students in one of more than 200 widely-varied professional sites in London, according to Judy Cohen, the associate director of the study abroad program.
“This option allows students to build essential life and career skills while experiencing the British lifestyle firsthand,” Cohen said.
Students can earn up to six internship credits in the fall, spring, or summer semester and will have to pay for the cost of the semester plus an additional $1,000. They will have the choice of completing an internship while simultaneously studying abroad.
“Students often asked whether they could undertake an internship while studying abroad,” Cohen said. “Since our internship program had always involved a full-time work commitment that was not possible. With this new option, a combination is possible.”
The university was recognized for its international involvement, as it was nationally ranked second among master’s level-institutions for the total number of students who study abroad to expand their educational experience, according to a November 2005 report published by the Institute of International Education.
“After participating in these carefully planned and closely supervised practical studies experiences, students return to the United States with a clearer view of their place in the world, a deeper understanding of other cultures and a stronger sense of where their skills and talents can take them,” Cohen said.
Senior Jenna Debs spent the past spring semester in Florence, making it the second time she had studied abroad in Italy. Being half-Italian and an Italian major, Debs was familiar with Italy’s culture.
“I didn’t actually have much of a culture shock, but every country is different, and I learned to respect and adapt to its particular traditions,” Debs said. “My favorite part was the language immersion, I was forced to use my Italian everyday, and by the end of both programs, I could see how much better it was.”
Senior Chris Maier also spent his past spring semester abroad, in Antwerp, where he fulfilled COB 300 and COB 301, earning a total of 15 credits. During his four-month stay Maier traveled to nine other countries.
“[It was a] great experience,” Maier said. “[I] spent tons of money, lived excessively, slept very little [and] went out nearly every night. Classes were definitely an afterthought.”
For more information on studying abroad, the OIP will host its Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Festival Center Grand Ballroom.