All aboard to go abroad

University-led trips are looking for interested students

The labor force is becoming more globally conscious and an international experience can help students to become more employable.

The Study Abroad Fair informed students on how to broaden their academic curriculum outside of Ferris classrooms.

“You get to know the in and outs of international business relationships,” Glen Marks, Ferris sophomore in automotive engineering, said.

Marks lived in England for two years while he attended Bradford University and Yale College in Wales.

The fair had tables representing numerous trips planned this summer, spanning from Costa Rica to Scotland.

Aaron Waltz, the professional golf management program coordinator who is co-leading the trip to Scotland this summer, said, “It’s a trip of a lifetime, and complements what students are doing at Ferris.”

During the two-week trip that leaves in August 2013, students will be able to visit the “birthplace of golf” in St. Andrews among other stops. The golf course dates back to the early 15th century.

Fans may recall the 2000 Open Championship at St. Andrews where Tiger Woods triumphed formidably by eight strokes, a standing record. This famed golf course has hosted the Open Championship a record 28 times.

Students who attend can gain nine overall credits. Six of the credits obtained fall under the cultural enrichment category and the other three are biology credits.

Studying abroad is not cheap, as the Scotland trip, for example, costs $3,950 plus additional funds for meals. However, with sound financial planning it can be feasible. A student can receive a direct loan from financial aid totaling $7,500 as long as an applicant did not exhaust his or her loan limit in prior semesters. Of course, there is always mom and dad.

Becoming involved in the Conversation Partners Program is another avenue to raise money. Members lead a group of international students and are given an opportunity to immerse themselves in exotic cultures here on campus while earning up to $800 per semester.

There are also various scholarship opportunities available on the university’s website. Interested students in a short-term program can contact the Office of International Education at ext. 2450. Those requesting more information about the Scotland trip specifically can contact Aaron Waltz at walt3@nullferris.edu