Mark Twain once said: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
While Twain was more famous for his wit than for his wisdom, DU students considering studying abroad would do well to take to his advice.
According to Carol Fairweather, director of the DU Study Abroad office, students who study internationally learn language skills and culture.
In the 2009–10 academic year, 625 DU juniors and seniors participated in the Cherrington Global Scholars and study abroad programs. During the 2008–09 academic year, 630 students studied abroad. University students travel to 49 countries to study at 200 different sites.
DU ranks second in the nation among doctoral and research institutions in the percentage of undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs, according to the 2008 Open Doors report released by the Institute of International Education. The report shows that 74.4 percent of DU undergraduates studied abroad, compared to just over 1 percent of enrolled undergraduates nationwide.
“With globalization driving economies, societies and cultures, studying abroad is a chance to gain insight, as well as confidence, about your individual role in an increasingly interconnected world,” she says.
A Study Abroad Fair held at the DU’s Driscoll University Center Sept. 22 provided students with the information about the University’ international study opportunities. Fair attendees received information about the Cherrington Global Scholars program, talked to former study abroad students and chatted with coordinators and program representatives from over 25 programs and participating universities — many from overseas.
“As an international studies major, I plan to spend a quarter in Spain so I can increase my Spanish language skills and bring a broader cultural perspective to my studies,” says sophomore Danielle DeValle.
Another sophomore, Hannah Reynolds, a business and Spanish double major, says the opportunity to study abroad as a Cherrington Global Scholar influenced her decision to attend DU.
“This is a tremendous opportunity and I am looking forward to the experience,” she says.
Fairweather notes that a new study abroad advising center opened recently in the International House at 2200 S. Josephine St. She says the center is staffed with peer advisers and offers drop-in “Study Abroad 101” information sessions along with lots of program information.