Study abroad interest increases: 10 students next semester

November 19, 2004

At the beginning of every episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Patrick Stewart would say that the mission of the U. S. S. Enterprise was to “boldly go where no one has gone before.”

It might not be outer space, but more Milligan students are heading for new territory.

According to Mark Matson, dean of academic affairs, approximately 10 students plan to study abroad next semester. This number far exceeds Milligan’s 1 to 2 student average.

Senior Katurah Leonard said that this year’s study abroad convocation was one reason she applied. “They kind of got me hyped up about it,” she said.

Leonard will be studying at the Contemporary Music Center in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. “Basically,” she said, “it’s just taking a step toward my dream of singing.”

Junior Kaci Campbell will spend her spring semester at the Wesley Institute in Sydney, Australia.

“I am very excited about working on my photography directed study in Sydney and also taking a photography class at Wesley,” said Campbell, who also looks forward to living in a cosmopolitan area.
Junior Lindsey Vogt will be studying in Washington, D.C. this upcoming spring.

“In my case I am not studying abroad, just studying away,” Vogt said. “I have always loved the Washington, D.C. area, and when I discovered that the Public Leadership and Service major offered a track in which a semester study in D.C. was required, I knew that I wanted to go.”

While in D.C. Vogt will take classes as part of the American Studies Program though the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and work as a part-time intern.

The study abroad program has been promoted through convocation, posters and e-mails. Matson said the convocation was held because he felt that many students were not aware of study abroad opportunities.

Although Milligan loses tuition money while students are away, Matson says the college encourages participation in the programs for other reasons. “Students will gain a lot of cross-cultural experience and a deepened sense of commitment to their academics and their sense of who they are,” he said.

This is part of what Leonard hopes will happen. “I think it’ll be good just to get out of my comfort zone,” she said.

Campbell said that while she will miss interacting with other Milligan students, she loves the challenges of a new environment. “I know that God will use this to stretch me in some amazing ways,” she said.

Milligan coordinates study abroad programs with the CCCU. This year four students will go to Costa Rica, one to China, two to Washington, D.C., two to Martha’s Vineyard and one to Australia. According to Matson, students can also study through pre-approved programs if the credits transfer to Milligan. The deadline for spring 2005 applications has passed.