As I am discussing the course content and active learning components of the newest curriculum suggestions with the CEA Associate Dean for Italy, Kevin Murphy, I have to try really hard to keep the jealously from creeping into my voice. Behind the scenes visits to restoration labs? Projects on Preservation Ethics? Visits to the Italian Parliament? Cooking demonstrations designed to show the culture behind food and wine? Where were these courses when I studied abroad in Italy?
I am amazed to see how far global education and study abroad have come in the short time since I spent my semester abroad in Florence. With the GlobalCampus curriculum, as a student today, you get to get out there and get your hands dirty. You know that expression “Be a traveler – not a tourist”? This program allows you to take that to next level with learning. Come back from your study abroad experience in Italy with exactly that – experience – not just a bunch of notes.
The best thing about experience is that you can easily apply it to you life– the minute you get back. Examine how you have changed, what you have learned – knowing more about yourself at that level impresses even the most uptight of interviewers for your first job. Once you land that first job you can put that experience to work in how you interact with groups, work with people from different cultures and backgrounds and even how you approach research and public speaking. You see – you’ve already done all that through your study abroad experience.
Opportunities today exist where they never have before. Get out there. Get experience. Don’t get left behind.