Study abroad deadline approaches quickly

The deadline is approaching for students who need a financial break on the cost of their study-abroad trip.

The last day to apply for the Weir and Wells grant is Friday, Feb. 7. The Weir and Wells grant is offered specifically to Georgia College & State University students who participate in study abroad.

According to Dr. Bruce Harshbarger, vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students at GC&SU, receiving this grant may be the difference between studying abroad and staying at home.

“Students may take a look at the cost of studying abroad and rule it out without knowing about these funds,” said Harshbarger.

“For those who qualify, the grant may pay up to 30 percent of the cost of the trip, and HOPE or various other financial aid and loans may cover the remainder of the cost,” said Dwight Call, assistant vice president of International Education.

“With some of the programs, you can study abroad for about what it costs to study at home,” said Call.

Call’s advice to students is to plan early for the program of their choice.

Call also mentioned some reasons why students should consider studying abroad.

“You see things in a different way and develop cross-cultural awareness,” he said.

“Now is the time to do it, while you’re in college and have the opportunity,” said Libby Davis, international student adviser.

Cindy Taylor, a GC&SU student who visited Spain and London on study-abroad trips, said she would recommend the program to any student.

“(It is) a perfect opportunity to gain class credits and be able to see the world at the same time,” she said. “I would recommend study abroad for the simple fact that the United States is not the only country in the world and our way of life is not the only way.”

Those interested in applying for the Weir and Wells grant, pick up an application in the International Education Center in Lanier Hall or can download the application online at www.gcsu.edu/international.

To apply, students must complete the application, submit two letters of recommendation from GC&SU faculty members and write one paragraph about how studying abroad fits into their current studies.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Jan 31 2003. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry