by Alicia Gibson
Staff Writer
After one semester of college some of the excitement may drift away, but it would be great to gain that same excitement back. Students can if they have a high enough grade point average and apply for Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA).
The BCA program gives college students the opportunity to study in a different country. Students can take college classes at universities all over the world.
There are 10 countries to choose from in the BCA program. There were nine countries in the past but India was just added this year.
“Truth is, students can choose almost anywhere they want to go,” said Dr. Al Clark, assistant vice president of academic affairs.
Dr. Clark has been in charge of the Study Abroad program for about eight years, and feels that study abroad is one of the best things the University of La Verne has to offer.
Students can take part in this program for about $10,165. This includes tuition, room, board and a round trip airline ticket. Students live in dorms or with a host family. The housing arrangements vary by country. In Germany, for example, some students are fortunate enough to live in a castle.
One of the great parts about study abroad is the opportunity to travel. Part of the program expenses includes two weeks of traveling.
“Many students travel more on their own,” said Dr. Clark.
Senior Amber Hall returned this semester from England. She travelled a lot on her trip. She especially remembers her trip to Africa.
“It’s an experience everyone should have in their lifetime,” said Hall.
Hall feels that there are many benefits from studying abroad.
“It taught me more than I could have ever learned at the University of La Verne, not school wise, but culturally. I had to adjust from being away from everything I know,” said Hall.
There are eight students who are participating in Study Abroad this semester at various countries around the world. All but two will return for the spring semester and 10 more are signed up to leave next semester.
Kenia Magallanes, a junior Spanish major, is one of the students who will travel through the Study Abroad program in the spring. She will go to Spain to attend the University of Barcelona. Magallanes feels it is best for her major, to make the trip.
“My goal is to teach. Probably start with high school and eventually the university level,” said Magallanes. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to study abroad.”
Studying abroad is a requirement for all ULV language majors.
Magallanes also has more personal reasons for choosing to Study Abroad.
“I want to go find out and research where my last name came from,” said Magallanes.
The most popular countries that students from ULV choose from are Greece and England.
“I chose England because I am a diversified major with a concentration in English. I have always wanted to travel to Europe and figured that this would be an excellent opportunity,” said junior, Tracy MacArthur.
“It is also fun,” said Dr. Clark.
For more information about the Study Abroad program, contact Dr. Clark in the Academic Affairs office at ext. 4240.
