Students to Study Off Campus for Spring Semester

Ten Westminster College students will be studying in Spain, Costa Rica, Chile, Brazil, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Pittsburgh for the spring semester.

"It opens a student's world," said Dr. Jeffrey Bersett, director of Off Campus Studies. "They become stronger, more independent people. They have better opportunities in the job market after graduation, and they understand their immediate surroundings better."

"Studying abroad is a huge addition to the college experience," said Doreen Matune, secretary of academic affairs. "It really sets students apart having this kind of an involvement. They achieve a growth, tolerance, and maturity that can only come from meeting the challenges of such an adventure."

Certain majors require study abroad, such as international politics, international business, intercultural studies, and various modern languages. These majors make up the majority of students who study abroad.

"Sometimes it's more difficult for students of other majors or double-majors to get in all their class requirements," Matune continued. "But Westminster's faculty go out of their way to help make it happen whenever possible. When a student chooses to study abroad, all offices and departments on campus work together to aid in the process."

The travel-abroad program has been a strong part of Westminster for decades. The College participates in a student exchange program with over 100 schools, allowing Westminster students to travel all over the world and receive the same rates and financial aid as if they were still at the local campus.

"Studying abroad really expands a student's horizons," Matune continued. "There has never been a student who has regretted their decision to study abroad. Many students later report that the experience has made the difference in achieving their goals following graduation from Westminster College. The multi-cultural experience sets them apart."

Contact Matune at (724) 946-7121 (e-mail matunedm@westminster.edu) or Bersett (724) 946-7259 (e-mail bersetjt@westminster.edu) for more information. 

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