Allegheny Student Government

This may be a little off the topic.

I wanted to study abroad and I still hope to do some sort of course abroad eventually,even if it is not at Allegheny. That being said I still think I have been able to gain cultural experience through my many experiences with Alternative spring break. This is a different type of studying, through service, and no credits are given, but I really feel that these experiences have really enhanced my worldview. It was through my service, the reflection that we had as a group, and our communications with others that I gained my knowledge on these week long trips. I would be interested in not only seeing the study abroad program expand to different countries, but also maybe to even different colleges or areas in the United States. In addition to this I think it would be interesting to look at different types of study away or abroad programs that may not necessarily be classroom based, but service based as well.

I think one of the biggest barriers for people studying abroad is obtaining the correct information about financing, especially payment methods for people wishes to study in countries that are not direct affiliates of Allegheny. When looking at study abroad options, I felt that going to a country Allegheny did not offer was seen only as a last resort. I don't think the department should discourage students from studying in whatever country, as long as they get approval for their adviser. I think the study abroad program needs to be more accommodating and provide better information and guidelines for people to study in non Allegheny affiliated countries. For me its important to be learning from others who have been to various countries all around the world, because those fit their areas of studies better and are of greater interest to the student.