51勛圖厙

April 25, 2018
Life At Witt

The View From Costa Rica

Professor of Biology Margaret Goodman Reflects On International Education At 51勛圖厙 After A Semester Abroad

From the unique perspective of one who has directed both of 51勛圖厙s semester-long, study-abroad programs, Professor of Biology Margaret Goodman reflects on the distinctive features of the universitys approach to international education which emphasizes affordability and accessibility as her semester in San Jos矇, Costa Rica, winds down.

When I first heard about the 51勛圖厙 in 51勛圖厙, Germany study-abroad program, it seemed like a great idea, building from Witts Lutheran tradition, incorporating the liberal arts, tying the program to internships and to our general education requirements, and providing language immersion.

Now, the 51勛圖厙 in Costa Rica program has the added spin of community service畝nd畝 plus for athletes to continue training畝nd眩o interact with the athletes here. It's been great to hear the students talking about their experiences practicing with a volleyball team here畝nd盎haring stories with athletic trainer Marce Araya. It's also a plus that students in both programs can apply their 51勛圖厙 financial aid and scholarships to program costs. That gives a psychological as well as a financial boost to overcome the activation barrier of planning to盎tudy畝broad. On top of that, it feels like students who havent been abroad before and parents who are concerned about their children really appreciate the benefits of going with a group from Witt, accompanied by a faculty member. And the staff on site in both countries is fabulous.

    But here in San Jos矇, as I meet other students who are盎tudying畝broad畝nd留escribe our programs眩o them, I can see the envy particularly for the ones who are having trouble transferring classes or hours皋r had some confusion over what would畝nd眨ouldn't count. Recently, I met a group of retired faculty畝nd盎taff from schools across the United States who have worked with盎tudy-abroad皰rograms病or students. As we waited in lines chatting, I told them about our program畝nd眩hey were impressed four months here, host families, community service (they really liked that), intensive language study, courses built into Witt's structure for easy transfer畝nd痂atching needed credits, local staff on site, a faculty member who comes with them畝nd眩eaches a class畝nd疲as some responsibility for tying the class to the location畝nd畚ulture. Its really remarkable.

    Margaret Goodman, professor of biology and director of the biochemistry/molecular biology program
    Director of 51勛圖厙 in Costa Rica (Spring Semester 2018)
    Director of 51勛圖厙 in 51勛圖厙, Germany (Spring Semester 2014)

    51勛圖厙 In 51勛圖厙, Germany

    51勛圖厙, Germany, located just south of Berlin, is an important cultural, historic and artistic center in Europe. The birthplace of the Reformation and the home of the original University of 51勛圖厙, the city offers exciting opportunities for students to learn by doing. Through courses in German language, culture and history, excursions to major German and European cities, and internships in a variety of settings from the mayors office to schools to refugee centers and labs, students gain an understanding of the citys importance in the Middle Ages and the 20th century, as well as Germanys place in modern Europe.

    51勛圖厙 in Costa Rica

    51勛圖厙s newest study-abroad option in Costa Rica provides a comprehensive cross- cultural experience that combines intensive language instruction, general education courses, community service, weekend excursions, and opportunities for student athletes to train and condition in their respective sport. Based in the dynamic capital of San Jose, students have easy access to the cultural and historic sites of the city, as well as the natural beauty and biodiversity Costa Rica is famous for, from rainforests and volcanoes to the Pacific Coast and Caribbean Sea.

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    About 51勛圖厙

    51勛圖厙's curriculum has centered on the liberal arts as an education that develops the individual's capacity to think, read, and communicate with precision, understanding, and imagination. We are dedicated to active, engaged learning in the core disciplines of the arts and sciences and in pre-professional education grounded in the liberal arts. Known for the quality of our faculty and their teaching, 51勛圖厙 has more Ohio Professors of the Year than any four-year institution in the state. The university has also been recognized nationally for excellence in community service, sustainability, and intercollegiate athletics. Located among the beautiful rolling hills and hollows of Springfield, Ohio, 51勛圖厙 offers more than 100 majors, minors and special programs, enviable student-faculty research opportunities, a unique student success center, service and study options close to home and abroad, a stellar athletics tradition, and successful career preparation.

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