Page 4 Opportunities for study abroad by Kristin Wasilewski Collegian Staff Have you ever considered travelling to a foreign country to take some of your college classes? Education Abroad is a program offered to Penn State studeilts which gives them the opportunity to recieve their education in another country. Behrend students who are interested in the program should make an appointment to see Mari Trenkle, Behrend's academic support programs coordinator. Together, her and the student find out what the student is most interested in. "We go over what Pcnn State has and what he (the student) wants and try to match them," says Trenkle. After the student decides what he is interested in, they then make an appointment with the student's academic advisor to see if their plans fit in with their degree requirements. Students should apply for Education Abroad one year before the time they would like to go. According to Trenkle, the best time to apply is during the freshman year. She wants students to know "not to wait, do it as a freshman or sophomore." The deadlines for applying are: November 1, 1993 for fall '94 semester or for the entire '94-'95 school year, and March 1, 1994 for spring '95. by Paul Lorio Collegian Staff When the renovations of the Reed Union Building are completed in a few years, the study lounge on the second floor of the old libary will disappear. The space would be used to house offices to some of several student organizations on campus. Many of the commuters are very cautious of this situation. Ray Graham, president of LOC (Living Off Campus), said, "There is already a lack of places for the commuter students to study. The library still doesn't have enough seating available, and the only other place for commuters to go is the television lounge in the Reed Union Building. I feel that by eliminating the study lounge in the library, the University will just be adding to an already bad situation." "I feel the commuter students need the lounge so they can study in quiet in between classes," said Rachal Ruth, a first semester freshman. Pam Schaffner. a third semester London Bridge is falling down: Amy Zarichnak (center) travelled to England to complete her studies for the '93 spring semester. Students can either take a broad '93 studying in Australia. an 85%." She said that there are program in which they can take She attended the University of no tests taken throughout the any classes, or a focused program Melbourne. semester, only finals which are in which they take classes in The seasons in Australia are all essay, no multiple choice, and their major. reversed from those in the U.S. no quizzes or homework. Some Behrend students were so she was there for their fall Amy Zarichnak, an eighth involved in the Education Abroad semester. semester senior, travelled to program last year. According to Martinec "The England in the spring of '93. Wendy Martinec, a seventh grading is different. 80% is an She was involved in the semester senior, spent spring of 'A' and no one really scores above communications program. Closing of the study lounge education major, thinks otherwise. "The new library complex was not only to allow more space for books, but also for more space to study. The lounge could be used for something more useful to the student body." Lourdes Tirado, a fifth semester commuter senator, believes that "by eliminating the study lounge it would increase the problem of study hours for off-campus students. The library closes at 11 p.m. and the study lounge closes at 2 a.m. Those extra hours would be very helpful for every student." "Another problem is that the study lounge would be more accessible to students living off campus because the Gorge (Wintergreen Cafe) is in the same building so time won't be wasted going back and forth to get refreshments and snacks." James Ruhlman, anotner commuter senator in his seventh semester, also added, "By closing the study lounge, students won't be able to easily find a quiet location for studying. The students need the study lounge." The study lounge above the old library will soon be closed and renovated into offices for several student organizations. Arnel Balcita/Colk4an Photo Coordinator Thursday, October 21, 1993 Zarichnak said " I didn't learn a lot from my classes, but I did learn a lot from living there." Martinec lived with Australian people. Zarichnak, and the 30 other Penn State students which also went to England in the spring, had to find their own places to live. But she says that " I wish I would have lived with English people." She also says that English people are "not the most friendly people in the world." Zarichnak spent time in Amsterdam, Ireland and Greece. She said "It was a wonderful experience." Martinec was also happy with her experience in a foreign country. "I had a good time and I think everyone should study abroad in Australia." So can everyone afford to study abroad? According to Trenkle, students pay Penn State tuition, their room and board should cost about the same as it would at Penn State, they pay a $l5O program fee, and they pay for their transportation to the country. Some programs require a student to have additional insurance. Students also need to bring their own spending money. Yes, it does add up to more money than Penn• State would cost, but Trenkle adds, "Travelling as a student is probably the least expensive way to ever travel." Arnel BatokalCoNogian Photo Coordinator
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