UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 4, Page 8
September 26, 1991
Winter session abroad, a 'unique learning experience'

     The Office of International Programs and Special Sessions is
buzzing with activity as preparations for the Winter Session Abroad
programs are well under way.
     This year, 18 trips being offered-17 overseas and one to
Hawaii. Three of the overseas trips-those to St. Petersburg in the
U.S.S.R., Yucatan in Mexico and Tianjin in the People's Republic of
China-are new this year.
     According to William McNabb, acting director of overseas
studies, the trips offer an "exceptional, unique and valuable
learning experience."
     He said the office is now looking for students who are "open
to new ideas, curious and adventuresome. This experience is one of
Delaware's unique and special features. It is integrated into the
undergraduate academic curriculum and is available to students at
no other time in their lives," he added.
     McNabb said he believes the programs "develop a certain level
of higher appreciation of other lifestyles. Someone who has been
involved with an experience that takes them out of their narrow
world of existence, inevitably, is more tolerant and realizes
there's more than one right way of living. This may sound trite,
but it broadens their horizons."
     The overseas programs, according to McNabb, aid in forming
better international relations. "This ties into the effort to
develop an appreciation of the multifaceted, multicultural, diverse
world in which we live and is the key in the effort to live
amicably and in harmony with our neighbors," he said.
     "Our students who go abroad leave behind, with their hosts and
acquaintances, a better and more accurate understanding of life in
the United States," he added.
     The experience of studying in a different country also may
help students in finding jobs after graduation. "Overseas
experience does make a student more marketable. As we know,
multinational corporations are looking to send employees overseas
who have some knowledge as to the lifestyle in a foreign country,"
he said.
     McNabb sings the praises of going abroad because he spent much
of his academic career in other countries. As a high school
student, he studied for a year in Gottingen, Germany. While an
undergraduate at Delaware, he spent one year at the University of
Wurzburg in Germany and took summer classes in Florence, Italy.
     Current students echo McNabb's sentiments about international
study.
     Annie Whitescarver, a senior in business and economics, went
to London for the last spring semester. She called it an
"incredible experience" and she said she felt "very fortunate to go
over. The people on the trip made it so special. They're friends
for life."
     Lisa Edler, a recent graduate majoring in English, also spent
a semester in London. She was amazed at "how different cultures
were and how interesting people can be.
     "It was the best experience of my entire life. It changed me
in a couple ways-the way I view foreigners, because I was one over
there. Also, I want to travel and maybe live in a different
country.
     "I always say to people at Delaware, 'Take a semester abroad-
it doesn't matter where. You can never go wrong. There's never a
dull moment,'" she said.
     Applications can be obtained in 325 Hullihen Hall. An official
transcript of academic record, two letters of recommendation (at
least one from a course instructor), a personal interview and
full-time registration status during the term abroad also are
required.
     Students must be in good academic standing to apply.
Scholarships based on academic ability and financial need are
available.
     The deadline for applying for Winter Session Abroad is Oct.10.
                                        - Denise Arroyo