Padnos International Center  


Padnos International Center
130 Lake Ontario Hall
Allendale, MI 49401
Phone: 616-331-3898
Fax: 616-331-3899
pic@gvsu.edu
Encouraging Students to Study Abroad

GVSU faculty and staff play an influential role in guiding students through their college careers. While the Padnos International Center (PIC) consistently sends a message to our students that study abroad is an important part of their educational plan, we recognize that a unified voice from the campus community will enhance this message. The following is a list of ways you can help when advising students:
  • Talk with new advisees about taking advantage of study abroad opportunities when developing their academic plan in order to ensure that they are able to meet major, minor, theme, or other general education requirements while abroad. The earlier students start considering study abroad, the better.
  • Remind students that there are study abroad grants, scholarships, and financial aid available to assist them with meeting the cost of a study abroad program.
  • Have a departmental discussion regarding the review of study abroad credits in order to ensure that consistency is maintained on how study abroad courses are evaluated.
  • Ask PIC about developing a Study Abroad Advising Sheet for your discipline. The Advising Sheets consist of a message from the department on how an international experience will benefit students in that major, a list of program options that are compatible with the curriculum in your department, comments from past participants that have majored in the discipline, and more.
  • Become part of the International Faculty/Staff Associates program at GVSU to build relations with colleagues interested in pursing international activities and to receive updates on new international initiatives.
  • Talk with students about how a study abroad experience could enhance their academic and professional goals.
  • Become informed on the program offerings for study abroad and promote these programs to your student advisees.
  • Encourage your students to attend the Study Abroad Fair each semester.
  • Contact PIC to request a classroom presentation on study abroad.
  • Talk with students about proposing a Study Abroad Theme.
 
  Last Modified Date: March 4, 2009
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