Film and philosophy student J.P. Sniadecki says he's always had the urge to travel, creating a fascination with the world and being overseas.
As one of 10 students selected to receive a Padnos International Scholarship, Sniadecki will study abroad at East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai for nine months.
The decision to spend at least one semester overseas has become increasingly common among my peers, Sniadecki explains. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to spend an entire academic year that the scholarship has given me.
GVSU's Barbara Padnos Scholarship for International Studies was established this year by Holland, Michigan businessman Stuart Padnos to honor of his late wife.
The Padnos Scholarship has raised the profile of study abroad to a significant level, says Brenda Robinson, GVSU Dean of International Studies. It has also communicated to students and their families that GVSU values study abroad programs.
P>The International Affairs Office at Grand Valley State University is seeing increased interest in study abroad opportunities. Nearly 300 students enrolled in study abroad programs in the current academic year, a jump of more than 100 students from previous years. In addition to the Padnos Scholarships, the International Affairs Office currently offers summer programs in 16 countries and semester exchanges in seven countries.
To complement his philosophy major, Sniadecki plans to deepen his understanding of China's philosophies and religions.
Studying abroad for a year in China will hopefully create an avenue that allows me to step out of the Western tradition and embrace Eastern thought, explains Sniadecki.
During a summer study abroad trip in 1999, Sniadecki spent six weeks studying Eastern philosophy and Chinese culture in Shanghai.
I do not feel that six weeks was enough time to completely experience a nation as vast and complex as China, says Sniadecki. I don't just want to be a foreigner where I walk in and walk out. I want the day-to-day experience.
Although the Chinese language will be the main academic focus of his yearlong stay, Sniadecki realizes he must also continue his education in film production.
In order to do so, he has set up an independent study project with the GVSU Film and Video department. Sniadecki plans to gather raw footage while in Shanghai and edit the material together into a complete piece once he returns to the United States.
After his return from China, Sniadecki plans to support an East/West philosophy organization and hopes to encourage other students study in China.
