By Claudia Hardy | Staff Writer
Taking a Social Justice class on campus is pretty cool, but how much cooler would it be to take that class in another country?
Duquesne prides itself for the amount of students it sends off to study abroad each year. 20 to 30 percent of the Duquesne student population travels to places as far as Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ghana, Ireland, Rome, Japan, Mexico, Scotland, Spain, Tanzania and Vietnam.
So, why should students study abroad?
Danielle Genemore, assistant director of international programs and a study abroad advisor here on campus, said that every student can participate in study abroad.
“We try to provide a good option for students based on their majors,” Genemore said. “No matter where your career path takes you, you will always be working with people of different cultures and backgrounds. Studying abroad allows you to navigate the world with a different perspective.”
Genemore also included that getting exposure to a new perspective of the world is not only invigorating but beneficial as well.
“It gives you that mechanism of value,” Genemore said. “Studying abroad helps you learn a new language, and you will also stand out on your resume.”
Students who have packed schedules each semester might feel discouraged and overwhelmed to take classes in another country, but don’t be worried — you have alternate options.
“It does not matter what your major is, Duquesne is supportive of all students who wish to study in another country,” Genemore said. “We have a well-established spring breakaway program. These are the courses you can take over the spring semester, and then the class goes abroad over spring break. This fits all students.”
Students who have studied abroad were thankful to have such a memorable experience.
“I wanted to just get out of my normal routine and do something different,” said senior Hannah Barner, who recently studied abroad in Argentina.
Through studying abroad, you not only get to sightsee, but you can make lifelong friends through the process.
“As I spent more time there it became my home instead of a place that I was visiting” Barner added. “I truly did make lifelong friends from all over the world. Studying abroad gave me so much confidence in myself, and it helped to shape my intended career path.”
Some students are privileged enough to have the opportunity to spend a semester in Rome through Duquesne’s Italian campus. At the Rome location regular Duquesne courses are taught, so you are able to experience the process of studying in a foreign country while also contributing towards your degree.
“I was really just looking for a once in a lifetime experience,” said sophomore Claire Lynch, who is currently studying at Duquesne’s Italian campus. “Like, when in my life can I just put things on hold for three months and live in Europe? That’s crazy
“So far, I’ve been to Florence, Verona and Brunico,” she said. “Even after being here for just three weeks, I have learned so much about Italy, myself and everyone I’m with. There is so much of this world to see and Duquesne makes it so accessible.”
The next two upcoming weeks are “College Abroad Week.” Special events are designated towards students of all majors. This upcoming week is primarily for natural and environmental science, health sciences and pharmacy majors. The following week will be for business and liberal arts majors. The purpose of this event is to help students gain a better understanding of what their abroad options are. The following week for the rest of the majors is to be determined. Below are the dates, locations and time slots for designated majors.
Rangos/Bayer/Pharmacy
Monday, 9/26- 10:00-2:00 in Bayer
Tuesday, 9/27- 4:00-6:00 in Bayer Laura Falk
Wednesday, 9/28- 10:00-2:00 in Mellon
Business
Tuesday, 10/4- Rockwell Hall
Wednesday, 10/5- 4:00-6:00 Information Session in Rockwell Hall 505
Thursday, 10/6- Rockwell Hall
Liberal Arts
Tuesday, 10/4- College Hall
Wednesday, 10/5- 4:00-6:00 Information Session in College Hall 104
Thursday, 10/6- College Hall
For more information in regard to studying abroad, contact studyabroad@duq.edu, call the main office at 412.396.6113 or visit 601 in the Union.
