Students studying abroad Summer 2000
Aug. 15, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- Sixteen Western Michigan University students (listed below) are studying abroad in WMU-approved programs during the summer 2000 session.
WMU currently sponsors study abroad programs in Querétaro, Mexico; Besançon, France; Saratov, Russia; Bonn, Germany; Beijing, China and Burgos, Spain. The programs of study offered at these locations include, but are not limited to, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese language and culture, Latin American history and culture, social sciences, and business.
In addition to study abroad programs, WMU also offers language based study exchanges at various locations in Germany and Japan. Other WMU exchange and study abroad options for students include Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Australia. Each study site provides qualified students with the opportunity to receive academic credit and make progress in their programs of study as well as broaden their skills culturally and linguistically.
Between 1998 and 1999, about 300 WMU students were accepted to study abroad programs in 34 countries. The locations selected by students included WMU sponsored program locations as well as programs in Belgium, Czech Republic, England, Greece, Israel and Nepal.
Students from any academic discipline, as long as they are in good standing, can study abroad. Students may study any subject area, but are encouraged to also study a second language. WMU study abroad students also have the opportunity to receive a WMU President's Grant for Study Abroad. The award is given primarily on the basis of demonstrated financial need, although some students without financial need received merit-based assistance.
The application procedures for a WMU language-based study abroad include two recommendations from faculty members and an interview with a selection committee.
Students in study abroad programs (home towns and other information)
Tara Lynn Alderink, Grand Haven, Mich., who graduated from Grand Haven Senior High School in 1995, is a senior majoring in fashion merchandising. She is the daughter of Larry J. and Carole L. Alderink of Grand Haven. Alderink is studying in a WMU study abroad program at the American InterContinental University in London, England, for the summer semester.
Ryan Bees, Brighton, Mich., who graduated from Brighton High School in 1997, is a junior majoring in organizational communication and Spanish. He is the son of Thomas and Barbara Bees of Brighton. Bees is studying in Santander, Spain at the University of Cantabria for the summer semester.
Jessica G. Brice, Laingsburg, Mich., a 1997 graduate of Bath High School, is a senior majoring in travel and tourism. She is the daughter of Patrick J. and Patricia G. Brice of Laingsburg. Brice is studying in a WMU study abroad program sponsored by International Studies Abroad in Granada, Spain, for the summer semester.
Mary Crawford, Inkster, Mich., who graduated from Wayne Memorial High School, is a junior pre-law student majoring in political science and philosophy. She is the daughter of Jacqueline Crawford of Inkster. Crawford is studying at Bond University in Australia for the summer semester.
Lisa Lopiccolo, Clinton Twp., Mich., a 1998 graduate of Dakota High School, is a sophomore majoring in secondary education, Spanish and public relations. She is the daughter of Jerry and Patricia Lopiccolo of Clinton Township. Lopiccolo is studying at the University of Alcala in Spain for the summer semester.
Kevin J. Mays, Newport, Mich., a 1994 graduate of Monroe Jefferson High School, is a senior majoring in business management. He is the son of Ronald B. and Sharon C. Mays of Newport. Mays is studying in the WMU study abroad program at Northern Territory University in Australia for both the summer and fall semesters.
Jo M. Muszkiewicz, Chelsea, Mich., who teaches British literature at Dexter High School, is a graduate student at WMU. She is studying for the summer 2000 semester at the Shakespeare Summer School at Cambridge University in Cambridge, England.
Carly S. Risko, Grand Rapids, Mich., a 1996 graduate of Forest Hills Northern, is a senior majoring in English with a creative writing emphasis. She is the daughter of Mike Risko of Lowell and Janet Ryon of Grand Rapids. Risko studied in Bonn, Germany, for the winter and spring semesters.
Brenda M. Rutka, Warren, Mich., who graduated from Cousino High School in 1997 is a senior majoring in marketing. She is the daughter of Philip and Diane Rutka of Warren. Rutka is studying at the American Intercontinental University in London, England for the summer semester.
Stacy L. Sagady, Bay City, Mich., who graduated from Bay City Western High School in 1996, is a senior majoring in marketing. She is the daughter of Fred D. and Kathleen S. Sagady of Bay City. Sagady is studying in the WMU study abroad program at the University of Paris in France for the summer semester.
Rachel L. Schroeder, Attica, Mich., who graduated from Lapeer East High School in 1998, is a junior majoring in English and sociology. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Donda Schroeder of Attica. Schroeder is studying in the University of Pittsburgh-sponsored program "Semester at Sea" for the summer semester.
Kelly Skilton, Byron Center, Mich., who graduated from Methacton High School in 1995, is a senior majoring in tourism and travel. She is the daughter of Frank and Geraldine Skilton of Byron Center. Skilton is studying in Spain for the summer semester.
Wendy L. Stratton, Kalamazoo, who graduated from Mattawan High School in 1992, is a senior majoring in elementary education. She is the daughter of Doris L. Stratton of Kalamazoo. Stratton is studying at the University of Costa Rica in San José, Costa Rica for the summer semester.
Danna L. Tibbs, Portage, Mich., a 1998 graduate of Portage Northern High School, is a junior majoring in family studies. She is the daughter of Dan D. Tibbs and Tommi L. Brosini of Portage. Tibbs is studying in the AustraLearn-sponsored WMU study abroad program, Exploring Australian Education, for the summer semester.
Elizabeth M. Ward, Fenton, Mich., who graduated from Fenton High School in 1996, is a senior majoring in marketing. She is the daughter of David F. and Deborah L. Ward of Fenton. Ward has been accepted to a WMU study abroad program at the American University of Paris in France for the summer semester.
Kevin M. Watson, Jackson, Mich., is a senior majoring in marketing and Spanish. He is the son of Steve and Cathy Watson of Jackson. Watson is studying in Mexico for the summer semester through a program at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.
Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 616 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu