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Scholarship supports short-term study abroad

Jan. 27, 2010

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University is accepting applications for both merit- and need-based scholarships that offer awards of up to $2,500 to offset the cost of participating in a select group of short-term study abroad programs.

Through the 2010 Dean's Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad, WMU students may apply for need-based scholarships of up to $1,500. In addition, those with a 3.0 grade point average also may apply for merit-based scholarships worth $1,000.

The scholarship program, which is administered by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, provides support for students to enroll in 23 short-term programs that will be taught by WMU faculty members late in the spring semester or during the summer I and II sessions.

The deadline to apply for most of those programs is Feb. 15.

Program participants travel with a WMU professor to study a wide range of subjects, such as geology in Egypt, Chinese language and culture in China, health care systems in South Africa, business in Thailand and creative writing in Prague. They also can take a Grand Tour of Europe, and explore the history, art and culture of several countries.

Jamie Rama, a 2009 WMU graduate who majored in sales and business marketing, previously participated in the Business Relationships in London and Paris program run by Dr. Bret Wagner, associate professor of management, and Dr. Stephen Newell, professor of marketing.

Rama said the experience may give him the "upper hand" when entering the business world.

"It was interesting to learn how each country conducts business in regard to business-to-business and business-to-consumer relationships. It was very interesting to compare and contrast the different retail stores, markets, local business establishments and other cultural norms that help drive each economy," he said.

"I feel that if I ever pursue some sort of international business venture, I would be able to adapt easily and possibly have an upper hand over someone who hasn't had this type of experience. This experience helped me gain knowledge and helped me grow as an individual."

Summer study abroad often costs no more than studying on campus, and some programs have slots open for WMU employees and members of the public. They run from two to eight weeks, offer varying levels of undergraduate and/or graduate academic credit, and are eligible for financial aid funding from the Kalamazoo Promise, Michigan Education Trust and other non-WMU sources.

Visit wmich.edu/studyabroad for a Dean's Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad application as well as profiles of the 24 programs that the scholarship can be used for and the minimum eligibility requirements to apply. The profile for each program includes an overview and details about itinerary, cost, housing and other topics.

For more information about studying or working abroad, contact WMU Study Abroad at study-abroad@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5890. Those interested also may visit that office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is located on the second floor of Ellsworth Hall in the Haenicke Institute.

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Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
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