First-year students begin their WMU experience with study abroad in the Dominican Republic
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— A group of first-year students traveled to the Dominican Republic this summer as part of a new study abroad program designed for incoming students to travel before their classes at Western Michigan University even began.
Led by Dr. Susan Pozo, professor of economics, the three-credit program combined on-campus instruction with a nine-day experience abroad. Students explored how economic concepts influenced everyday life through visits to local Dominican communities, nonprofit organizations and a baseball academy. They collected data during the trip to analyze together as part of the fall semester course.
For the students, however, the experience was about much more than economics. Students from every academic college at WMU were represented in the cohort, giving incoming first-year students an opportunity to meet classmates they might not otherwise have encountered.
“This program is a testament to the fact that students, regardless of their academic interests, want to study abroad and take advantage of unique educational opportunities,” says Eden Latham, a study abroad specialist who helped lead the program.
WMU Study Abroad offered pre-freshmen programming before the pandemic and there was tremendous interest to bring it back, says Joe Milostan, director of Study Abroad & International Faculty Enrichment at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
"One aspect of these pre-freshmen programs that is so impactful is the community building and sense of belonging that students feel," he says. "These students get the chance to connect with new Broncos and make new friends through a life-changing study abroad experience.
"They return to campus with a community of friends that can stay with them throughout their time at WMU."
Jayden Duke, a music theatre student, said his favorite part of his time in the Dominican Republic was experiencing the culture and making new friends. As a Dominican American, Duke saw the program as an opportunity to learn more about his family and experience the country in a new way.
“I decided to go on a study abroad because it was a unique program for first-year students," he said. "It felt like a trip home to learn more about my family.”
The trip also gave students opportunities to learn about communities and organizations firsthand rather than solely through classroom instruction.
One of Duke’s most memorable experiences came during a visit to the La Merced Foundation, which provides children with education and support services while working to combat child labor.
Duke was interviewed for an educational program about the foundation that will be shown throughout the Dominican Republic.
The trip was an opportunity to step outside our comfort zones, says elementary education major Sara Stokely.
“I wanted to try something new and experience a different country,” Stokely says. “I had never been to the Dominican Republic before, so I was really excited to see what it was like and learn about the culture.”
The experience reinforced the value of learning through firsthand experiences.
“I learned a lot about different cultures, education and the way people live,” Stokely says. “I also learned that you can learn so much from actually experiencing something instead of just learning about it in a classroom.”
Apply to WMU and Get Involved
More than 470 students at WMU studied abroad last year. Study abroad programs are incorporated in most majors and minors, and students travel to 30 countries, on average, each year. Apply to WMU today at wmich.edu/apply.
Want to study abroad? Browse the online program catalog and prepare your application. Learn more at WMU Study Abroad, where all may learn though travel.
About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western community. Its offices support more than 850 international students from 94 countries on campus and an additional 720 international students pursuing WMU degrees through unique programs abroad. Staff support admissions, immigration, student success and post-graduation job training.
The institute also facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff, and hosts a variety of global learning initiatives to encourage a more globally engaged Kalamazoo. This includes providing scholarship and academic opportunities; K-12 outreach; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world. Learn more about the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.