Grace LaTourelle-
Though October has only just settled, May Term Study Away applications have opened, with priority deadlines closing Oct. 29th and final deadlines closing Nov. 15th, 2024. Due to the academic and calendar changes of this year, May Term is replacing J-Term. However, the opportunities are relatively the same.
There are seven May Away opportunities for students to engage in. These are Community Peacebuilding in Peru, Olympic Quest: England, Scotland, and Ireland, London Arts and Performance, Washington Wilderness, Brother Enemy – Identity, Resistance, & Liberation in Cambodia, and Vietnam, Music, Justice & Vocation – Exploring Creativity, Courage, and Leadership in Germany, and Discover Japan.
Through these courses, students may earn course credits while being able to experience different places, people, and cultures.
“Study abroad is so much more than tourism. It allows us to get a glimpse of other ways of living and being through an academic framework,” Director of the Center for International and Cultural Education, Christine Diaz said.
Students are encouraged to approach their May Study Away experience from a perspective of curiosity.
“And, again, at its best, study abroad should also act as a mirror…when we learn about new ways of doing things, we can then look back at ourselves as cultural beings and try to understand why we do things the way we do and what is reflected in our own value system,” Diaz explained. “And the intersection of exploring a new culture and reflecting on our own culture is where the magic happens, and why people say that study abroad changed their life.”
Diaz participated in Study Abroad in Southern Chile. Diaz noted that though she spoke Spanish, the cultural differences would sometimes result in unexplainable things happening.
“…a quiz or assignment would be moved, and everyone else would know about it, but I wouldn’t,” Diaz said. “In Chile, and a lot of the rest of the world…schools offer “career paths,” and students enroll in one single career path…which means that my classmates had all of their classes together! The class decided together in a different class period to ask for an extension, and it was granted, so they all knew it.”
Diaz explained the relief she felt when she realized and began to understand the differences.
“I asked some of the students if they would mind keeping me in the loop, and it actually led to me knowing more people than I had previously,” Diaz said.
Financial aid is a thing students might have concerns about regarding May Term Study Away. However, Dean of Financial Aid, Mark Bauer, described that May Study Away may be more financially manageable than students might think.
“Gustavus is providing grant support and other resources to lower up-front program costs associated with study away,” Bauer said. “As we work to finalize the program details, all options are being analyzed to try to assure that costs remain low and that students are able to utilize any federal and state aid for which they may be eligible.”
Bauer noted that since this is the first year of May Term, there are no tuition costs associated with the program. Students will pay the program cost, travel cost, and for souvenirs only.
“This program is being developed to give Gustavus students an experience they can’t get elsewhere that also makes them more marketable when they enter the workforce,” Bauer said.
Students can apply for May Term Study Away through the CICE website and Study Abroad Portal. Diaz explained that while the website is currently under construction and the CICE is going through a lot of transition, they are working to make things easier for students.
“But we still want students to come and find us…it’s so much easier now…and we’re working on so many exciting things to get information out there and make the process better for students!” Diaz said.
Gusties are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities outlined with May Term this year, especially regarding May Away, to engage in new experiences, meet new people, and hopefully develop a new perspective and lasting memories.