Laura Coleman
MC301 Contributor/Staff
Instead of passing the time away this summer with the mundane activities; students at Jackson State University students have been presented with an opportunity to receive a passport to the world.
This summer, students will not only have the opportunity to attend summer school and become one step closer to obtaining their college degree, but they can also get a few stamps on their passports.
Jackson State is offering students from all colleges and disciplines the opportunity to study abroad via the “JSU Passport to the World” program.
As the world gets more and more advanced, students have to compete for jobs globally and studying abroad is just the first step into helping students do just that.
“There are many reasons why it’s more important now than ever before for students to gain a level of global competency prior to graduation,” said Priscilla Slade, special assistant to the provost for International Programs and Community Colleges.
She added: “Technological advances have created a world without boundaries. Our students must be able to compete for jobs globally. Study abroad increases employability and earning potential. Studies show that students that study abroad tend to have higher grades and have higher 4-year graduation rates. The Sage Research Project showed that over a 50-year period, study abroad had a positive long term effect on a persons’ career path and global engagement.”
According to the International Programs Office, JSU Passport to the World is a four week program that allows students to enroll in summer classes, take two weeks of classes at JSU and travel abroad for two weeks. Students will have their choice of six different locations of study based upon their academic preference.
JSU faculty, in conjunction with The Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE), has organized six 15 day, 14 night programs that will provide a balanced mix of academic and cultural experiences for the first two weeks of the summer term. The following two weeks will be spent on the campus of JSU. JSU Passport to the World will be offered during the first the summer session from May 27 – June 24.
Requirements are:
1. Must be a full-time student
2. Must have at least a 2.5 GPA
3. Must provide one letter of recommendation from JSU faculty or administrator
Amara Knott a sophomore business major from Jackson, Miss., participated in the Study Abroad Program last summer.
“When I went to Costa Rica the summer of 2014, I had an absolute blast. I was surprised at how much I learned in that small amount of time. I got a little homesick but it was worth the memories,” said Knott.
Applications are now being accepted and the CIEE has committed to paying for 100 passports for students. Academic and Student Affairs at JSU, has also committed to matching CIEE, so 200 students will have an opportunity to receive free passports through the program. The cost of the program for students is $2,143.
The International Programs offices stated that they want to send as many students as possible but the minimum for each location is 20 students. However there is no cap as to how many they can send.
As of right now there is no application deadline but students should apply as soon as possible because travel arrangements ticket purchases must be made. For more information or to apply visit 10.14.12.245/international.
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