Visitors to the first floor of Gordy Hall were transported around the world yesterday with A Taste of Study Abroad
an event featuring food, pictures and music from foreign countries.
The event was part of Ohio University's International Week, the theme of which is Cultural Kaleidoscope. The event was composed of rooms representing different areas of the world and provided attendees with information about different countries and OU study abroad programs.
OU has more than 70 study abroad programs and is one of the fastest growing programs in both Ohio and the nation, said Connie Perdreau, director of education abroad.
Last year, 1,063 OU students studied abroad, according to the study abroad Web site. In the 2003-04 school year, Western Europe was the most popular destination, but students are becoming more interested in traveling to China and Japan, she said.
Studying abroad helps to widen students' perspectives, Perdreau said.
We are trying to wipe out G? one-way blinders on students' way of looking at the world she said. Students that study abroad G? have a lifelong connection with that country.
Ron Kroutel, professor emeritus of art criticism, hosted the England booth. He teaches a summer program based in London, which is held every two years.
The city is our classroom. We never show slides or perform lectures. It's all on-site he said.
The art and culture of England are the focus of the program, he said, adding that participants visit museums, temples and mosques in various cities in the country.
OU senior Arian Smedley traveled to Ecuador last spring and hosted the country's booth that featured fruit juices, common drinks in South American countries.
Smedley said she would recommend studying in Ecuador because the trip was very organized and was good for first-time travelers.
You don't feel the culture shock as much
she said.
Last year, about 400 to 500 people attended the event, Perdreau said. This year, about 300 attended.
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Michelle Boise, an OU senior majoring in Spanish and English, discusses the food and culture one can experience as a part of studying abroad in Spain with freshman Stephanie Day. They were just two of many attendees and presenters in Gordy Hall yesterday
