Study abroad goes down under
PEARL SHEETS
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: News
Taking a plunge down under this winter session may provide students with an escape from the confines of the classroom as they study abroad in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
Though it may sound like a vacation, students who embark on this journey are taught the required curriculum just as they would be taught on campus; though in a slightly cooler way.
"I love what Mark Twain said: He never let his school get in his way of education," Arthur Verge, history professor, said. "So we do have classes, but we blend them in with a lot of visits to museums as well as a lot of sight-seeing."
Breaking away from the mundane, day-to-day scholarly routine many EC students keep up with every day, students who've ventured afar say they gained a better understanding of the workings of the world while learning about politics and Australian history.
"You go overseas and you really see what the world is like," Robert Doss, 32, former EC student said. "It was an educational experience you can't get in the classroom."
Given a taste of island fever, the close borders of the countries allow for an atmosphere unlike that of America.
"In Los Angeles, we're kind of to ourselves and don't really like to talk to people," Chris Everly, 20, business major, said. " (Australians) are pretty mellow and welcoming, you feel a little more warmth."
Flying solo this year, Verge will be the only professor chaperoning the trip, and the only one teaching the classes as well.
"Normally I go with Dr. Doyle but his music career kind of took-off," Verge said. "He said, 'Do you mind if I pursue that?" and I said, 'No problem. Do you mind if I pursue Australia and New Zealand?' so it's a win-win."
Verge and Dr. Doyle have been working together for 17 years and have led 21 study abroad programs in the past.
"I tell students, Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes'," Verge said. "People meet people from different backgrounds and cultures other than their own."
Though it may sound like a vacation, students who embark on this journey are taught the required curriculum just as they would be taught on campus; though in a slightly cooler way.
"I love what Mark Twain said: He never let his school get in his way of education," Arthur Verge, history professor, said. "So we do have classes, but we blend them in with a lot of visits to museums as well as a lot of sight-seeing."
Breaking away from the mundane, day-to-day scholarly routine many EC students keep up with every day, students who've ventured afar say they gained a better understanding of the workings of the world while learning about politics and Australian history.
"You go overseas and you really see what the world is like," Robert Doss, 32, former EC student said. "It was an educational experience you can't get in the classroom."
Given a taste of island fever, the close borders of the countries allow for an atmosphere unlike that of America.
"In Los Angeles, we're kind of to ourselves and don't really like to talk to people," Chris Everly, 20, business major, said. " (Australians) are pretty mellow and welcoming, you feel a little more warmth."
Flying solo this year, Verge will be the only professor chaperoning the trip, and the only one teaching the classes as well.
"Normally I go with Dr. Doyle but his music career kind of took-off," Verge said. "He said, 'Do you mind if I pursue that?" and I said, 'No problem. Do you mind if I pursue Australia and New Zealand?' so it's a win-win."
Verge and Dr. Doyle have been working together for 17 years and have led 21 study abroad programs in the past.
"I tell students, Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes'," Verge said. "People meet people from different backgrounds and cultures other than their own."
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