From the unique perspective of one who has directed both of Wittenberg鈥檚 semester-long, study-abroad programs, Professor of Biology Margaret Goodman reflects on the distinctive features of the university鈥檚 approach to international education 鈥 which emphasizes affordability and accessibility 鈥 as her semester in San Jos茅, Costa Rica, winds down.
When I first heard about the Wittenberg in Wittenberg, Germany study-abroad program, it seemed like a great idea, building from Witt鈥檚 Lutheran tradition, incorporating the liberal arts, tying the program to internships and to our general education requirements, and providing language immersion.
Now, the Wittenberg in Costa Rica program has the added spin of community service鈥痑nd鈥痑 plus for athletes to continue training鈥痑nd鈥痶o interact with the athletes here. It's been great to hear the students talking about their experiences practicing with a volleyball team here鈥痑nd鈥痵haring stories with athletic trainer Marce Araya. It's also a plus that students in both programs can apply their Wittenberg financial aid and scholarships to program costs. That gives a psychological as well as a financial boost to overcome the activation barrier of planning to鈥痵tudy鈥痑broad. On top of that, it feels like students who haven鈥檛 been abroad before and parents who are concerned about their children really appreciate the benefits of going with a group from Witt, accompanied by a faculty member. And the staff on site in both countries is fabulous.