More than 100 LC students are in St. Lucia, Costa Rica, Europe, and Korea this summer studying everything from how wars end to rainforest ecology.
In addition to 99 students on group trips planned by Lynchburg College, a number of students are also on other travel programs including an outreach trip to Uganda, a scientific study of a rare plant-ant-spider interaction in Panama, and language and cultural programs in Spain, Poland, and South Africa. LC programs are:
How Wars End: WWI, WWII, and the Cold War with Dr. Dan Lang, Dr. David Lipani, and Dr. Leslie Layne
Thirty students are traveling from London to Berlin while studying the literature of war and the processes that promote peace. Students will visit such important sites as the Normandy beaches, the Dachau concentration camp, WWI battlefields in Belgium, Berlin's Memorial to the German Resistance, and many other significant historical sites.
Austria: Global Management in a Global Economy with Dr. Sally Selden
Sixteen students will travel to Austria to gain first-hand experience in the Austrian business community. LC students will work collaboratively with Austrian students as they explore one of the most important economic regions of central Europe. Problem-solving is key as transnational teams confront the strategic issues inherent in globalization.
Costa Rica: Tropical Ecology with Dr. Tom Shahady
Ten students are studying ecology and environmental science at a field station in the Costa Rican rainforest. This travel/study course affords students the opportunity to explore the biodiversity found in the lowlands and highlands of Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Site visits include the hot springs at Tobacon; Arenal, an active volcano; and the beach resort of Manuel Antonio.
Hannam University: Korean Studies Program with Dr. Richard Burke
Five LC students will experience a new culture and way of life through travel and study at LC's sister university in Daejeon, South Korea. Classes focus on Korean language and culture while students explore Buddhist temples and taste Korean cuisine with their Korean "buddies." The program's "buddy system" pairs LC students with Hannam students who introduce their international friends to Korean life and culture; this really enhances the student experience, fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendship building. Activities include pottery-making, karaoke night, and a two-day excursion to Seoul, the South Korean capital.
St. Lucia: Island Exploration through Service Learning with Dr. Glenn Buck, Dr. Sabita Manian, and Jennifer Hutchinson
The largest program sent 46 students (including eight students from Randolph College with Dr. Brad Bullock) to St. Lucia for a service learning opportunity to match their academic interests in education, nursing, and international relations. Lynchburg College officials foresee a long-term commitment to service learning on the island of St. Lucia, where LC established an educational partnership in July 2003. The May-June service-learning program includes preschool screening related to health, developmental, and educational needs; mentoring and tutoring adolescents at risk; and involving international relations students in understanding governmental and cultural considerations in St. Lucia.
For more information, contact Christian F. Wilwohl, Off-Campus Studies Coordinator, at 434-544-8675 or wilwohl@lynchburg.edu or visit http://www.lynchburg.edu/x10292.xml.