There are several opportunities to study abroad next semester, and the time to register is now.
“Expand your worldview. See part of the world while earning college credit,” said Sarah Hadmack, WCC religion assistant professor and study abroad coordinator. “Studying abroad doesn’t detract from your ability to complete degree requirements.”
A seven-day trip to Costa Rica will take place during spring break and will offer many opportunities to hike, raft and explore the lush countryside. The ability to speak Spanish is helpful but not necessary.
Interested students must register for the accompanying course, ANTH 296: Special Topics: Tourism and Conservation with anthropology instructor Christian Palmer on TR 10-11:15. There is a Honda Spring Break scholarship that can cover the cost of the trip. You must be a Hawai‘i resident and have a GPA of 3.5 to qualify for the scholarship.
There will also a trip to England next summer from July 16 to 27. Students need to be registered for THEA 296: Special Topics: Shakespeare taught by theatre lecturer Taurie Kinoshita. The class is MW 6:30-9 from March 5 through May 11. The Honda Study Abroad scholarship and the Gilman State Department scholarship are available to students with 3.5 GPAs.
WCC student Brandon DiPaola went on the England trip last summer.
“While on this program, I auditioned for and was accepted into East 15’s Acting and Stage Combat BA Honors program. Getting a taste of what my upcoming year will entail was invaluable,” he said.
“My favorite part of the trip was watching the Royal Shakespeare Company work with our students and seeing them succeed,” said Kinoshita, who led the trip last summer.
The University of Hawai‘i also offers study abroad trips to Japan, China and South Korea.
Hadmack is in the Study Abroad Center in Mānaleo 108 every Monday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. and can answer questions students have about the trips as well as scholarship opportunities.
Essential To Dos for Studying Abroad:
- Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program at www.travel.state.gov. Look for the Students Abroad tab for useful information. Pay close attention to the Travel Safe tips.
- Get your passport ASAP as it can take up to eight weeks to process. Most post offices offer passport services, but they require an appointment. The cost of a passport is $150.
- Find out if the country you are going to requires a visa. If so, apply early.
- Get travel insurance. Most scholarships and programs will require it. The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is the best priced card that satisfies requirements and costs $25, with options for more health coverage if needed.
- Find out if your destinations require any immunizations, and make appointments early. Consult with a doctor who specializes in your area of travel.
- Talk with your bank about possible fees for international transactions.
- Get a good international plan for your phone or use a sim-card for each country.
- Get a translator app for your phone to help with language barriers.
- Select a backup program such as iCloud to securely backup all important data and photos.
- Download a good map application for your phone, and download the places you plan to visit in order to access them even without data or wifi.
- Things to pack: Plug adapters for each country, safety wallet for valuables with copies of your passport and visa information as well as a card of important phone numbers, extra charger cords, small flashlight, small first aid kit, waterproof bags and weather-appropriate clothing.
by Cynthia Lee Sinclair, Ka ‘Ohana Staff Reporter
