On Friday, Nov. 15, the Padnos International Center hosted the latest installment of their Wander Around the World event series– this time, focused on France. For the past few weeks, the Department has provided a space for students to learn more about different countries that are a part of Grand Valley State University’s study abroad programs.
The event began with students having the opportunity to try an assortment of pastries and other French snacks. After introductions, a presentation on the different study abroad programs to France was discussed. Students that had previously gone to France through study abroad participated in a panel discussion of their experiences.
“The Wander Around the World series features food, music and student stories from around the globe,” said Alissa Lane, international programs specialist. “Each week, we highlight a different country and introduce students to study abroad opportunities in that part of the world. To me, the best part of the series is the ability to connect students who are interested in going abroad to a certain destination with students that have recently returned.”
One exchange program option is a collaboration with L’Université Catholique de L’Ouest (UCO). Attending courses at UCO allows students to build international connections and develop their language proficiency. Another option, which is aimed at business students, centers around courses at the Grenoble School of Management (GEM) for a semester. The third option takes place over the summer, in both Paris and Bordeaux. This alternative, faculty-led program is a popular choice for students who want to immerse themselves in French culture.
“This will be my seventh time leading the program,” said Janel Guikema, program director of the faculty-led trip. “This coming summer, it will be four and a half weeks. We’ll spend four days in Paris and four weeks in Bordeaux.”
Guikema provided students in attendance with information about the program’s schedule. She went into detail about the wide array of activities that participants on the trip would enjoy during their time in France.
“We go on field trips to castles, medieval villages and the ocean, which is awesome,” Guikema said. “It’s structured enough where you don’t have to do a whole lot of planning. There’s time for you to spread your wings and explore on your own as well.”
Her enthusiasm for the program was echoed by the student panelists in attendance. In addition to sharing their own stories, they supplied photos from their travels. Those in attendance were able to ask questions about what to expect from their future journeys, and appreciated hearing the perspective of their peers.
Ella Miller, a panelist, gave practical advice about navigating both the crowded cities and the quiet countryside of France. While the panelists each had unique successes and challenges, they were all able to make lasting connections with their professors, host families and French peers. This aspect of studying abroad is a draw for many students who are eager to experience the possibilities of life in a different country.
“Learning about other cultures and different parts of the world is an essential part of being a global citizen,” Lane said. “We are all connected, and having an understanding of different life experiences and cultures has a big impact on our lives and our communities.”
Italy, Australia and Japan have been the subject of prior sessions. On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the series will host its final highlight on the country of Chile. The event will feature faculty members involved in the country’s study abroad programs. More student panelists will also be in attendance to promote the celebration of international cultures.
