The Andrews University “Shark Tank” Presentation, coordinated by Provost Christon Arthur, continues to have both faculty members and students alike excited about the promise of future projects and programs coming to Andrews soon. Among the several projects to win a portion of the prize money from the event, one that seemed to be a favorite amongst students in the audience (based on private interviews and the general level of excitement the student audience had towards this project compared to others) was AU Abroad: An International Partnership for Learning Research and Internships. This program earned $50,000 to contribute to funding the program's pilot study-abroad trip to Newbold College and the United Kingdom.
The presenters of this proposed program were Explore Andrews Program Director, Aaron Moushon and English Chair, Vanessa Corredera, representing a larger planning group of the following deans and professors: Liz Muhlenbeck, Amy Rosenthal, Kimberley Pichot, Garth Woodruff, and Lionel Johnson. The initial first glance of the glamorous prospect of traveling internationally for college credits seems like an obvious and blatant way to attract and inspire students. However, despite it maybe looking like another typical, expensive study-abroad tour, Dr. Corredera was able to provide in greater detail the goals and expectations of the program.
Interview with Dr. Corredera
What helped the collective group come up with this idea?
“It was the brainchild of some other members on [our] team who had connections to Newbold because they had gone there when they were [students] in college. As we developed the idea, we realized that a lot of other…universities and art institutions that [already] have programs like this. So, this is certainly something that we thought would be of high value and high impact to offer to our students.”
Who is the desired target audience that you are looking to be specifically impacted by this program?
“Our ideal is to make sure that the project target reaches a wide range of students. For example, I am offering an English class, but it is a general education English class that is something all students need to graduate. So, the idea is to offer at least one class that’s for all students. The Business courses are also courses that students can use towards graduation, but it’s also something that Business students can use towards their major. We also have students that will be joining us from Architecture and from Landscape Design. So, the idea was to bring together students from different disciplines. I would say that the other piece we kept in mind was accessibility. We understand that when it comes to going somewhere like the UK… this is not necessarily diversifying the study tour that’s typical. However, the way that we want to stress access is by making it affordable. So this is a very impactful and low cost experience.”
How many students do you plan on having to participate in this program?
“We are limited by the space. In order to make this financially feasible for students, and to not have a fee on top of what they’ll pay for the course, [we will] be staying at Newbold. It has really nice accommodations for an [incredibly low] cost. So, right now, at least before the program can grow, we’re hoping to be able to take 30-36 students plus faculty members.”
What specifically do you plan on using the $50,000 towards?
“It’s going to a number of things. It’s going towards internship placements. So, we’re paying a company to help students to do international internships. It’s going towards travel grants… that can help students offset those costs [of transportation and other weekend excursions in the area]. The money will also go towards entrance fees, theater tickets, teacher contracts, books—it’s a range of things.”
When should we expect the program to be fully functional?
“It’s going to be in the summer of 2023, and right now we are tentatively aiming to ask students to arrive by May 11 or 12, with the idea that classes will start the following Monday [May 15]. We are working around other events on campus to figure it out. Classes would run until May 26. So, it’s two full weeks of classes. Students would have minimal work when they return home. The goal for students is to only have one project or paper to work on for part of the summer. Students also have the option of staying [in the UK] longer… if they want to work and do their internships there.”
A couple of students also cared to share their personal opinions and perspectives on study tours and the prospect of the Newbold/United Kingdom tour in particular.
Interview with Bryn Johns (freshman, psychology) and Evan Keyes (freshman, business marketing)
What attracts you to the prospect of a study abroad tour?
BJ: “What attracts me to the idea of doing a study tour is just the great opportunity it presents to explore more of the world…outside of the United States, which I haven’t seen much of.”
EK: “I think the idea of learning about new cultures is what attracts me to studying abroad.”
What do you find interesting about the prospect of a tour in the United Kingdom?
BJ: “A tour in the United Kingdom would be interesting to me because I’ve never been, and I think it would be cool to see the differences in culture, and the way they do life in comparison to America.”
EK: “The UK has such old roots compared to the US. [I find] its history is much more interesting than ours.”
Would you consider attending a UK tour this summer or in the coming years?
BJ: “I will definitely consider going on a tour one of these years! Maybe not this upcoming one, but once I’m able to plan it out a little more, I would love to attend one.”
EK: “Yes, I would consider attending this study tour.”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.