Study-abroad department adds staff, programs

Study-abroad department adds staff, programs

BY JESSICA JOHNS POOL
Rice News Staff

International Programs, the department that arranges study in other countries for Rice students, spent the summer expanding its staff and adding new programs.

COURTESY PHOTO

Forty percent of Rice students study abroad at some point during their college years. This number is expected to grow.

“In an increasingly global world, it’s invaluable for our students to have a variety of programs available where they can learn among different cultures, and even in another language,” said Barbara Harrison, director of international programs. “In today’s rapidly changing world, it is almost essential to future employment that students incorporate some form of international experience as part of their university education. Therefore, it is our goal to ensure Rice students have as many opportunities as possible available to them.”

Offering study-abroad opportunities also will help Rice achieve its Vision for the Second Century goal of becoming an international university, with a significant orientation toward Asia and Latin America.

Among its services, the office hosts information sessions for students to learn about opportunities, evaluates new programs for faculty and students, and supports faculty who wish to establish student exchange programs or overseas study as part of a curriculum. In all, the six-person team manages more than 500 study options available to Rice students, including new programs in Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

“We have a program to suit any degree, any language or any country desired,” said Harrison. “We’ll work with faculty to advise or verify that a course is academically rigorous or appropriate for the student’s degree requirements, and we’ll help the student decide if a program is right for their goals.”

The department continues to support students throughout their study-abroad experience, remaining in close contact with them and with their host universities and program providers. Their support even extends to when students return, when they offer intensive re-entry orientation and support.

With her newly expanded staff, Harrison plans to survey faculty this fall to get input on shaping future programs and services. Approximately 40 percent of Rice students study abroad at some point.

Students who are interested in learning more about international programs should attend a “step one” information session. The sessions are held every Wednesday at 4 p.m. and Thursday at noon in Miner Lounge or Meyer Conference Room, Rice Memorial Center. The office also will host their semiannual International Programs Fair Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center.

The Office of International Programs is located in the Ley Student Center. Learn more at abroad.rice.edu.