International Studies Initiative at Grand Rapids Community College
The International Studies Initiative is committed to expanding opportunities
for students wishing to travel or study abroad, and faculty interested in
developing or advancing their knowledge of international issues.
To that end, the ISI engages in outreach to other colleges and universities, partnering with internationally-focused community organizations, connecting with international programs nationwide and internationally, and working with the many faculty and staff at GRCC who are involved with international students and projects.
For more information, call the International Studies Initiative office at (616)
234-4879.
Russian
Scholar on Campus
(12/3)
View the Latest
Newsletter (Spring 2008)
STUDY
ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRCC STUDENTS
Currently, there are three
categories of study abroad opportunities:
1) Faculty-led summer trips
These trips are organized through GRCC. Students should contact the appropriate
professors if interested.
Ireland –
Professor Roger Schlosser 234-4413
rschloss@grcc.edu
Berlin to Prague –
Professor Aleta Anderson 234-4879
aanderso@grcc.edu
Watch for other trips which
may evolve this semester.
2) Trips through
organizations In your internet search, you will come across many travel
organizations that sponsor student trips. You may pursue any of these, but do
check out the programs offered by American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) at
www.AIFS.com or International Studies Abroad
(ISA) at http://studiesabroad.com . GRCC
is currently working on an agreement to accept credits from their pre-organized
group trips.
3) Independent travel
Students locate and arrange their own travel and study.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH
First things first: Where do you want to go and what do you want to study? It is
up to you to research and secure opportunities, costs, financial aid,
scholarships and course credit evaluators. The internet is the best way to
conduct that search. We post some opportunities on our website. We also
recommend you do your own internet searches using some of these keywords:
“study abroad” “language
immersion” “foreign study”
Include
the region you are interested in and what you would like to study, e.g.:
“study abroad” London “international business”
II. COSTS
Students are responsible for costs associated with trips and courses. Financial
Aid may be available; please consult with our Financial Aid office. There are
also many scholarships available. To begin your search, check out the resources
here
http://igrcc.grcc.cc.mi.us/ShowPage.cfm?PageID=2810.
III. COURSE CREDIT
In order to have your credits transfer from your foreign studies to GRCC, you
will need to have them evaluated by a GRCC-approved foreign educational
credential evaluation service, who will make a recommendation to the College
about whether to accept your credits. The list of approved services can be found
at http://naces.org/members.htm .
These services charge a fee, which is the responsibility of the student.
Faculty-led summer trips are already accredited, as are trips through
GRCC-approved student travel organizations (currently
AIFS and
ISA).
IV. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need to apply for a passport and a student visa. More info can be found
on the internet and at
http://www.passportinfo.com/Local/MI.htm and at
http://www.travel.state.gov/
Should you have any
further questions, please contact International Studies at 234-4657. |