THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2001
TU expands study-aboard program
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
Students attending Tiffin University now have more choices in gaining an international perspective on their education.
The university has recently expanded its study-abroad program to offer programs in Leiden, Netherlands; Geneva, Switzerland and Vienna, Austria.
Coordinator Bruce Bowlus said the program, begun in 1995 with Regents College in London, enlisted about four to five students per semester.
The program, affiliated with Webster College in St. Louis, was begun to offer students an international experience.
"When we began the program, most students preferred starting with an English speaking country,'' Bowlus said. "Now we felt we were well grounded for going to other countries, then the opportunity presented itself.''
All classes will be in English, and many courses in business will be offered to TU students.
"These three have a much broader catalog of courses, particularly in the area of business,'' he said. "It provides a wonderful opportunity, especially for those students interested in international business studies.''
Bowlus is working with others at TU to let students know about the changes in the program. Because of the affiliation with Webster College, the tuition rates are virtually identical to Tiffin's.
"And the administration has offered to pay the round-trip airfare for the student,'' Bowlus said. "The cost of living is a little more, but they might never be able to do this again in their life. To live in cities that they see in brochures all of the time. To spend four months, still keep up with their coursework, and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in European culture.''
After a short acclimation period, students begin their classwork. Bowlus said there is no foreign language requirement. TU international students can participate in the programs as well.
Bowlus would like to see 10 to 15 students sent to the four different locations when the fall semester begins.
"I'd love to see as many as possible,'' he added. "Yet considering how young the program is, I'm happy at this point. We are where we should be.''