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Students encouraged to find own way abroad

Word has gotten around of our two exchange students here at STA. Meeting these girls brings up the fact that no STA students have studied abroad in recent history. St. Teresa’s does not have a written study abroad policy for students, according to Principal of Academic Affairs Ms. Barb McCormick, because students have not shown interest in these kinds of programs for years.

Maybe no one is interested in these types of programs because we are uneducated about the means of doing so here at St. Teresa’s. McCormick said that in most cases, students would have to repeat the year or semester they are missing because she cannot ensure the same quality of education at any other school, especially abroad. She also says that students studying abroad here are aware that they will not be receiving school credit for their attendance, but that they are here for exposure to American culture and language.

Arianna Guglielminotti of Italy and Kathy Zhang of China, are both studying at St. Teresa’s as part of study abroad programs. Both Guglielminotti and Zhang said they wanted to come to the United States to learn about American language and culture. Neither girl is getting school credit for their time here, but they will have to take a test when they return to their regular schools. Guglielminotti said that “you have to be brave and have a lot of courage [because studying abroad] is hard.”

McCormick wants STA students to know that the administration is not saying no to study abroad programs. She encourages students who are interested to look into programs that do not affect their academic year, such as summer programs. She also makes the point of the availability of technology as a tool to learn about other cultures without affecting a student’s academic year.

If a student is very serious about studying abroad during her time here at St. Teresa’s, McCormick encourages her to really look into the courses within the school with her parents and then come to her.

It may seem like STA administration is denying us the opportunity to study abroad like Kathy and Arianna, but they have a good point. Yes, studying abroad would be an incredible opportunity, but we go to St. Teresa’s because of its incredible academics. It is almost impossible to be sure you are getting the same, rigorous education at any other school. This is why credits do not transfer from studying anywhere else.

There are incredible opportunities to learn about a new culture and learn a new language that do not affect our academic year at St. Teresa’s. Interested students should look into summer programs like Amigos de las Americas and Rotary Youth Exchange. These kinds of programs take place during the summer and offer the same immersion as studying in another country.

The foreign language departments at STA offer international trips to practice language about every other year. These trips often include a family stay which is the best kind of immersion you can get. These trips, if taken advantage of, can be very beneficial for students and are hosted by STA teachers and faculty members.

There are a variety of programs for students to learn about a new culture and practice a new language that do not affect the academic year at St. Teresa’s. Of course, there is always time in college, but for students who can’t wait, get involved in summer programs. Or if you are dead-set on studying in Argentina your first semester junior year, start researching extensively with your parents. Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity, but not easy. Students should be absolutely sure that they are ready to do something like this. If you are, bon voyage!

 

 

Right on Target: Each issue, the Dart asks three people their opinions of the issue discussed in the main editorial. Here’s what they said.

Compiled by Sabrina Redlingshafer

The Question: How Could STA be more helpful for students wanting to study abroad?

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Picture of Sarah Knopik

English teacher Ms. Knopik: “STA needs a program. It means us investigating a school in other countries, especially those exchange students come from.”

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Picture of Grace Spencer

Senior Grace Spencer: “I think STA can provide more information for programs who take girls to study abroad, be more open to discussion and create policies.”

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Picture of MaryMichael Hough

Freshman MaryMichael Hough: “STA should have more programs that promote [studying abroad] because you get a taste of another culture and language.”

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