Concordia International Study Consortium offers study abroad experiences

Almost half of high school seniors plan to study abroad during college, but only 3 percent actually do, according to a poll conducted by the American Council on Education. Concordia University, Nebraska is trying to make the dream of studying abroad easier to achieve for its students.

Concordia has joined forces with seven other schools in the Concordia University System as part of the Concordia International Study Consortium to offer semester-long experiences for students to study abroad.  Each group is guided by a faculty member from a participating school. The presence of that faculty member helps students view the international experience through a faith-based, Concordia perspective. Working with International Studies Abroad, the fifth largest international study provider in the United States, also gives students the support systems of that group. While overseas students live with host families, giving them another experience beyond the academic one.

“A student doesn’t have to leave behind the Concordia experience with a CISC study abroad semester,” explained Julie Johnston Hermann, director of international education at Concordia University, Nebraska. “This can be very encouraging to students who are already venturing out in a new country and experiencing new situations.”

A global perspective is highly valued by parents and by employers. In a 2009 Institute of International Education study, the CEOs surveyed acknowledged the importance of a study abroad experience. They noted students with international study experience demonstrate strong social skills, self-confidence and adaptability.

The inaugural experience of the CISC took five students to San Juan, Costa Rica, in January.  Plans for the spring 2012 semester in Cost Rica are underway.