By
Felician Masumbuko
So you think that you just missed an opportunity
to go to Australia? No, the Office of International Education
at Buffalo State College is still waiting for you.
Going abroad to enhance one’s academic
experience can open doors to many aspects of life: the way
one views the world, gives a better understanding of the
world or a cultural experience.
Depending on your first choice, one application
can get you in one of the following Australian universities:
February was the deadline for some universities,
but many are still open and the OIE is open for any student
interested in gaining such opportunity.
Lee Ann Grace, the director of the OIE said:
“We will continue accepting applications for the study
abroad option at the University of Newcastle and the University
of South Australia until April 1.
“Students who participate in
the program say that they become more independent, flexible
and more in tune about what is going in the world,”
said Grace
Marie Igne, a fashion design major who went
to France said, “The trip opened me to the world and
shaped my understanding of diversity.”
Lodging, in Australian dollars, ranges from
$12 per night to $75 per week. For those wishing more space,
apartments range from $80 to $140 per week.
For more on housing, visit:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/housing
http://www.unisa.edu.au/accommodation
“I have never talked to a returnee who
wasn’t incredibly excited that he/she had done it,”
said Dr. Grace.
Lauren Keefe, a French education major who
went to France last year said: “My character and personality
changed. I am more open and decisive.”
The pre departure orientation includes:
- passport issues;
- visas;
- registration;
- health insurance;
- safety regulations.
“At this moment, we have no Australians at BSC and
that is due in part to the fluctuation of the Australian
dollar compared to the U.S. dollar,” Dr.Grace said
According to Grace, exchange fairs are planned
in the middle of March and the University of Newcastle and
the University of South Australia will host both events.
The University of South Australia offers the
largest number of exchange positions.
The OEI at BSC has 11 applications so far
and the door is still open.
To qualify, one must be meet one of the following requirements:
- be a sophomore, junior or senior
- have 3.0 GPA
- be accepted in a graduate program
Buffalo State has already sent five students
for this semester, one in fall 2002, eight in spring 2002
and five in the fall 2001.
For those planning to spend their final semester
or year abroad, they must make sure that all requirements
for graduation are met prior to their departure.
“It is fun,” said Lauren, but
“Students must remember to obey laws and regulations,”
the OIE booklet says.
For more on Australian universities, please
go to
http://www.buffalostate.edu/offices/
intnated/australi.htm
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