2008 Woodie Awards
UST adds Jamaican study abroad
Priscilla Bigner
Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: Other News
- Page 1 of 1
UST has extended its study abroad program to include Lucea, Jamaica, according to professor Randy Soffer.
From Jan. 2 to Jan. 12, 10 students will live with Jamaican families in Lucea, which lies between the tourist-friendly resort areas of Montego Bay and Negril. The students will not be staying at a popular location but will instead participate in an immersion program.
Soffer started a similar trip at Southwestern University, with what he said was great success. He said he hopes the program catches on here.
"We will see some sights and take some excursions, but most of the time we will be living in Lucea in the community to learn about the culture and the people," Soffer said.
To gain a better understanding of the Jamaican people and their culture, Soffer said it is important for the students to live with the families, an opportunity not available for other study abroad programs. Two students will live with each of the five families during their stay.
"The difference is that it gets you in touch with a different culture," Soffer said. "You get to see yourself in a different light. It is a unique opportunity for personal growth."
While living with the families, the students will volunteer at the local schools, doing service learning projects. Each night the students will meet to discuss their experiences during the course of that day. Students will also have the opportunity to meet people of the Rastafarian faith.
In participating, they will earn three education credits or three MLA credits, and there are no pre-requisites. The total cost for undergraduate students is $2,300 and $2,500 for graduate students.
While only 10 students have been approved to go this year, Soffer said he hopes to expand the program to allow more students. The Southwestern program started 10 years ago and still exists today.
An informational meeting will be held Nov. 1 from 12:30-1:20 p.m. in Tiller Hall, room 116.
From Jan. 2 to Jan. 12, 10 students will live with Jamaican families in Lucea, which lies between the tourist-friendly resort areas of Montego Bay and Negril. The students will not be staying at a popular location but will instead participate in an immersion program.
Soffer started a similar trip at Southwestern University, with what he said was great success. He said he hopes the program catches on here.
"We will see some sights and take some excursions, but most of the time we will be living in Lucea in the community to learn about the culture and the people," Soffer said.
To gain a better understanding of the Jamaican people and their culture, Soffer said it is important for the students to live with the families, an opportunity not available for other study abroad programs. Two students will live with each of the five families during their stay.
"The difference is that it gets you in touch with a different culture," Soffer said. "You get to see yourself in a different light. It is a unique opportunity for personal growth."
While living with the families, the students will volunteer at the local schools, doing service learning projects. Each night the students will meet to discuss their experiences during the course of that day. Students will also have the opportunity to meet people of the Rastafarian faith.
In participating, they will earn three education credits or three MLA credits, and there are no pre-requisites. The total cost for undergraduate students is $2,300 and $2,500 for graduate students.
While only 10 students have been approved to go this year, Soffer said he hopes to expand the program to allow more students. The Southwestern program started 10 years ago and still exists today.
An informational meeting will be held Nov. 1 from 12:30-1:20 p.m. in Tiller Hall, room 116.