10B - THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
GRADUATION
MONDAY,MAY5.2003
Exchange students say 'adieu' to KU
John Nowak/Kansan
As programs end, students decide what comes next
Damien Ordronneau, Mayenne, France, exchange student, has spent the last year in Lawrence. Ordronneau said he intended to become a firefighter when he returned to France.
By Melissa Frankel
correspondence@kansan.com
Kansan correspondent
As graduating seniors prepare for their final walk down the hill, international exchange students are also facing their last classes at the University of Kansas.
Robin Merritt, exchange specialist at the Office of Study Abroad, said 47 exchange students had studied at KU during the 2002-2003 academic year. Many of them have only a few days left at the University.
Beau Pritchett, senior program coordinator for the Office of Study Abroad, said he knew of exchange students who later decided to return to KU and seek graduate degrees.
These students have dealt with the challenges of studying abroad, and now, just like the graduating seniors, they must decide what to do with their lives after leaving the KU campus.
"I think that says a lot about our University." Pritchett said.
Laetitia Prost, Besançon, France, exchange student, said she would like to continue studying in France for a year or two. She received her two-year diploma in information management last June from her school in France but decided that was not enough. Her plans took an unexpected turn when she met her boyfriend, Charles Kappauf Jr.,
Dallas senior, while he was studying abroad in France.
"I never thought I'd come to the U.S., but I met a crazy guy and I changed my opinion." Prost said.
So she decided to come to Kansas for a year to be with her boyfriend and improve her English. Prost said after she left the University, she planned to only come back to the United States for vacations.
Damien Ordronneau, Mayenne, France, exchange student, said he would like to work in the United States or other English speaking countries, but his career prevented him from doing it.
Ordronneau plans to become a
"I never thought I'd come to the U.S., but I met a crazy guy and I changed my opinion."
Laetitia Prost
Besançon, France, exchange student
firefighter and he would only be certified to do so in France.
In order to become a firefighter in France, Ordronneau earned a two-year diploma in health, safety and environment. But while he was in the United States, France changed its policy and he must now complete one more
Ordronneau said he appreciated his time at KU.
year of school and pass an exam.
"It opened my mind and showed me that some people are more open-minded than me and some much less." he said.
Peter Akors, Newcastle, England, exchange student, said he would like to work in the United States after he graduated. He studies human resource management and wants to use his career to help people.
"It's been really enjoyable," Akers said. "You're kind of undeservedly popular here."
Edited by Lindsay Hanson
Bv Justin Lamort
Grad school decision pays off in job salary
By Justin Laumit
correspondence@kansan.com
Kansan correspondent
A common reason to go to graduate school is the money.
To go, or not to go — to graduate school — is the question many juniors and seniors are asking themselves this time of year.
The Employment Policy Foundation found that on average someone with a master's degree earned $335,000 more during a lifetime than someone with a bachelor's degree.
"The short amount of time spent on this long term investment greatly enhances your opportunity at potential income," said Rachel Smith, director of admissions at the School of Law.
Numbers, such as the earnings and a slow economy, have increased the competition to get into graduate school. There are many things students can do now to help themselves when it comes time to apply to schools.
A professional or doctoral degree raises that number to $890,000 more during the course of a lifetime.
"Having a rigorous course load, being active with leadership roles in organizations, and excelling through your undergraduate studies are great ways to increase your
chances for admission," Smith said.
Another important factor is an entrance exam, such as the LSAT or MCAT.
Some students take classes to prepare for these tests, but not everyone thinks they are necessary.
"The classes are just too expensive. I just bought a book and studied," said Stacey Reding, Alma senior.
Reding said she spent too much money on other aspects of grad school.
"I spent roughly $800 to $900 on the testing and application fees. All this money is spent even before you get to the school," she said.
Smith said classes were helpful, but not absolutely necessary.
"You can prepare for entrance exams without classes if you're self disciplined," she said.
Choosing where to apply is almost as hard as the application process itself. There are hundreds of programs across the country.
Web sites and magazines such as U.S. News & World Report and Peterson's Guide (www.petersons.com) have guides that describe and rank programs across the nation.
The key is to research and visit different places to find a school that fits.
-Edited by Todd Rapp
k a n s a n . o o m
News NOW
House Shopping? Got Questions? Get Answers!
FREE First Time Home Buyers Workshop Register by phone at (913) 593-6961 or online at www.homebuyersworkshop.org
"A hint of creamy mint and chocolate."
638 Massachusetts 832-CAFE
Try the Iced Grasshopper!
executive, business owner, author,
& consultant to major corporations
Learn significant steps to your personal success.
Featuring Bill Frank
"BE PREPARED TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT!"
1. Makes a great graduation gift
2. Has valuable unique proven ideas
3. In an easy to listen to format and more
Distinguish yourself with confidence in interviews. Honestly!
A nine page copy of "Interviewing Guidelines"
will be included from each order
Please send a check or money order to Resources For Change Inc.
PO Box 111
Baldwin, KS 66006
785-979-9299 (Lawrence)
CD: $19.95
Audio Tape: $17.95
(shipping & handling: $3.00)
DRIVE THRU CARWASHES WITH BLOWER DRYERS
3 LOCATIONS:
6TH AND FLORIDA
9TH AND IOWA
1500 E.23RD
Winston $2.99/pack $28.99/carton
Camels $3.25/pack $28.99/carton
Marlboro $3.44/pack $28.99/carton
---