Section B · Page 4
The University Daily Kansan
Tuesday, September 26, 2000
Study abroad helps students choose majors, see the world
By Jennifer Brown Kansan correspondent
Mary Simon had no idea what to major in when she arrived at the University of Kansas.
What helped Simon decide did not lie within the subjects offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, but in an opportunity she discovered while studying abroad.
Simon, a Wichita junior, found an opportunity to reduce her four semesters of required Spanish to one she spent the semester at a Spanish university. "I could get Spanish out of the way quickly and actually learn the language better than I would have if I dragged it out over four semesters," Simon said. "I would also keep up with my other subjects and have great fun as well."
was forced to learn the language — it's the best way," she said. "I also visited so many places all over Europe, and the friends I made came from all over the world and they will last a lifetime."
So Simon became one of 1,000 KU students who packed their bags and headed off to a distant corner of the world to study.
Simon attended the University of Malaga in Ronda, Spain, last spring. Her trip did more than get her Spanish credits out of the way.
"I could get Spanish out of the way quickly and actually learn the language better than I would have if I dragged it out over four semesters."
"I lived with a Spanish family and
Europe not only broadened Simon's horizons, it gave her an unforgettable experience and led her to make an important decision. Upon returning to the University, Simon declared her degree as a double major in International
a double major in International Communi
Mary Simon
Wichita junior
Communications and Spanish.
David Wiley, study abroad outreach coordinator, said that study abroad was a great opportunity for students with a program to suit everyone. While some students have a specific idea about where they want to go and why, others just want to experience something different, he said.
"Some people come in with ideas to go to particular cities, but when they see the options and hear more about the programs they can find somewhere that suits them even better." Wiley said.
Simon now is taking more Spanish classes and is looking forward to studying abroad again, this time in Paraguay in the spring. She plans to spend eight months at another university improving her language skills
MORE INFORMATION
Study Abroad daily information meetings, 2023 Lippincott Hall:
■ Mondays — 2:30 p.m.
■ Tuesdays and Wednesdays — 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
■ Thursdays — 10:30 a.m.
and making more international friends and connections.
Simon hopes to graduate in May 2002 and although she still is not committed to an occupation, she wants to use Spanish in her career. She also is considering living in South America for a while and then traveling through Europe.
Wiley said he was pleased at the number of freshmen who came to the recent Study Abroad Fair because going abroad can be a great opportunity to help students make decisions about their degrees.
Wiley said his experience as a student studying in Sweden was awesome, but he stressed that it didn't matter where a student went as long as it was different.
Any student wanting to know more about study abroad can attend one of the daily information meetings in 203 Lippincott Hall.
the next Study Abroad Fair will be Wednesday, Nov. 8, for students interested in studying abroad during Summer 2001. Faculty directors and students will be available to discuss the programs.
— Edited by Kimberly Thompson
By Saju Ng'alla
Kansan correspondent
African language classes can stir career ambitions
Two students in the African Language class Kiswahili 110 hope the course will help them find careers in Africa.
"I was touched and moved from learning about the different religions, arts, the beautiful landscape and the people of the different regions of $\Delta$ Frica." Naasz said.
Naasz took other African classes to learn more about the continent. The more classes she took, the more her interest in Africa grew, she said.
When Naasz came to the University of Kansas, she didn't know what career she wanted to pursue. She only knew that whatever she chose would involve helping people. She took Introduction to African History and instantly was captivated, she said.
Meghan Collar, Overland Park senior, and Melanie Naasz, Wichita Junior, both are in their third semester of Kiswahili, with just one more semester to go. They hope that learning the east African language will bring them closer to their dreams of working in Africa.
"Africa is a beautiful country, rich with culture and heritage," Naasz said. "I want a chance to experience that and at the same time help to make things better."
"Then one day, it hit me," Naasz said. "Whatever career I chose, it would involve working in Africa. I am in love with that place."
Naasz's major now is African studies.
According to the African Studies department, the program's goal is to deepen the knowledge and enrich understanding of the history and culture of African people.
Collar said she wanted to join the Peace Corps, and Kiswahili was the third language class she had enrolled in, along with French and Chinese. Collar said that the more languages she became familiar with, the more valuable she would be to the Peace Corps.
Traveling to distant countries won't be a new experience for Collar. Her sophomore year, she took a semester off to go to China, where she studied the language and taught English. She said the experience in China strengthened her determination to join the Peace Corps.
Like Naasz, Collar would like to work in Africa but said she was willing to work anywhere in the world. Collar said she planned to double major in African Studies and either humanities or environmental studies. If she majored in environmental studies, she would have two career options: health policy consultant or hunger poverty
consultant. Either one, she said, would allow her to work in Africa.
"I am particularly concerned about the AIDS epidemic in some parts of Africa," Collar said.
If she majored in humanities, Collar said she would consider becoming a crosscultural relations specialist or a public relations representative.
Collar already has been interviewed by a Peace Corps recruiter and said she was very excited about the prospect of working for the organization.
"I have always wanted to work in the Peace Corps," she said. "I just like to help people."
Collar said she donated a lot of her time to volunteer work. In her years at the University, she has worked with the disabled and has taught English at the Applied English Center.
Collar said that as a Peace Corps officer she would like to work in AIDS awareness and prevention programs. She loves to teach, and said she also would be interested in teaching English in a foreign country. However, she said she was willing to do whatever she could if it helped her get into the Peace Corps.
"I just want to help," Collar said.
- Edited by Casey Franklin
Don't forget the 20% student discount on Kansan classifieds
Grant Thornton
DESTINATION SUCCESS
Make your path to success with Grant Thorton. Our focus is to meet the needs
of our clients who are focused on the future and always moving ahead.
To meet these needs we must stay one step ahead - in our thinking, in our approach - and most important, our people.
This is why we are dedicated to recruiting outstanding people and providing them with the training and tools to prepare them for a future with our firm.
ATTENTION BUSINESS & ACCOUNTING MAJORS
KU CAREER FAIR SEPTEMBER 27, WEDNESDAY 1-6 P.M. KANSAS UNION
It's taken you a long time to get where you are. How much further do you want to go? The opportunities are limitless - so make your path to success at Grant Thornton.
"Our company is called a 'first mover' because our people thrive on the leadership of making things happen." Richard C. Green, Jr., CEO
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Aquila Energy is a division of UtiliCorp United. UtiliCorp is a growth-oriented Fortune 100 energy company with more than $7 billion in assets,both national and international presence,and a strong reputation for reliability and outstanding performance in all areas of our organization.
Aquila Energy Is A Premier Global Energy Merchant
Aquila is one of the fastest growing energy merchants in the United States with sales and marketing operations in Kansas City, Houston, Denver, Calgary and other targeted locations in North America.
Company growth and rapid industry change have resulted in tremendous opportunities for Aquila employees - and people like you who are looking for a great career move.
We have opportunities available for: Account Associate Power Origination Structure Desk Analyst
AQUILA ENERGY
A UtiliCorp United Company
Come see us at the career fair located at the Kansas Union on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 1pm - 6pm or visit our website for more information www.aquilaenergy.com
V
ENERG
1