168 SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1996
KU EDITION
LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD
Study Abroad opens worlds
- The Office of Study Abroad continues to send hundreds of KU students around the world each year .
The attitude for the fall semester in the office of study abroad at Kansas University is "It's a small world and it's wonderful!" according to Mary Elizabeth Debicki, director of the office for 10 years.
The Office of Study Abroad listens to what the students are requesting and then responds with the programs that they want. The number of students who study abroad is increasing every year.
"Our top three programs are to Costa Rica, France and Great Britain. We have had a program to Costa Rica for 38 years, that is probably why it is the most popular. Students return with a good experience and tell others. We are very tied to Costa Rica," Debicki said.
With more than 65 different countries possible to study in, the KU programs are extensive with lots of different options.
"Academic year, summer and semester programs are possible. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, so there are ways for almost anyone to go. I would say to plan early to be sure that you can fit this into your scheduling. Come and talk with us about what you need to do to be able to study abroad," Debicki said.
A new focus for fall is to try to involve different departments with the study abroad office in effort to promote study of the subject in the country it originated in.
"We thought, wouldn't it be great to teach Western Civilization where it all began? So we did with our Western Civilization program in France and Italy. This way the students can fulfill their Western Civilization requirements while studying in another country," Debicki said.
Becky Stank, KU senior said, "I went on the Western Civilization program to France and Italy and it was the most unbelievable experience of my life. Being in other countries made me realize how much else there is in the world, and how lucky I was to live in the United States."
Located in 203 Lippincott, the office will have a new reference library for students researching study abroad options. This will be open to anyone interested in study abroad.
"The advice that I would give to a junior thinking about going abroad is why weren't you thinking about this when you were a freshman! These programs make better Americans out of already good Americans, and will change you life forever," Debicki said.
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05-19-98
It is 7 a.m., just the beginning of Becky Kucera's long day. Like many students at Kansas University, Kucera struggles to organize her many activities.
Juggling school, work can be tricky
Office teaches students to better manage time
- Students can have it all, but discipline and moderation are the key.
BY LINDSAY WILLIS
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL-WORLD
Kucera, Omaha, Neb., sophomore, maintains a 4.0 grade-point average, works a part-time job, holds an executive position in her sorority, exercises six days a week and still manages to go out with friends two to three times per week. How does she do it? Time management.
Kucera said she keeps a very tight schedule. She knows her activities are overwhelming, but somehow she manages to balance it all.
"Sometimes I just want to run away from everything, but I know if I do not budget my time, I can't get everything accomplished." Kucera said.
Creating a daily schedule allows Kucera to finish everything, yet still find time to relax.
Unlike Kucera, many students at KU find time management a difficult concept. Students find it
"For some students, managing time is not something that comes easily. Many students spread themselves too thin, and only realize it when it is too late."
hard to adapt to balancing academic, social and professional time. But not learning to adjust to the many obligations of college can cause failure.
Jim Henry, associate director of the University Placement Center
Jim Henry, associate director of the University Placement Center, said that if the average time each student allotted to studying, sleeping, socializing and attending class were compiled, most students would exceed the number of hours that exist.
"For some students, managing time is not something that comes easily." Henry said. "Many students spread themselves too thin, and only realize it when it is too late."
Henry said for many students, time management is a concept that is introduced only after failure at school or work.
"Time management takes discipline, but can be accomplished," Henry said.
Dave Burge, Wichita junior, works 20 hours a week, takes 18 hours in classes and has even appeared in a local drama production. Like Kucera, Burge monitors his time very strictly.
"My day doesn't always go the way I planned, but by following a tentative plan I am capable of accomplishing a variety of tasks," Burge said.
"I was overwhelmed with all this work, and had no idea how to get it all done." Burge said.
For Burge, the past three years have been a lot of trial and error, learning what methods will work in order to keep up with his busy lifestyle.
As a freshman, Burge quickly learned the importance of time management.
There is still help for students who don't find time management as easy by Burge and Kucera. The Student Assistance Center, in Room 133 Strong Hall, focuses on this area.
Pamphlets on time management techniques as well as a schedule of upcoming time management workshops can be obtained at the center. For more information, contact the Student Assistance Center at 864-4064.
Jim Henry, left, associate director of the University Placement Center, specializes in finding jobs. Kim Scarbrough, right, graduate assistant and internship coordinator from Kansas City, Kan., and Henry look through some possible ideas for placements. Success in school, as well as in work, depends largely on time management and self discipline, Henry says.
RICHARD GWIN/JOURNAL-WORLD PHOTO