Study Abroad Exchange Program

Maxine Camero
Staff Writer

Students at Lewis and Clark Community College now have the opportunity to study abroad thanks to L&C being a member of the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP).

The ICISP allows students to now have the opportunity to go to different countries, such as Austria in the fall, or Costa Rica in the summer, to further their education.

The program doesn’t go through L&C itself, but through ICISP, which is a group of two year colleges that are offering the study abroad program.

In order to study abroad, students must meet the minimum requirements, which consist of 2.75 GPA or higher, a “B” or better in freshman composition, 12-15 hours of college earned credit, two letters of recommendation from teachers or staff, a completed application and a cash deposit.

“It’s an attainable, affordable, and a well organized way to help students have an international experience as a part of their college education,” said Allison Harper, coordinator at the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Students would attend classes taught in English at a native school from the country of their choosing. Each class does earn credit towards the student’s graduation needs, and courses about the countries history and traditions are often required.

Scholarships are also available from ICISP, such as the ICISP Founder’s Study Abroad Scholarship.

Once in the host country, students will either stay with a host family or in a residence hall. Costs range from $3,200 to $12,930, which includes instruction, room and board, course-related field trips and administrative costs. Airfare costs are separate.

“I think that it’s a good opportunity for students to go and learn about other cultures, besides the American way. You will learn the value of living in another place that isn’t your own country,” said Taylor Beimfohr, a mass communications major at L&C.

There is also a faculty and staff exchange program as well. It is a two week exchange program in which a staff or faculty member will switch with another staff or faculty member from a foreign country.

For more information on studying abroad, feel free to visit Allison Harper in Caldwell, Room 1331, or email her at aharper@lc.edu for help with choosing where to visit, and gaining more knowledge on the program itself.