Ventures Summer 2016 | Page 17

VISIT stevenson.edu/ventures to read about the first Experiential Learning Expo. STUDY AWAY AT SU Stevenson students most recently traveled to India, Eastern Europe, and Italy. At right: Students are interviewed by WJZ-TV News about their experiences in Italy. Pisano says that typical housing scenarios for these the reintegration is. It’s basically reverse culture shock. Our programs can include a residence hall, an apartment with job is to explain that it’s normal and that everyone goes locals or other international students, or a homestay with through it to a certain extent. Also, often returnees find that a local family. In addition, some of SU’s options offer an their friends and family do not readily understand how they internship or service experience. were affected by their travel experience.” She also wants to make more students aware of the many There are a number of ways to help returning students scholarships available for international study, from national adjust. Several universities in Baltimore—including, recently, organizations as well as program-specific and SU scholarships. Stevenson—participate in a conference about returning from “The goal is to give students with different needs—including study abroad. The office also teaches the students how to take academic and financial considerations­—the opportunity to what they’ve learned and the skills they gained and translate participate in international and off-campus study through a those into their future plans. They are encouraged to join variety of choices in courses, destinations, and aid mobility.” clubs, such as the International Student Association, as well as to volunteer in the office and at study abroad events to speak about their experience. Overall, the Office of International and Off-Campus Study is well prepared to help students find programs and funding, fill out applications, and process their study away experiences. Pisano believes that taking part in a study away program, whether at home or abroad, is well worth considering. “Often people will tell me that their one regret from college was not studying abroad,” she says. “The opportunity to live in another country is one that is so much easier to The comprehensive student support Pisano’s office provides pursue during rather than after the college years, and is an goes beyond advising and help with applications; it also integral part of a well-rounded liberal arts education.” includes helping students readjust when they come back to Stevenson. “We offer re-entry resources for students upon their return. That’s because many times, they don’t anticipate the adjustment back to the United States,” Pisano says. “The more they integrate while they’re away, the more challenging The Office of International and Off-Campus Study is one facet of the many experiential opportunities offered at SU. Others include Experiential Learning, Internships, Service-Learning, Undergraduate Research, and Clinical Experiences and Practicums. STEVENSON.EDU | 13