The International Programs Committee organized an International Coffee Hour on Feb. 6 in the Honors Center room number 114.
The purpose of the Coffee Hour was to inform students about the different opportunities the exchange program offers and introduce international students to FMU. The Coffee Hour also covered many topics, such as the stories of those who went to different countries and the beauty of architecture in countries like Spain.
Shawn Smolen-Morton was one of the speakers at the meeting. He, along with Kristin Kiely, led a joint class to Burgos, Spain, last year to explore the city. Smolen-Morton expressed how it was like stepping into the past when he was there.
“One of the pretty cool things about Burgos is it’s like stepping into a time machine because the culture there has not kept up with modernity,” Smolen-Morton said. “There are modern amenities there, but the pace of life, the structure of life, is like 80 years ago.”
Christian Stevens, a senior history major, participated in the exchange program last year and was able to travel to France. He shared how it was worth experiencing and how he enjoyed his time there.
“While studying abroad, you are introduced to different things, new cultures, people, languages,” Stevens said. “I would highly recommend it, though, because you are not only going for yourself and your future, but you’re getting a different perspective of the world and it’s eye-opening, really eye-opening.”
The Coffee Hour also touched on the benefits of taking part in the exchange program at FMU. Melissa Dungan, the program specialist of the international program, shared how students are able to acquire new skills while also learning about a new culture.
“There are many benefits for participating in an exchange program, including gaining new global perspectives, learning about a new culture and possibly a new language,” Dungan said. “You can also acquire skills that can be used for future job opportunities or even at school, such as cultural awareness, intercultural communication, independence and adaptability.”
The exchange program has many schools located throughout Europe and South America. Countries students can visit include Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland and Ecuador.
The President of the University, Dr. Fred Carter, provides a cost-effective way to travel abroad at FMU by paying half of the airfare if the cost is less than $1,500.
If students are interested in the exchange program, they are welcome to contact Mark Blackwell, Director of International Programs, or Dungan. There are also applications available online with the requirements on the FMU website.