This 8-week course prepares students for the rewarding educational
experience of studying abroad. Taught from an interdisciplinary
perspective, the course will stimulate students both to think about
and to openly discuss, their primary goals/concerns with overseas
study. The course is structured around four major topics: 1) pre-
departure considerations; 2) life in the host country; 3) strategies
for recognizing obstacles and overcoming challenges; and 4)
integrating study and daily personal experiences with post-travel
educational goals. Students will be expected to complete weekly
readings for the course, participate in weekly discussions, and
present a short in-class presentation focusing on the host country
they plan to visit. Maximizing Study Abroad (2002) will be used as
the primary text for the class. International students and faculty
members from IU will visit the class throughout the semester to
share their personal experiences studying abroad and conducting
research outside of the U.S.