After many discussions with the Student Government Association and the approval of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Donna Waldron, assistant professor of English for Campbell University, has been named director of the Study Abroad program. As director, Waldron enables students to take classes around the world. “It is an individually focused program allowing students to go where they have dreamed of going and to do what they have dreamed of doing,” said Waldron.
Through the program, “Australearn,” junior social science/education major Allison Ackerman is traveling to Brisbane, Australia, in the fall to study religion, history and social sciences. “Dr. Waldron was my professor last semester and when I went to her office to hand in a paper, I saw the information about study abroad,” said Ackerman. “While in Australia I will be taking courses in my major, as well as elective courses that will broaden my educational background.”
Waldron has seen a steady trickle of students interested in the programs come to her office and recommends making an appointment to discus the different options. She advises students who are juniors or seniors to plan now and apply for financial aid. “The prices of the programs are comparable to a semester at Campbell,” said Waldron. “The housing varies and depends on each program. Students should not assume they cannot afford it.”
Arcadia University serves as a third party provider with internships mostly in Europe and Australia. A student can earn anywhere from three to 18 credits in a variety of fields ranging from anthropology to Women’s Studies. Waldron said the best way to land an internship out of the country is to apply and send resumes early. Waldron is currently planning a summer trip to Costa Rica for those students needing Spanish and biology credit.
Assistant Professor Dr. John Bartlett and associate professor Dr. Debora Weaver of Biological Sciences are also making the journey. Their religion, Latin American history and environmental science classes will be taught. Georgia Martin from the Theater Arts Department in association with Waldron is planning a British literature and theater class in London in the summer of 2007.
Dr. Waldron’s main goal is to provide a trip for the students that will meet their individual needs. “I want to counsel and coach their dreams,” said Waldron. “My goal is to offer something to everyone in each department of the College of Arts and Sciences for those students in good academic standing.”