NEW FRONTIERS IN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: SOBA'S JUNIOR TRIMESTER ABROAD

Business students share one common disadvantage: most of them speak only one language which is usually English. This prevents them from engaging in the many study abroad experiences that are available on campuses across the United States and abroad. To enable our business students to take advantage of the enormous benefits that study in a foreign venue provides, the Business School at Fort Lewis College has crated, developed and implemented a unique study abroad format known as the Junior Trimester Abroad (JTA). Through the JTA, even students with no foreign language skills can travel abroad, stay for an extended period and study, keeping on track for graduation.

The secret to the JTA and its success is in the dynamics of the program. Envisioned by Jeremy Coleman in the early 90's, the JTA was conceived to allow business students at the College to travel abroad with regular faculty from the College to virtually any destination that was attractive to the faculty member involved. The program began modestly, with one faculty member leading a small group of undergraduate students abroad for a full semester in the winter months. Today, the program involves two destinations: France and Germany. And today, faculty members partner so that a full range of courses are available to the students who take advantage of this wonderful and unique opportunity. Generally, 25 students travel in the JTA program each year.

The JTA is a life changing experience for our students. There is no replacement for the value added to our educational program from providing this opportunity. We always hear from our students who have participated in the program that they learned invaluable lessons traveling in Europe and that they learned about themselves. Students develop self respect and learn self reliance in these programs. It also takes a great deal of self discipline to stay on target in course work while enjoying a foreign land. Most students lack this self discipline when they come abroad, but have acquired it by the time they leave. All in all, the program is a success with the students. They love to travel, and they learn much more than they would in a normal classroom on campus.

This paper discusses the value of study abroad for all students. I will provide details about the JTA program and how it works.