Elon University’s Global Education Center saw a record number of students participating Study USA this Winter Term.
“We had six [courses] this year, three of which were returning courses and three brand-new ones," said assistant professor Mark Dalhouse, director of Study USA. "I have at least two new ones in the offerings for next year, so I’m thinking that we’ll stabilize the set around seven or eight courses."
Dalhouse is constantly looking to increase Study USA participation by offering something for students across all majors.
“One of the things I want Study USA to do is branch out and offer options for students from whatever major,” Dalhouse said. “It’s really fun as director of Study USA, because part of my job is to try to create and dream up new courses.”
The Study Abroad program has also seen an upward trend of students enrollment during the winter.
Director of Study Abroad Rhonda Waller said that while there were not many new programs offered internationally this Winter Term, there has been a steady increase in students traveling abroad in fall and spring semesters.
With studying abroad as a core component of the Elon Commitment, Waller explained that her mission is to provide 100 percent access to global engagement opportunities.
“We’re trying to get every student to consider it as a way to enhance their time at Elon and to enhance their degree,” Waller said.
Because of major requirements, Waller recognizes some students feel limited and unable to spend a semester in another country. She argues Winter Term is a viable alternative for all students.
“We’re always promoting Winter Term,” she said. “We’re not necessarily trying to drive people towards Winter Term. We’re just thinking about the big picture and going, ‘Hey, in your four years, we really want you to have a global engagement experience.’”
Sophomore Courtney McKelvey is currently abroad in India and will participate in Elon in DC in the spring. McKelvey said Winter Term was the perfect time to immerse herself in a culture completely different than the one she grew up in.
While she plans to do a semester abroad, she might not have had another opportunity to go to India. She said that because full semesters abroad often align with major credits, Winter Term allows students to have the flexibility to study issues outside their majors.
“I’m studying education in India with a focus in science, so as a policy and international studies major it’s cool to learn about teaching methods and engage in science experiments with Indian students," she said.
According to Waller, part of the department’s success can be attributed to the popularity of the current courses among students and its recognition in various national lists.
For example, in the Open Doors 2014 report, the Institute of International Education ranked Elon No. 1 for the total number of students who studied overseas during the 2012-13 academic year.
“We’re really lucky here at Elon to have a culture where students already are really highly-aware that study abroad is an option,” Waller said.