A new program is joining the University’s study abroad lineup. While some trips accept only certain majors and others work toward a specific degree, Res Life on the Geaux accepts students from all backgrounds.
Led by construction management instructor Paige Davis and director of academic programs abroad Harold Leder, the 10-day trip will take place during spring break and make stops in three countries: Germany, Switzerland and France.
Instead of teaching the students specific course material, the main goal of the program is to teach students to appreciate other culture.
“The goal of this program is to introduce students to international travel and open their eyes to cultural awareness and understand communication across cultures,” Davis said. “We’re not trying to teach engineering. We’re not trying to teach art. The whole idea is a holistic view of international travel.”
Students will meet twice before the trip and twice after. The one-credit class INTL 1990 will culminate in a reflective essay at the end of the semester.
“It’s a special section just for them,” Davis said. “No one else can take it.”
Davis said the class, as well as the trip, is not geared toward a certain major but is meant to introduce students to all aspects of studying abroad.
Twelve students with backgrounds ranging from business to biochemistry to social work are enrolled for the inaugural trip.
Leder said he expects lively group discussions because of the difference in students’ academic backgrounds.
The bulk of the class will take place during the trip, Davis said. She told students to expect every minute of the day to be full because the trip is not as long as typical study abroad programs.
The group will pack in their course in a week, while other trips take their courses in four weeks.
“Just make yourself aware that we’re going to pack your days,” Davis told participants. “We’ve planned great activities, so you can see as much as you can.”
The itinerary includes a tour of a German brewery, a stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral in France and a visit to the European Parliament. Students will discuss sustainability, religion and transportation in different regions.
Davis said Residential Life is looking forward to the social aspect of this trip as well as the academic.
“I’m most excited about creating a program where students can be connected on campus and then have the opportunity to go abroad together,” Davis said.
An added bonus for some students was how the program fit their schedule.The lax schedule during the semester and upcoming trip have popular appeal.
“I wanted to go on a trip, but I couldn’t do a semester or a year because I’m always working,” said mass communication junior Kristin White. “This is going to be perfect.”
History junior Krysia Sherburne said she also couldn’t commit to a longer program.
“I’m minoring in German so I’m really excited to utilize German skills and see a lot of the areas I’ve been studying for multiple semesters,” Sherburne said.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Ronni Bourgeois

Dr. Paige Davis and Dr. Harold Leder hold a meeting on Jan. 28, 2015, for Res Life on the Geaux, a new abroad program offered to students affiliated with the Res Life program.