In today’s increasingly globalized society, an understanding and appreciation of other country’s systems, culture and people are valuable skills. PSFA is committed to offering students and faculty the opportunity to expand their horizons through academic experiences abroad. International opportunities provide enriching experiences that are perfect companions to PSFA’s focus on college, community and career. During academic year 2006-07, PSFA had the second highest number of students studying abroad on the entire campus, with 293 students traveling to a foreign country to enhance their academic studies.
Additionally, over 40 PSFA faculty traveled to other countries such as Australia, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Canada, China, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The purpose of travel ranged from establishing student experiences to professional development opportunities.
As part of our commitment to international study, PSFA has formed an international programs committee that has developed a college-wide strategic plan. Key to the success of this strategic plan is the development of an International Minor. This minor would be available to students in all PSFA disciplines and is in the process of being developed, with a planned launch of Fall 2009.
Individual schools are also taking a close look at their opportunities for an international experience, with the Theatre becoming the first major to require an international experience.
International Spotlight: PSFA Announces International Minor for Students
PSFA is pleased to announce university approval of a new minor in International Studies beginning Fall 2009, the first such minor on the SDSU campus. As a university, SDSU is very committed to international study and is ranked second nationally for sending students abroad.
PSFA believes that an international minor provides great opportunities for our students to engage in an academically meaningful international experience, and the diversity of our college provides endless options for international study. The minor requires 18-units and is flexible, allowing students to study abroad for as little as three weeks up to one year.
Potential study abroad experiences may include studying the differences in organizational culture and communication between Japanese and American companies, experiencing the London theatre scene, or exploring the art on the US Mexican Border.
PSFA Receives Four Travel Grants from Office of International Programs
The Office of International Travel (OIP) at SDSU provides grants in support of international travel for faculty to engage in education and research projects that benefit students. To date 605 faculty members have received funding to develop international study abroad opportunities for students.
OIP makes these competitive grants twice a year, and during the Fall 2008 cycle PSFA received four awards totaling over $14,000:
- Richard Burkett in the School of Art, Design and Art History will travel to Ecuador for a ceramics field research trip
- Bill Snavely and Peter Anderson in the School of Communication will take a group of students on a European tour through France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and German to study communication processes in European businesses
- Stuart Henry, Lawrence Herzog and James Berger in the School of Public Affairs will travel to Brazil for further SDSU’s urban planning and public policy study abroad programs
- Peter Cirino in the School of Television, Theatre and Film will travel to Mexico for the production of “Letter from Home”
Congratulations and best wishes for safe travels to all awardees!
