Travel study introduces students to new worlds, new views

By Robin Heffler

(Note: Deadlines for many of international programs are in mid-January. See the end of this article for contacts and enrollment information.)

After graduating from UCLA last June with a bachelor's degree in sociology, Caroline Choi flew more than 8,000 miles and landed in a region of Thailand that was still recovering from the devastating tsunami and earthquake that struck Southeast Asia and Pacific islands in 2005.

In a village called Baan Tae Nok, population 300, Choi learned much about local culture, and also ended up teaching youth how to use a video camera as a way to promote the area as an "eco-tourism" destination.

"It was amazing," said Choi, one of 20 students involved in a month-long travel study experience examining issues of social and ecological sustainability, which was led by Michael Silverman, a lecturer in the UCLA Institute of the Environment, and co-taught with Rebecca Shipe, assistant professor of ecology and environmental biology.

"Being there was humbling, and made me feel more content about what I have," Choi said. "It was also very rewarding, both working with the kids and obtaining a lot of information about ecology and oceanography as well as gender dynamics."

Choi came up with the idea for the video project together with fellow traveling student Jun Kim.

"By facilitating the use of technology by local children," said Silverman, "the UCLA students help the community to take a more active role in publicizing and developing eco-tourism -- community activities that help both the environment and tourism, such as creating nature trails."

Innovative programs led by UCLA faculty

UCLA offers traditional classroom study in other countries through the University of California's Education Abroad Program -- some 140 exchange programs in more than 30 countries.

In addition, for more than 20 years UCLA faculty have initiated and led a wide variety of innovative Travel Study programs. Today, more than 50 of these faculty-directed programs are offered; the Thailand environmental trip is one of them.

Among many programs are a summer in Stratford-upon-Avon and London studying the works of William Shakespeare; computer modeling of archaeological ruins in Peru, studies of the Russian information economy, and Chinese language instruction for international business.

New for UCLA Travel Study next summer will be an urban planning program in Switzerland to deal with issues of urban development and the global environment.

There are even a few offerings in the United States, such as an introduction to journalism program held in Washington, D.C., and a sociology program on cities and cultures is presented in New York.

In 2008-2009, about 2,000 UCLA students will study outside the United States, and 19 percent of UCLA undergraduates will study abroad at some point in their academic careers, according to Hadyn Dick, executive director of the UCLA International Education Office.

"We're also working to create other options in addition to faculty-led trips, such as with partner institutions of UCLA," Dick said. "There's a big focus on the research institutes of China, Japan, and Korea. China is where the most students from our program and nationally are going now, and there are a large number of students studying the languages of those countries."

"Taking classes abroad as well as other travel study really opens students up to new experiences and new world views," said Dick, "When students come back, they are often more engaged in their academic work here, and their GPAs often go up. Since more than 40 percent of our students have never left the country before, it also can be a defining moment when they gain independence and function on their own in an environment that is so different."

UCLA students can participate any time during their academic careers, but they usually choose their junior or senior years because they can receive upper division credit for their major or minor. Options for travel abroad range from one quarter to one year.

UCLA-led programs are currently held primarily in summer, but Dick said there are plans for more quarter-long offerings.

Addressing language, finance, and security concerns

Neither lack of language knowledge nor finances are a barrier to participation, Dick said. Programs are offered for students with beginning to advanced language proficiency, with many foreign language and culture programs offered in English.

As for costs, most EAP programs are exchanges, with students paying tuition to UCLA while room and board are paid directly to the host university abroad. Student who receive federal, state, or UCLA-based financial aid can apply that aid to the costs of the travel program, including airfare and living expenses. And, some scholarships are available.

In addition, Dick said, parents can be assured that both the EAP and UCLA programs conduct extensive research about health and security support at all foreign sites, and that programs are not held in countries with U.S. State Department warnings.

The International Education Office also offers weekly workshops to plan study abroad, pre-departure orientations, and holds an informational session at Parents' Weekend every fall.

Dick noted that many deadlines to apply for programs occur at the beginning of the calendar year, in January or February, and students can apply online. She encouraged students to check the Web site for the International Education Office, or stop by the office to meet with a counselor.

For information on both the Education Abroad Program and UCLA-led travel programs, visit The International Education Office website: www.ieo.ucla.edu.

The Office is located in Murphy Hall, B level, Room 300, by e-mail at ieo@international.ucla.edu, or call (310) 825-4995.

"Taking classes abroad as well as other travel study really opens students up to new experiences and new world views. When students come back, they are often more engaged in their academic work here, and their GPAs often go up."