Elise Muhl
Contributing Writer
The Global Engagement Office (GEO), formerly known as Off-Campus Studies (OCS), is excited to bring new changes to the study abroad program at The College of Wooster. One of the things students can look forward to is the extended deadline to study abroad in spring 2020, which is now Oct. 1. Additionally, the office’s name change will reflect a desire to place emphasis on engaging with a larger community rather than simply “getting off-campus.”
On the shift from OCS to GEO, Assistant Director Jamie Adler, said, “APEX recognizes the need to stay current and the realities of the growing interdependence of the world’s economic and social contexts.”
This sentiment is reflected not only in the name change within GEO, but also in the added curriculum requirement for a course in “Global Perspectives” beginning for the class of 2023. This raises a question: how can the office be called “Global Engagement” if it also deals with domestic programs throughout Ohio and the United States?
To this, Adler responded, “Regardless of where our students study, a critical component of success is the desire and ability to engage effectively across differences. This is particularly important when one studies off-campus and confronts new cultures, new norms, different accents or languages and diverse perspectives — even here in the U.S.”
With the extended deadline for study abroad, spring 2020 comes with even more opportunities for Wooster students to engage with diverse perspectives. A once-a-year deadline requires that students know what they are doing an entire year in advance, which may pose a challenge to those with undecided majors or specific circumstances. The new deadline allows students more time to consider their options and more freedom in what those options might be.
Acknowledging the difficulties that come with a once-a-year deadline, Adler added, “We also recognize that some students miss the deadline and miss out on the opportunity to study abroad or on a domestic program such as the Border Studies Program. Therefore, in order to maximize the opportunities students have we arranged a ‘space available’ deadline in the fall to give open spots to more students.”
Changes within GEO provide students with more opportunities and a fresh perspective on a well-known resource within the Wooster community. The directors hope that the term “engagement” will give students the ability to enhance the way they study off-campus, and realize what true engagement can do for learning in a new environment. Members of the office have recognized the need to make updates as the world and its citizens continue to diversify and interact in new ways, both in and outside of The College of Wooster, and have made changes accordingly.
Students looking to take advantage of the new deadline should act fast, as there is limited space and Oct. 1 is coming up quickly.
“The deadline to apply through the Global Engagement Office is Oct. 1, and others shortly after. Interested students should stop by GEO 101 hours (Monday – Friday 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Tuesday 7 p.m.-8 p.m., Walk-In Wednesday) or make an appointment with myself or Candace (the GEO Director ),” Adler said.