You will get an introduction to the course and learn about the benefits of international exchange. You will discuss your goals for participating in the Summer Institute. Finally, you will hear from one or more alumni with disabilities who have studied or volunteered in another country.
What do you hope to get out of the Summer Institute?
Describe the kind of exchange program you hope to do if you have an idea.
Elizabeth’s international interests emerged with foreign students as frequent visitors in her family growing up. After an exchange year in Switzerland at age 16, she majored in French and journalism and learned Russian, combining study and volunteering in the community. After graduation, she was selected for a US team presenting a traveling exhibit of American life in the then USSR. Next, she served in Peace Corps Hungary, as well as doing journalism and disability advocacy nonprofit work in Kazakhstan and Siberia. She has worked in state and federal government and now devotes time to her writing and always pursuing additional travels. For fun, Elizabeth plays fetch with her cat and sings in the church choir. She has published her first novel and has her 1990 Soviet journal underway to publish.
Questions could include: How do you factor risk versus opportunity in your travels? How did you learn foreign languages? What is your advice for those desirous but hesitant to travel?