New International hub on campus

     Otterbein has a new program for students focusing on one of the Five Cardinal Leadership Experiences: international study.

     Outlined in the strategic plan for Otterbein, graduates from OC will be "knowledgeable, skilled, intellectually curious, ethically driven, who can and will act with a global understanding informed by a commitment to social justice to improve the world…."

     In an effort to meet their vision, the college is developing Five Cardinal Experiences, which include public engagement, undergraduate research; internships and related work experience, citizenship and leadership, and international study.

     The Center for International Education and Global Engagement (CIEGE) helps students to "engage in the world and a way for the world to engage with Otterbein students," Chris Musick said, the executive director of the newly developed office, located at 172 W. Main St.

     Thomas Ahrens, assistant director of CIEGE, has been interested in further developing the international program at Otterbein for some time. "I've always wanted to work in an office like this," Ahrens said. "Otterbein is moving in the direction of a strategic plan to internationalize the campus more and it's very exciting."

     Ahrens has been teaching German part-time at Otterbein since 2004. He was hired in July for the CIEGE position while Musick was hired this past September.

     "The over-reaching goal that we would like is that when people think of Otterbein, they'll think about that cool, little international school," Musick said. "It takes a lot for that to happen. We'll be working hard to reach that goal."

     According to Musick, the office would like to be more open for not only students from America but for those who are studying abroad from different countries.

     International student Hinrik Wauer, from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, has utilized the CIEGE since the very beginning of his stay at Otterbein. "The Center for International and Global Engagement welcomed us right at the start of our stay in the U.S. and provided us with information about visa issues, as well as general problems international students are facing while they study abroad," Wauer said. "Even though Otterbein was the institution I knew least about, to be honest, I do not regret my choice and really enjoyed my stay so far."

     Daniel Gdaniec, from Essen, Germany, has made visits to the office and enjoys getting to know students and the advisers from the program. "Chris and Thomas are very welcoming and friendly," Gdaniec said. "There is a nice atmosphere there."

     Senior, Megan Hartley is pleased to hear about the new office. "The new office will make it a more organized process to study abroad. Right now it seems as if students are clueless where to even begin, but with the new office, it will be easy to get the process going for those many students who are interested in studying abroad," who will be traveling to Vienna over winter break Hartley said.

     According to Ahrens, CIEGE wants to make the possibility of traveling abroad as easy as possible. One way of making the process easier is through the CIEGE Web site.

     The Web site has a variety of resources for students to access. Students are able to apply to study in numerous cities, sail around the world and provide service to local communities or intern abroad. By creating an account online, students can see what is currently happening in different countries by reading blogs or updated news.

     According to Musick, there are many options for traveling abroad to a number of countries, as long as there is a strong academic program in the country they would like to go to and that it is in a safe location.
"Nothing will change a student's life more than study abroad," Musick said. "Students return with a better sense of confidence, more maturity, and they find out more about themselves during the experience."

     Hartley is looking forward to being immersed into a different culture. "This trip will definitely boost my confidence because I have had so much responsibility in this trip," Hartley said. "From saving money, planning my extra excursion and doing all the class work to prepare for the trip, the time put in will definitely be rewarding once I see the city."

     Ahrens agrees with Hartley. "Students come back and say that they feel more self-confident and learn more about America while being away. They get to see what a country is like in comparison to America," Ahrens said.

     Outside of studying abroad, CIEGE will provide involvement with local organizations as well.

     "Not everyone can afford to study abroad," Musick said. "In that case, we are able to create opportunities locally towards global issues for students by providing service involvement in both domestic and local organizations." According to Musick, some local organizations include the refugee population, the Ohio Trade Commission and the Japan American Society.

     "We're encouraging more international students to eat at the house (CIEGE office)," Musick said. "We want to invite students over to try different things out and discover and learn the flavors and textures from a different world."

     Wauer appreciates how helpful the office has been for him. "Generally, they (CIEGE) do a very good job," Wauer said. "I really like the campus as well because it is great to meet so many students each and every day."

     Ahrens would like to see as many people as possible to get involved somehow. "It's fun to see students enthusiastic. There will be International Week in February as a way to spark interest in students," Ahrens said. "It will be a good way to attract those who may have been hesitant." t&c;
 

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