Campus Connection

Story by UW-L student writer Breanna Levine “Studying abroad was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” says student Lilah Myhre. “It was truly an eye opening experience.” Myhre, a senior at UW-La Crosse, studied abroad in Costa Rica during the spring 2013 semester. As a Spanish major, being submerged in a Spanish-speaking culture was an experience she will carry with her the rest of her life, she says. With 43 states and 45 countries represented in the university’s student population, UW-L is one of the top universities in the nation when it comes to international education. It is ranked 30^th in the nation with study abroad programs, and it has the fourth largest international student population of all higher education institutions in Wisconsin. The Office of International Education works hard to provide programs that help keep UW-L on top. To kick off the semester, OIE has planned opportunities for both international and study abroad students. OIE introduces international student job club International students can learn how to build their resumes, apply for jobs and much more at the International Student Job Club meetings. The club will help interested international students learn job search skills Mondays in February at 4:30 p.m. in 2200 Centennial Hall. “These skills look different in different countries, so they must be approached in various ways,” says Katie Van Wyk, a Study Abroad office staff member. “The club will assist international students with learning the American customs for putting together a resume, provide tips for online and in-person networking and practice job interviews with them.” Interested students do not have to attend every session, but are encouraged to come to the sessions they feel would be most beneficial to them. For more information, email Alyssa Gostonczik at gostoncz.alys@uwlax.edu. Programs help past, future study abroad students IOE also has events planned for students who want to study abroad or for those who have. “Baggage Claim,” a re-entry program for students who’ve studied abroad, is dedicated to those who are struggling with emotions or career choices, or who simply want to talk about their experiences. “After a study abroad experience, many students feel restless and can have a wide range of emotions,” Van Wyk says. “Baggage Claim is designed for students to openly talk about their emotions, accept some of the conflicting feelings they may be having and be introduced to campus resources that are available to them.” Week one starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the Cameron Hall of Nations in Centennial Hall and will include discussion time and a presentation by the Counseling and Testing Center. For more information, contact Van Wyk at studyabroad@uwlax.edu. For those who want an international adventure, the Study Abroad Fair is the place to find information about opportunities to study abroad. Learn about different study abroad programs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.