Monday, Feb.

23, 2015 Contact: Dillon Maher

For Immediate Release Phone: (309) 555-5555
Email: djmaher@ilstu.edu

ISU JOINS GENERATION STUDY ABROAD INITIATIVE

NORMAL The students were both nervous and excited. They fidgeted in their places and

frequently checked the clock to see if it was time to leave. When the time finally arrived, they

hugged their parents, said their goodbyes and were off onto one of the biggest adventures of their

lives.

Although this is a scene many students never get the opportunity to experience, ISU

hopes to change that. ISU joined the Institute of International Educations Generation Study

Abroad initiative in an effort to double the number of students who study abroad in the next five

years.

This scene is also what David Williams, a sophomore studying public relations, wants to

experience before he graduates. But first, he must be accepted into a study abroad program.

A lot of my friends have studied abroad, and they all refer to their experience as life

changing. I just never thought of it as something I would do. Recently, I realized that I have only

seen a small corner of the world. Theres so much more out there, and I want to explore it, said

Williams.

According to the ISU Office of International Studies, there has never been a time when

traveling and studying abroad has been more important.

In a job market and economy that is increasingly international, it is essential to have the

--more--
ability to work across cultures, said Director of the Office of International Studies Dr. Luis

Canales. Whether you are majoring in business, education or chemistry, being able to work with

people from other backgrounds is a key to success. That is why weve joined the Generation

Study Abroad initiative.

This was also the message Dr. Canales shared when Williams stumbled upon the study

abroad program.

I went to an information session just because it was required for the Honors Program,

said Williams. But during the whole presentation, I couldnt stop thinking that I just had to go.

Williams decided he wanted to study abroad. His next decision was where he wanted to

go because ISU offers programs in a variety of cities across six continents.

My problem is that I want to go everywhere. I couldnt decide between Europe, Asia,

Africa or South America because I want to visit all of them, said Williams. I had no idea how

to narrow it down.

That is when Williams discovered ISUs major-specific programs led by faculty. The trip

to Novancia Business School in Paris is one of the programs designed specifically for students

from ISUs School of Communication. The program takes place each summer, which allows

students to take required classes during the fall and spring semesters. It was the perfect fit for

Williams, who was worried about graduating on time.

After he submitted the application, the only thing Williams could do was wait for a

decision to be made.

I was so nervous when I got an email from Haley, my study abroad advisor, said

Williams. I knew the program was pretty competitive, and that there was a chance I wouldnt

--more--
be accepted. I was afraid to read the email.

However, Williams received the good news he was anticipating since applying for the

program when he opened it.

We love students like David and their enthusiasm, said Williams study abroad advisor

Haley Daignault. Its always great to be able to watch them go through the whole process of

applying, and then their excitement when they are accepted.

I have filled out all the forms and I have my passport. I guess all that is left for me to do

is to pack, said Williams as he prepares for his program to start on May 18.

For more information, contact Dillon Maher at (309) 555-5555.

###