Adventure and beyond: LVC’s study abroad program

Photo Provided by Lebanon Valley College

By Angelica Fraine ’23, staff writer 

College in itself is a truly unique adventure, but it also offers opportunity for students to immerse themselves in life outside of their campus home.  

LVC’s study abroad program sends students all around the globe, encouraging them to step away from their comfort zone and experience personal growth in a new way.  

“The mission of study abroad is to give our students a chance to study different courses in an institution that is definitely very different from LVC,” Jill Russell, Director of Global Education, said.  

One of the main goals of the study abroad program is to allow students to explore different aspects of other cultures via higher education, whether it is through language, how lessons are conducted or the types of learning structure and material presented that might not otherwise be present in the American schooling system. 

“I like to see the transition students can make into really owning their own education, and I’m happy to report that many of our students feel like they do,” Russell said. 

Russell explained in the educational field we are familiar with, students are presented with preselected materials like organized study paths, required textbooks and standardized testing, but in many other countries, students are expected to select their own materials and course paths, giving them a more hands-on approach to their own learning.  

“Study abroad is learning to learn in an uncomfortable and different way, but still reaching the same conclusions,” Russell said. “Plus it’s just really fun! You get to meet new people, and try new foods, and take public transportation, just really pushing yourself and testing yourself.” 

LVC’s study abroad program runs in the fall, spring and summer, sending students to numerous different areas overseas, such as Ireland, London, Central America and more.  

For more information on the program, students should contact Jill Russell directly.