ACM Chicago in the Arts / ACM Central Europe / ACM Costa Rica / ACM Florence / ACM London-Florence / American College of Thessaloniki (Greece) /  ESGCI / Washington Semester

Erin Mann was a 2005 participant in the Central College Program in Grenada, Spain. You can read about her experiences here.

Amy Wiegman, participant in the ACM Chicago in the Arts Program, writes:
I highly recommend taking part in an off-campus program.  I participated in the Chicago Semester in the Arts during the spring semester of my junior year.  Participating in an off-campus program was one of the best decisions that I made while in college.  It was initially a difficult decision to make, whether or not I wanted to leave the familiarity and comfort of campus for a semester, but the benefits have proven to far exceed any concerns that I had at the time.  The off-campus program allowed me to study and learn in a real-world setting, while still providing me the guidance that was necessary during that stage of my life.  I was able to explore Chicago and the arts community that is such an integral part of the city.  I also interned at a company where I would eventually work for a few months after graduating from college.  The program allowed me to make contacts that were key to getting me professionally where I am today.  I walked away from the Chicago Semester in the Arts with a new-found confidence and a clearer vision of how my dreams and my future could work together. 

Kristina M. Jozwiak, participant in the ACM Studies in Latin American Culture and Society Program in Costa Rica, writes:
The Fall Semester Program, Studies in Latin American Culture and Society, was the best experience of my college life.  I Costa Rica is a fascinating, diverse country that allows students to not only take classes and learn about the country, but to also fully emerge, experience, and interact with a rich, Hispanic culture.  Climbing active volcanoes, venturing through both rain and cloud forests, and being fluent in a foreign language were all exciting challenges.  I could not have asked for a better semester and this program far surpassed all of my expectations. 

Becke McBeth '02 was a student at ESGCI in Paris, in the spring of 2000. Click here to read about her experiences.

Jordan Nichols, a student at ESGCI in Paris, in the spring of 2002, writes:
When people say that studying abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime they aren’t kidding, and with spring break coming up it is only going to get better.  We have eighteen days for spring break so the girls and I are planning on taking the train all around Europe.  If you budget yourself, living over here really isn’t that expensive.  The weather here is really beautiful and warm now too.   The winter was quite mild so it was nice going from mild to warm, and not having to put up with winters like we have in Illinois.  I live in a flat with four other guys who are in the same program as we are.   They are from Holland, Tunisia, and Italy.  We have to cook our own food which is a real bummer, but I have learned how to cook all sorts of Italian food so I can impress people when I get home.  The classes here are in three-hour blocks so it gives us plenty of time to roam around the city and check out the sights.  The classes I have taken here aren’t as challenging as at MC, but I have made up for it with what I learn outside of class.  All the people you meet come from all walks of life, so when you talk to anyone it seems you learn something new.  The biggest lesson I have learned however is to NEVER challenge a Dutch guy to a drinking contest because YOU WILL LOSE.  We also definitely have a lot of different things to do at night around Paris.  Since there is not a drinking age the girls and I are able to go to clubs and bars and hang out with our friends.  Which is way more exciting than going to bars or the frats at Monmouth. We have been able to see things that you can only read about in books. The museums and buildings are something I think everyone should be forced to see.  It is really amazing when you think a lot of churches and buildings in Paris are older than the United States.  The Louvre and other museums have priceless artwork and statues that you can’t see anywhere else in the world, so we try to visit them frequently.  Upon arriving we did have some problems to overcome like language barriers, adjusting to a new school, and getting around a new city.  These have been small obstacles though and were expected at the beginning of the trip.  I am really glad I had a chance to participate in this program and I know that I have a lot of great memories to take home with me.  I hope this answers your question…

Brandi McCoy '02, participant in the Washington Semester Program in the fall of 2000, writes:
Attending an off-campus program for a semester is an incredible experience. The atmosphere of learning exists more outside of the classroom than anywhere else. You learn how to live in a different city or even country and learn how to handle an extremely diverse environment. I wouldn’t change going off-campus for anything in the world.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Molly Keefe, participant in the Washington Semester Program in the fall of 1998, writes:
My off-campus experience in Washington DC was the most beneficial experience of my college career. I was involved in an intensive anthropology program entitled International Environment and Development, which provided an extensive background in environmental policy. Because of the intense nature of the program, I heard many speakers from huge organizations talk about the roles they play in international policy and the environment. Studying off campus gave me the opportunity to learn about a new place and meet incredible people and make connections for future jobs. I gained an amazing amount of independence and fell in love with the city of Washington, D.C. My advice is to make sure that one takes advantage of the city they are living in, make sure to see everything and experience the culture, because opportunities like this are rare and worth the time and effort.

Daniela Gocheva, participant in the Washington Semester Program in the fall of 2001, writes:
Washington semester program was the greatest experience in my life. It helped me grow professionally, academically and personally. I had a chance to interact on a daily basis with authorities in the international business field and broaden my perspective on important global issues. Moreover, the program provided me with the opportunity to conduct an internship with one of the leading companies in the investment field - Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and have the senior vice president of the company as my mentor and supervisor. Apart from that, I made a lot of friends from all over the world.
Daniela also offers this photo in front of the Illinois Christmas tree:

Dr. Sandra Epperson Wolf (sewolf@mail.utexas.edu), a student in the Washington Semester Program in the spring of 1963, shares an anecdote, entitled "The Visit of Professor Garvin Davenport," along with this photo of her fellow Monmouth College participants, taken on a windy afternoon outside the U.S. Capitol with Robert T. McCloskey (far left), Congressman from the 19^th District of Illinois, whose daughter Mary Alice was in school with them. The students from left to right are: Barbara Bolon Bye, Sandra Epperson Wolf, and John Alexander.

Tiffany Ramsey Chabowski, participant in the ACM Central Europe Program, writes:
When I tell my life story, I always start with the time I spent in the Czech Republic.

Brian Ramsey Chabowski, participant in the ACM Central Europe Program, writes:
Now - more than ever - a 'proficiency' in cross-culturalism is no longer enough: fluency in international issues is imperative to becoming a true global citizen. Understanding a foreign language outside the confines of a classroom not only helps to understand the culture in question - but yourself in the process. The best opportunity you will have to become first exposed to another culture is while at college. Otherwise, you will be either too young to understand many global complexities or too old to radically alter your view of the world.

Colleen Shaughnessy, participant in the ACM Zimbabwe Program (now the Nation Building and Development Program in Tanzania) in the spring of 1999, writes:
My study abroad experience has had an inexpressible effect on my life. I lived with Zimbabwean families, learned a language I had never heard of before, took classes with other ACM students at the University of Zimbabwe, worked at an AIDS Counseling Trust, and gained knowledge and understanding I could never have gotten anywhere else. Living in a Third World country is an experience no one can take away from me and unfortunately few will ever understand. The people I met and still communicate with are some of the most incredible people in the world. The positive and optimistic attitude they have despite their daily challenges and struggles – struggles we cannot even imagine – amaze me. I learned a great deal about myself, the United States, others around me, and another culture of the world. I would advise anyone who is remotely interested in studying abroad to GO FOR IT! It promises to be the most eye-opening, mind-expanding, and truly beautiful thing you could do if your heart and mind are open to each and every experience you encounter. GOOD LUCK!
In 2001 Colleen adds:
My time in Zimbabwe continues to enhance my life three years later.  I am presently a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, West Africa, much of the knowledge and experience I gained in Zimbabwe has made this experience all the more enriching.  I believe my time abroad while at Monmouth College provided me with insights and experiences one cannot receive in a classroom which continue to impact my daily life.  I strongly recommend this experience to anyone with an open mind and a strong interest in gaining further understanding of the world in which we all live.

Jami Lock, class of '98, participant in the ACM London-Florence Program in the spring of 1997, writes: 
My semester abroad gave me the opportunity to explore first hand what I had studied for years in the classroom.  Rather than read about the Renaissance art and artists and the history of England, I was able to submerge myself in the living history of both cities.   Living and taking classes in both London and Florence gave me an understanding of both cultures that I would have never had the chance to know. I will remember my semester abroad as my most fulfilling - intellectually and spiritually." Here is a photo from her journey:

Canal Grande - Venezia, Italia

Bill Wanderer, class of 2000, participated in the ACM London-Florence Program  in 1999. It would be nearly impossible to overstate the effect my study abroad experience on the London - Florence program has had on me.  I can imagine few circumstances, outside of war and tragedy, in which a person can learn more about him or herself than living in a foreign country.  Studying abroad is humbling certainly, it's hard to be too cocky when you assign the wrong gender to your haircut, but it can also be exhilarating.  What would you do with ten spare hours alone in Rome?  Can you make your way through the littered back alleys of Naples?  Should you really accept when offered spotted dick?  You find answers to questions that would never come up in Monmouth.  You speak another language because there is little alternative.  You rise to the challenge of the strange and uncomfortable and potentially humiliating with a determination and ambition never before tapped, or you stay safely in the confines of your room.  In any case, you do not remain ignorant of yourself.
           I have been back to Europe three times since completing the London - Florence program.  I follow international news, collect Euro dollars, and feel more a participant in the world at large than I ever imagined I could.  There is simply no substitute for the firsthand, no knowledge like experience.  Had I not been cajoled by Professor Sienkewicz into applying for a program abroad, I would certainly not be the person I am today.  My only advice for those considering studying abroad is to be ambitious, to suck every last drop of the experience and look for more.  The London - Florence program is excellent and I have yet to meet a participant who regretted it. 

Kirk Fowler, participant in the ACM Florence Program writes:
The educational loans for my off-campus program are the only ones I don't mind paying!

Chad Simpson, class of '98, enjoyed his semester on the ACM Florence Program.  The picture below captures one the many great moments during his travel excursions through Europe. Here is Chad "The Surly Hedonist" Simpson with his ever-present travel companions Corrine "Allegra" Krumvieda (left, Lake Forest) and Beth "Princess" Lavin (right, Carleton) in the rose garden behind la chiesa della nostra (Notre Dame) in Paris.