students tout MU's - Monmouth University

the University. Sarsar also hopes to
develop other venues in Italy and
Mexico in the future.
Asaro’s hard work and dedication to
the department is not overlooked, especially
on the successful execution of the
London program. Sarsar declares that
“she has brought about a miracle in creating
a quality program in a short period
of time.” Asaro also compiles reflective
essays and photos of former study abroad
students in an active memory book that
prospective students often view.
The growth of the study abroad office
has had a valuable effect on the
University. Each year, the office manages
to recruit roughly seventy-five students
for their three international curricula.
Sarsar says that “any university without
a solid study abroad program is missing
a great deal.” He also recognizes the
office as an important asset to globalize
the University.
To emphasize the theories and ideas
taught on campus, Monmouth requires
all undergraduate students to participate
in the Experiential Education program,
which is a prerequisite for graduation.
Involvement in a study abroad program
fulfills this condition by integrating academic
knowledge taught on campus to
the external environment.
The program requirements for studying
abroad are simple: Students must be
in a sophomore standing or higher with a
grade point average of 2.75. Asaro notes
that tuition is the same and that all award
monies apply as well.
Monmouth’s study abroad website
includes details on the London, Madrid,
and Sydney programs and a photo
gallery. The website also lists some benefits
of studying abroad including increasing
self-confidence and self-understanding,
increasing maturity, and gaining an
appreciation for countries and cultures.
Former study abroad students agree
that the experience has left a remarkable
impression on them. Cheryl Mecka, a
senior who was part of the fall 2002
group to London, explains that her time
abroad was life-altering. She adds, “The
Dr. Saliba Sarsar, Assoc. V.P. for Academic Program Initiatives (far right), Robyn Asaro, Study Abroad Coordinator
(seated at center), and, (to her right) Jarrod Koh, the Macquarie University international office advisor, pose with students
in the study abroad office at MU.
The people I met and bonded with and the
experiences
I had are irreplaceable.
�
�
people I met and bonded with and the
experiences I had are irreplaceable.”
Although initially hesitant, Mecka took
the initiative because she did not want to
regret the lost opportunity.
Justin Kainas, a senior majoring in communications,
went to Madrid this past
summer and admitted to being “a little
scared” prior to his departure. Now, he
encourages everyone to study abroad before
entering the working world.
Jeffrey Humbert, another participant
of the London program and the current
editor of The Outlook, adds that he has
“become more diversified, not just in
[his] lifestyle, but also in [his] beliefs
and views of other countries.”
Like Asaro, Humbert shares the following
advice to interested students: “It’s
the experience of a lifetime, and I’m so
glad I didn’t miss out on it.” MU
FALL 2003 • Monmouth University Magazine 11