Message from the Director

Thank you for visiting our web site! On behalf of the OIP staff I welcome you, whether you are a student, parent, faculty member, administrator or prospective student.

Seneca, the Younger, once wrote, "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind," and we are pleased to help students begin to plan for a summer, semester or year abroad to gain an experience that will be transformative at the personal, intellectual and cultural levels.

As globalization and advances in communication technology have made the world a smaller place, it has become very important for students to have a more developed understanding of other countries and cultures. As such, a semester or year abroad has become a vital part of a well-rounded college education. There are many choices for students to make ranging from selecting a program to determining when and for how long they should study abroad. The OIP is committed to working with students, their advisors and faculty to find the programs that best fit the academic and personal interests of students.

It is never too early to begin planning for an abroad experience. I encourage you to stop by the OIP and let us know about your hopes for study abroad. We are here to counsel and guide you as you choose where you would like to study.

I will conclude with a Mark Twain quote that reflects the approach that the OIP hopes all students will have toward study overseas. He wrote, "Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." As you prepare for your journey, I hope you will turn to the OIP as a first step in what promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

Tom Millington
Director of International Programs