21
West
6th
338
9000
Studying overseas
translates to taste
of foreign cultures
Thanks to a partnership
with Portland-based AHA
International, studying
abroad is easier than ever
By Ayisha Yahya
News Editor
Hundreds of students and faculty
members have chances each year to
explore education in a different cul
ture through study abroad programs,
and a recent University partnership
with the nonprofit organization AHA
International promises to expand
these opportunities.
Under the merger, AHA Interna
tional will become a self-supporting
University program. The organiza
tion, which helps organize study
abroad programs for about 35 uni
versities nationwide, has worked in
collaboration with the University
since 1977. The organization works
with the Northwest Consortium for
Study Abroad — of which the Uni
versity is a member — the Midwest
Consortium for Study Abroad, the
Independent Liberal Arts College As
sociation and Pennsylvania Colleges
in Cologne.
"I think (the partnership) reflects
the University's desire to be an inter
national university," said Tom Mills,
the associate vice president of interna
tional programs.
AHA works with universities to or
ganize courses at foreign universities,
to provide student registration and
home stays, and to maintain rela
tions with sites of study. It has pro
grams in 14 countries in Europe,
Latin America and Africa, and in the
past academic year facilitated study
for 900 students.
In the past school year, about 170
University students participated in the
organization's programs. The Univer
sity offers about 80 study abroad pro
grams, including the AHA programs,
in 50 countries. Mills said about 700
University students spend time
abroad each year.
While the group's employees are
now University employees, AIIA will
keep its office in Portland and will op
erate independently from the Office
of International Programs.
AHA's International's Executive Di
rector Bob Selby said AHA was formerly
unable to give students — especially
those from universities outside the con
sortium — credit for classes they take
while abroad. Now, students will now
be able to get University credit.
"We hope to vastly expand our na
tional audience," Selby said. He added
that AHA will benefit the University by
bringing an extensive network of other
schools, saying AHA's high enrollment
numbers and support base will allow it
to keep expenses low and support its
programs for many years.
AHA's Director of Finance and Ad
ministration Harmony George said
the partnership also allows AHA to be
more independent and work with
committees at individual universities
to develop new programs.
Turn to OVERSEAS, page 19B
Visit our
LEARNING CENTER
ACADEMIC LEARNING SERVICES
If . Il •
FOR MORE INFORMATION
stop by 68 PLC or call 346-3226.
http://als.uoregon.edu
nviping racuuy ana siuaems succeed.
Tutors for foreign languages, science and math classes
Free drop-in help for math and writing
GRE, LSAT, GMAT, MCAT Preparation
Two TRiO Programs: McNair and Student Support Services
Classes, workshops, and individual sessions addressing your study concerns
Requests for accommodations related to disability should be made to Kim Lilley (346-3226) one week prior to event.