Truman State is ranked 13th in the United States for the number of students studying abroad. Over 500 Truman students study abroad annually in more than 50 countries (Open Doors)! Although international students at Truman are already studying in a foreign country, taking advantage of one of the hundreds of study abroad programs can provide for great opportunities including personal growth, career enhancement, and new perspectives on world views.

Top Row: Representative Zachary Wyatt, Jinglin Gong, Omar Sheira, Kelly Kiesel

Kun Zhang, a junior history and economics major from Nanjing, China, shares her study abroad experiences in Tuscania, Rome, and Venice with us today. Why did you want to study abroad? The Liberal Arts and Sciences Programme at Truman opened me to many new and exciting classes, disciplines, and professors. As a part of the programme, I took an interesting art history class with an amazing professor, Dr. Julia DeLancey. She spoke about a study abroad programme in Venice and encouraged us to consider it. I was inspired and decided to look into studying abroad.

How did you choose your programme? After hearing Dr. DeLancey talk about Venice, I went to the Study Abroad Office on campus. I picked up informa-tion on the various programs offered and searched for one that fit my major. I also took into consideration where English was spoken, because I was worried about learning another lan-guage. I found a programme that looked interesting and fit my qualifications. I applied and was accepted! The application process was simple and easy and the Study Abroad Office helped a lot.

What did you gain from your experience? I gained so much from this experience, both academically and personally. While studying, we took many field-trips to the actual places we were discussing in class. It was a great way to connect the classroom with real life and it aided my learning. I gained experience and knowledge that is not available from textbooks. I actually got to see, touch, and experience the history instead of just reading about it. It was truly amazing. I also gained knowledge and appre-ciation for other cultures.

Top Row: Representative Zachary Wyatt, Jinglin Gong, Omar Sheira, Kelly Kiesel
Middle Row: Yingqiu Yu, Ganesh Baniya
Bottom Row: Randee Rae Phelps, International Student Advisor; Rosa Virginia Mendez, Study Abroad Advisor; Belen Taha Wagaw, Representative Jeanie Riddle
International Education Day at the Capital
More than 200 college students from 54 different countries visited the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on February 24. Among them were six Truman students, our International Student Advisor, and our Study Abroad Advisor (see picture). Students got to observe legislative sessions, visit with lawmakers representing the districts where they study, and hear speakers from the departments of higher education and economic development.

The students who visited the capitol are among the 11,285 international students currently attending college in Missouri. International students are attracted to Missouri by the state's high-quality schools, friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and low cost-of-living (Study Missouri).
Missouri is 17th in the nation in the number of international students studying here. Truman State is proud to be home to over 300 international students! With a high quality liberal arts education offered at an affordable price, Truman is a great place to study!

Sri Lankan Agent Visits Truman

Priyanthi Dissanayake of Scholarships for USA Ltd. (www.scholarshipsforusa.com), Sri Lanka's top independent recruiters to United States schools, recently visited Truman State University. Truman has appointed Scholarships for USA as its Sri Lankan agent with a view of island-wide promotions and increasing its Lankan student population. Priyanthi believes that Truman is an excellent school for Sri Lankan students seeking a top quality liberal arts education at a very affordable cost.
During her visit, Priyanthi met the President of the University, toured the university campus with international admissions coordinator Ra-chel Davis, met with Sri Lankan students currently attending Truman, and met with various Truman professors.

Priyanthi was warmly welcomed by Truman President Troy Paino and International Admissions Coordinator Rachel Davis..

Priyanthi met with the professional staff of the International Student Affairs Office, including Admissions Coordinator Rachel Davis.

Priyanthi spends time with two current Sri Lankan students studying at Truman, Sarini Maduwage and Janakan Selvavigneswaran.

What's going on at Truman?

? Career Week was held February 14-17. Stu-dents were able to get help preparing résumés and by participating in mock interviews. The fair also featured the Career Expo which brings over 50 large employers to Truman's campus.
Art Serratelli,? a lawyer specializing in Immigra-tion Law, gave a presen-tation on immigration status after OPT and working in the United States on February 14th. Mr. Serratelli also held one-on-one appoint-ments the following day with Truman interna-tional students. He gave wonderful tips on how to get hired after college and great information on immigration laws.
Truman's? Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team won first place at the Kansas State Busi-ness Ethics Competition last week. International student Iliyana Kuneva was one of the SIFE team members. Con-gratulations!

International Student Affairs Office
100 E. Normal KB 120
Kirksville, MO 63501 U.S.
(660) 785 - 4215
http://isao.truman.edu
intladmit@truman.edu
Kun (center) and fellow students at the Colosseum
Kun (left) and her roommates at the Roman Forum
"I gained experience and knowledge that is not available from textbooks. I actually got to see, touch, and experience the history instead of just reading about it."

-Kun Zhang Study Abroad, continued

Studying in Italy and travelling throughout Europe, I was able to meet many different people and learn about their different cultures. I love experiencing diversity because it helps you to grow as an individual and overcome any preconceived ideas you may have had.

What was your favorite thing about studying abroad? In addition to all the academic and personal gains previously mentioned, I loved trav-elling! We had breaks from school in which we were able to take trips. I went to Milan, Florence, Pisa, Paris, Frankfurt, Athens, Brussels, Amster-dam, and Luxemborg. I also loved trying new foods. The lasagna in Tuscania (where I studied) was delicious!

Would you recommend studying abroad to other international stu-dents? Yes, definitely! There are so many benefits for many different majors. Many students are concerned with finishing their degree on time and gaining experience necessary for a future career, and studying abroad helps with both! You gain a lot per-sonally, credits transfer, and the experience of studying abroad looks great on a résumé. It is an amazing opportunity and I would recommend it to anyone!

For more information on study abroad programs at Truman, please visit the Study Abroad Office website at http://studyabroad.truman.edu or e-mail ciea@truman.edu.