Central Michigan University senior Jennifer Kruk, of Clarkston, is taking advantage of an exchange program with the University of Exeter in England. Kruk has been in England since September, and is studying physics, chemistry and mathematics.
‘The experience has been brilliant so far,? said Kruk. ‘It has taken me a few weeks to settle in, but I am starting to feel more comfortable studying here.?
Since arriving in England, Kruk has traveled on her own and with the international office at the University of Exeter. The office set up a trip for the exchange students to go to Totnes, a traditional English village in Devon. She is also a member of the Out of Doors Society and the Caving Society.
‘Caving was amazing, and I plan to go to more caves,? said Kruk. ‘There are so many social activities that are always going on here.?
The exchange program is available first to CMU physics students. Other students may participate if there are openings, said Dianne DeSalvo, who oversees the study abroad program in CMU’s Office of international Education.
‘CMU’s relationship with the University of Exeter goes back more than 15 years,? said DeSalvo. ‘It was initially set up to offer juniors an experience abroad. It currently is offered first to physics students and second to science students. If no applications are received in those areas, it is then open to students in other disciplines.?
Study abroad helps CMU students learn about another culture, travel to a foreign country and earn academic credit that counts toward a degree.
Foreign study also offers global experience – a quality that companies seek as they hire employees for a global workforce. CMU students can choose to study abroad for a semester, a summer session or a full academic year.
‘The way the exchange program was set up made arranging this semester very easy,? said Kruk. ‘I was able to study abroad in my senior year without worrying if my classes will transfer and if I will still be able to graduate on time.?