Trips incorporate education
 By
Dave Stephens
Assistant Campus Editor
Riding a camel, sleeping in a convent or taking
an exam in a barroom are not usually associated with being a part of
the college experience. But for students who partake in Purdue's Educational
Travel Programs, experiences such as these are just part of a normal
day.
"Students will get to experience things that never
even knew existed," said Joann Chaney, program administrator for Educational
Travel Programs. "It is definitely a life changing experience."
The travel programs, which are typically one to
two weeks long, are a way for students to tour different countries and
cultures with a Purdue scholar.
Chaney said that the programs are similar to a
study abroad program, except that the educational travel programs are
much shorter in length, are conducted by a Purdue professor and usually
cover one area of interest, such as history, architecture or art.
"These programs are open to anyone, not just students,"
Chaney said. "We have people of all ages who go on our trips; many are
Purdue alumni or retired professors."
Although college students and older adults would
not seem like a good mix in most places, Chaney said that the family
atmosphere that develops on the trip helps to erase the generation gap.
"Students learn from what the adults are doing
and the adults enjoy having the different perspectives of the students,"
said Gordon Young, an associate professor of history and the instructor
of the Greece and Turkey course.
Young, who has led over 20 travel programs, said
that the experience a student receives while studying in a different
country is priceless.
"You can show someone a pyramid in a textbook,
and they'll say 'Oh, that’s nice,' but when you sit them on the
steps of a pyramid it makes it much more real," Young said.
Young also said that he tries to emphasize the
different cultures during each of his study programs.
"We try to relate to the local population, to help
get a sense of being part of the larger world. We don't stay in glitzy
hotels or stay on a tour bus all day long," said Young. "I try to teach
the students not to be the so-called 'dirty Americans,' the people who
are always complaining about places being dirty or too hot."
Chaney said that while the trips themselves are
wonderful, it is the professors who teach them that make the trips special.
"What makes our programs unique are the professors,"
said Chaney. "They help to make the places we visit come alive."
Another reason students should consider participating
in a travel program is to receive college credit. Five of the 13 courses
are for credit.
"Students are usually more interested in the classes
that offer credit," said Chaney, "but classes that are not for credit
offer many beneficial educational experiences too."
Chaney also said that many students who want to
travel are hesitant to go on a travel course because of the cost, but
students can apply for financial aid to help defer the expense.
"Students should definitely look into this opportunity,"
said Chaney. "These are some of the best classes offered at Purdue."
•Students wanting to know more about Educational
Travel Programs can call 494-3894 or stop by room 301 in the Engineering
Administration building.
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