Your international experiences don’t need to end when you re-enter the U.S. From involvement opportunities through the Office of International Programs (OIP) to volunteering in the community, you can continue to broaden your international experiences. Call or visit the OIP for more information.
Think Globally Apply Your Experience on Campus:
Have you recently returned from a program abroad? Click here to complete the “WU Study Abroad Survey”.
Classroom Presentations:
Spark study abroad interest in first year
students by presenting on your international experiences in the Freshman Year
Experience (FYE) and other University 101 courses. Many first-year students
cite these presentations by study abroad returnees and exchange students as how
they initially heard about studying abroad.
Win $100: Study
Abroad Photo Essay Contest: Deadline Sept 15th
Do you have the perfect
photos to describe your study abroad Experience? If so we want them, and we may be willing to
pay you for them. The WU Study Abroad
Photo Essay Contest was established to recognize the importance of WU students’
international experiences and promote studying abroad to other WU students and
the community. Monetary awards of $100,
$75, and $50 will be awarded to the top three entries received.
Get Published: Bods
Abroad Newsletter: Deadline:
September 30th
Submit
an article (700 words or less) and picture (in digital format) to the OIP (studyabroad@washburn.edu). Selected articles will be featured in the
“Bods Abroad Newsletter”.
Study Abroad Fair Fall &
Spring:
Volunteer to help with larger on-campus study abroad events.
Welcome students to the events and share your own student perspective on
studying abroad with prospective study abroad students.
Pre-departure
Orientation Fall & Spring:
Answer questions from students preparing to study
abroad by presenting or serving on question and answer panels at the
pre-departure orientation. Questions range from what host families are like to
must-see attractions or destinations. You’ll have the opportunity to share your
best pieces of advice!
Study Abroad Scholarship Awards
Ceremony Presentation Fall & Spring:
Share
your Study Abroad Experience with future participants in a formal presentation
at the Study Abroad Awards Ceremony.
International Student “WU
Buddy”:
Remember how your first few days
were in your country abroad? Become a “WU Buddy” and help welcome new
international students to campus and help them get adjusted to life at WU by
volunteering during orientation week.
Contact Heidi Staerkel, International Student Service Coordinator, at international@washburn.edu for more information.
Study Abroad Volunteer Peer Advisors:
Put your international experience to work
by promoting study abroad to your peers!
The OIP hires volunteer returnees for 4-6 hours per week to assist in
the Office of International Programs with advising, programming, and promotion. Contact the OIP to request more information.
Conversation Partners - English
for the Foreign Born Community Classes:
Located in the International House, Fall & Spring, Tues. &
Thurs. afternoons.
Visit the OIP and ask for a
Conversation Partner Application to become a language exchange partner with an
international student for a minimum of one hour per week. Practice
language skills acquired abroad while helping an international student improve
their English skills!
International Student Club
& other international student groups
Meet WU students from all
different countries, including the U.S., by joining WU International - Club and
other cultural groups on campus.
Applying Your Experience in Your Community:
Topeka Friendship Network
If you’re interested in providing
hospitality to new international students, join TFN, a volunteer group
dedicated to serving WU’s international students.
Topeka Literacy Council
Volunteer as a literacy tutor with an
emphasis on ESL (English as a Second or New Language). Work with internationals
in the community to help them with their reading and language skills. Phone:
785-234-2806
Learning IN the Community (LINC) Listings for other community service organizations are available from The Learning IN the community (LINC) Office. Benton Hall Phone: 670-1027
If you are interested in participating in any of these programs or have ideas for other programs please contact the Office of International Programs.