Jodi Cornell, Director of Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences {CALS} Study Abroad Programs, spoke at a recent Ames Golden K Thursday weekly meeting which continues to be held virtually via ZOOM. Study Abroad gives ISU students the opportunity to study and live in a foreign region of this world.

COVID-19 has curtailed many of the 2020-21 Study Abroad programs, but not completely. Mr. Cornell shared details/statistics which demonstrate how important it is for ISU students to enroll in Study Abroad, and the many benefits– professional, educational and personal each student will realize from their participation. The first international program for CALS students was in 1964, and all travel was to European countries. Beginning in 1980 the program was expanded to Asian countries, and now the program includes Central/South America, Australia, New Zealand plus Caribbean countries.

During 2018-19, 1,817 students studied abroad, 442 of whom were CALS students. In a recent survey, 96% of Study Abroad students agree that studying abroad is a good investment. The programs a student can choose are varied in content and length.

Most programs include a professor who travels with the students.  Sometimes plans have to change if there is unrest, etc. in a country scheduled for Study Abroad.

Financial aid for studying abroad is available through scholarships/grants. Passport and other fees are reimbursed.  ISU also has a donor program which offsets costs.

Ames Golden K members applauded {virtually} Mr. Cornell’s excellent presentation.