International luncheon features student accounts

By: Amanda Bloomer
Contributing Writer

The first international luncheon of the spring semester will be held at noon in the Highlander Room on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Everyone is welcome to attend. A lunch will be served. However, if you plan on eating you must notify Leisa Kauffmann, assistant professor of modern foreign languages, approximately a week in advance. Otherwise, you may bring a lunch with you or simply stop by to listen.

International luncheons are sponsored by the Monmouth College modern foreign languages department. This first session will feature four female Monmouth College students who have returned from fall semesters abroad.

Three of these students studied in France, where they all attended different universities. Erin de Ford, Sarah Evans, and Leanna Wilson will each share some insights about the French experience. All three of these ladies are French majors.

De Ford said she had never traveled outside of the United States; so, when she recognized an opportunity, she took it. Once in Europe, she did not limit herself to France. In fact, she discovered her favorite thing was the simplicity with which she could travel all over Europe.

Wilson hopes to encourage others to take advantage of the study abroad programs offered by the college. She stated, “I really want more people to realize that ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs) is a program that Monmouth now supports and that it can take you all over the world.”

Danielka Briceno will also be presenting at Wednesday’s luncheon. She chose to spend her fall semester living with a family in India. Briceno was able to travel thanks to the American Colleges of the Midwest’s (ACM) India studies program. She claims she had always wanted to study abroad, but was not particular about where she went. She eventually chose India because of the challenge it presented for her. Her academic situation consisted of courses taught in the community center by a professor from the local university. Her host family provided her with a cultural education and many fond memories. Ultimately, Briceno says, “I wanted an experience where I could definitely learn a lot about myself as an independent person and traveler, and how to become a more “worldly citizen”. She also does not hesitate to use the phrase “life-changing.”