2008 Woodie Awards
Ethiopia study abroad in the works
Kristen Oxley
Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: News
Mark Matson is researching a study abroad program in Ethiopia in an effort to expand options for student off-campus study.
Academic Dean Mark Matson is working with Milligan graduate and Ethiopian native Nathnael Tadesse to approach university administrators and ministry contacts who could help set up a program in Ethiopia.
Plans for the program are still tentative, however.
"I would categorize this as hopeful planning, not definite planning," Matson said. "I'm working very hard on it."
The program would need to be approved by the cabinet and academic committee before any finalizations are made.
"I need to convince myself that living conditions are good, the classes are good, the university situation is good," Matson said.
Matson said he would like to advertise and get the program running by the spring 2009 semester if plans continue.
If the program is instated, students would spend the semester studying in the capital, Addis Ababa, at the University of Addis Ababa.
Matson said he is trying to arrange for students to take a language class to study Amarigna, one of the main languages of Ethiopia, as well as a history and culture class. Three other electives offered by the college would need to be arranged.
Also, Matson said a service project, possibly with the Christian Missionary Fellowship, would be required. Students would live in home stays, not on campus, for the entirety of the semester. Matson thinks that these living arrangements are the best way for students to learn about a culture.
Ethiopia is located in Eastern Africa on the horn, surrounded by Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti.
Academic Dean Mark Matson is working with Milligan graduate and Ethiopian native Nathnael Tadesse to approach university administrators and ministry contacts who could help set up a program in Ethiopia.
Plans for the program are still tentative, however.
"I would categorize this as hopeful planning, not definite planning," Matson said. "I'm working very hard on it."
The program would need to be approved by the cabinet and academic committee before any finalizations are made.
"I need to convince myself that living conditions are good, the classes are good, the university situation is good," Matson said.
Matson said he would like to advertise and get the program running by the spring 2009 semester if plans continue.
If the program is instated, students would spend the semester studying in the capital, Addis Ababa, at the University of Addis Ababa.
Matson said he is trying to arrange for students to take a language class to study Amarigna, one of the main languages of Ethiopia, as well as a history and culture class. Three other electives offered by the college would need to be arranged.
Also, Matson said a service project, possibly with the Christian Missionary Fellowship, would be required. Students would live in home stays, not on campus, for the entirety of the semester. Matson thinks that these living arrangements are the best way for students to learn about a culture.
Ethiopia is located in Eastern Africa on the horn, surrounded by Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Aditi
posted 5/05/08 @ 7:30 AM CST
Hey,
I hope the program is a success.
&Since your idea is unique,I am sure it will be implemented.
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