Kirstin Sessoms' dreams came true when she was selected to study abroad as part of VWC's Global Scholars Program
By Stephanie Smaglo | March 4, 2016
“I have been dreaming about this experience since my freshman year, and finally it is becoming a reality.”
These are the words of Virginia Wesleyan biology major Kirstin Sessoms ’16. Her wishes came true a week later as she departed for Spain as part of the College’s Global Scholars Program. She kept a travel blog about her spring 2015 study away experience at Sevilla’s Universidad Pablo de Olavide.
A Semester in Sevilla with Kirstin elaborates on Sessoms' adventures in Spain—its history, food, nature, and landmarks like Plaza de Espana and the Cathedral of Saint Mary. She also shares details about trips to Madrid and Toledo and travels outside the country to Morocco and Portugal. And she even found time to write about her academic experience.
“All of my professors have been very welcoming and seem enthusiastic about teaching international students,” she writes. “Their passion for teaching is very apparent and they seem happy to be part of our study abroad experience.”
The day-to-day moments of students studying abroad add up to transformational experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Many students who travel abroad describe their experiences as life changing.
“I have never felt so welcome coming into such an incredibly foreign place,” Sessoms writes. “It’s nice to hear so many positive voices encouraging us all to make the most out of our time right now. To relax, to find love, to travel, to not worry, to try new things, and to let yourself go. Through these words of wisdom that I have heard each day, it has really hit me. This is my time now.”
Launched in 2012, Virginia Wesleyan’s Global Scholars Program aims to increase the number of semester abroad experiences for students. Made possible by a gift from an anonymous donor, the award program covers costs associated with room, board, tuition and incidentals for approximately 15 study abroad experiences each year. Students from all majors are chosen through a competitive application and interview process to study at a variety of institutions around the globe.
Virginia Wesleyan’s Study Away Program, part of The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and Discovery, offers a wide variety of semester study away opportunities as well as short-term programs during the College's Winter Session and summer months. The Lighthouse also engages students in internships and undergraduate research—learning experiences outside the classroom.
“We’re here to help students achieve their dreams,” says Sara Sewell, Executive Director of The Lighthouse. “We believe that the best way for students to decide what they want to do with their lives is simply for them to try new things and meet new people. We open up opportunities so that students can have the experiences that will make a critical difference in their lives.”
For Kirstin Sessoms and countless others, the opportunity to study away has made a world of difference.