Newsletter
of the Washington College Department of Business Management |
Spring
2000
Washington
College: The opportunity to study abroad
In recent years Washington College has dramatically increased
its international exchange programs. The business management
department encourages majors to spend a semester abroad to gain
a global perspective on commerce and culture. Kristen Van Eron
is a junior who studied abroad last fall in London. Kristen,
a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, is a double major in
business management and economics. She is a member of the Silver
Pentagon Society and the Society of Junior Fellows. She describes
her early experiences studying in London this semester.
“I arrived in London on the first of September. Our group
of 39 students consists of a mix of students from the University
of Delaware and Washington College, with majors ranging from
fashion design to economics. I’m with a number of students
living about 20 minutes from the rest of the group, which encourages
us to go out on our own and meet different people.
“Classes are at the London Center in the Bloomsbury district.
I’m taking courses in urban sociology, music, European economics,
Shakespeare, and architecture. This semester I have the opportunity
to attend two operas, four symphonies, and six Shakespearean
plays. This past weekend I attended one of those plays in Stratford,
three hours outside of London. I saw Othello at the Royal Shakespeare
Company Theatre. It was an incredible performance.
“There are no business courses offered specifically at the
London Center, although there are at the University of North
London. Nevertheless, my experience here will benefit my education
in many ways. I’m learning a lot about the economies of
England and Europe. In my sociology class, for instance, we’ve
discussed the differences between the American and English automobile
industries, noting the greater success of American car companies
in producing inexpensive cars for a broad market.
“Unfortunately, while I had applied for an internship, they
are quite limited, and I failed to get one. My advice to other
study-abroad students: do your own research ahead of time to
try to find American companies that might provide internship
opportunities in London or wherever you’ll be.
“Living in London is quite a change from quiet little Chestertown.
It’s a hectic, bustling global financial center. I’m
not sure whether I want to make a career in such a large and
fast-paced place, but wherever I decide to go, my experience
in London will be valuable to a career in banking or investments.
“This study-abroad program is also giving me the opportunity
to travel throughout Europe. I am hoping that my travels will
broaden my knowledge of other cultures and places. Overall, this
program has given me an opportunity that reaches far beyond what
Chestertown can provide. My advice to other students considering
studying abroad: do your research, decide where you want to go,
and go for it!” •
Kristen Van Eron can be reached at kristen.van.eron@washcoll.edu.