Augustana College Courtney Jankowski studies abroad

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/30/2013)(readMedia)-- Augustana College sophomore Courtney Jankowski is enjoying an unforgettable summer, a 10-week trip to Ecuador to live with a host family in the Andes Mountains. While study abroad programs can be expensive and often require financial help, she is convinced the experience should be open to any college student, and can be with the right approach.

Jankowski, a biology major from Batavia, Ill., is using $8,000 in grants and scholarships: She is the recipient of a $4,000 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship; a $2,000 grant from the William Freistat Center for Studies in World Peace at Augustana College; and a $2,000 grant from Augie Choice, a program that provides Augustana students with up to $2,000 for international study, internships or research.

"I know that one of the big reasons why some students don't study abroad is because of financial reasons," Jankowski said. "There are so many opportunities out there to make study abroad possible for everyone; you just have to look."

It may take time, but she said the rewards are worth it. "I have no doubt that foreign study is transformative in every way," she said. "Although every experience is different, submersing yourself in a new culture changes your outlook drastically. There will be a lot of changes and new experiences in the next few months of my life, and I know that going in with an open mind will benefit me the most."

Dr. Allen Bertsche, the director of international study programs at Augustana, agrees that study abroad programs can be vitally important for students, both in terms of educational value and career development. Right now, roughly 50 percent of the college's students participate in a study abroad program, he said, an unusually high number that stands to rise further because of Augie Choice, a program that encourages hands-on learning experiences like overseas travel by providing up to $2,000 in financial assistance.

"Many of my students have returned home with a new vision of the world and a new appreciation of their place in it," said Dr. Bertsche. "That is transformative, and it is what makes their education relevant to the rest of their lives."

Jankowski said she still can't believe she found enough grant and scholarship money to pay for the trip.

"I was so unbelievably excited," she said. "The first thing I did was call my mom, basically in tears, to tell her the news."

About Augustana: Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Alumni include 140 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 14 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.