Typically, the service is relevant to your community needs. After the completion of a service learning project, there is a structured reflection paper that assists student’s in thinking about their experiences and gain meaning. Astonishingly, Western Carolina has several non-profit partnerships linked to poverty, hunger, housing, the environment, children, education, culture, health care, animal care, seniors, government agencies, etc. Considering that the criminal justice department is one of the biggest departments, it is crucial for me to be involved in service learning that works with government agencies, so I can establish a fair amount of connections. Not only would service learning with the government establish connections, but service learning is also community building, can assist with career choices and job applications, builds leadership skills, allows career exploration opportunities, and work experience. With all the resources available I can all become involved right here on campus! In order to find service opportunities that the university offers, I can proceed to the website servicelearning.wcu.edu or attend different days of service throughout the year that the campus hosts. Also, there are constantly special projects and events happening as well as the alternative break trips during fall and spring breaks. Regardless of what I decide to …show more content…
The life changing experience, being different and affordability, are all reasons why college students should study abroad. After hearing Mr. Gieser speak, I’ve begun to reevaluate my future plans. Yet, it did not occur to me that you can use your financial aid to study abroad and the cost can vary from $11,000 to over $30,000 a semester depending upon where you may decide to travel. Not only can you study abroad for a semester, but there are opportunities to take a course through Western Carolina University for two to three weeks alongside Western Carolina staff or you can take an individual trip for one to three months. Before you can study abroad, you are obligated to be a full-time student, have completed at least thirty post high school credits, and have a minimum GPA of 2.75. In order to study abroad, it is advised to meet with Jim Gieser, your advisor, and the financial aid office prior to the deadlines. Remarkably, Jim has influenced myself to give this a second thought and investigate the process. I believe studying abroad can distinctly set you apart from others on a job resume and in everyday life. This would be an experience of a lifetime that could improve my self-confidence, communication skills, and give me an opportunity to meet fresh faces all over the world. Nevertheless, it would assist me in learning different perspectives and increase my understanding of other cultures.