Importance Of International Field Education

I am a firm believer that learning should not happen exclusively in the classroom. The opportunity to get out into the field and learn, on the ground, is an important part of a holistic education.

In today’s global society, the option to travel abroad, to obtain real world educational experiences, only further enhances a student’s education, and makes the student more competitive/marketable in our globally minded world.

I am interested in this program to not only deeply enhance my graduate school experience, but to have the chance to immerse myself in the people and culture of China, and learn first hand from them, bringing to life material learned in the classroom. Interacting with other cultures deeply changes some. I hope to return from

I am certain that this experience will expand my knowledge of global policy, thus increasing my knowledge base as an academic, and making me more marketable in the post-doctorate employment search. I hope to gain a new appreciation for the global studies and sociology; as well as gain a new experience that I can apply to my future education and work in the field. I will gain a memorable, life-changing experience that will certainly benefit my ventures in the field of sociology in the

I also have very limited financial resources, and could not study abroad without financial assistance. As you can see from my 1st semester PhD GPA of 4.08, and my master’s degree GPA of 4.0, I have high levels of motivation and commitment to my field; I will take full advantage if afforded the opportunity to participate in the China study abroad program, and sincerely believe I will return not only a stronger academic, but a better person as well. I hope to use what I have learned to effect change locally. I would also look forward to being a mentor to students who could benefit from similar study abroad experiences.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” and I know that this experience will certainly help me as I journey on the path to becoming that “change”, and help me become a better mother, hard-working student, aspiring sociologist/academic, and global