Teaching the English language to children in Germany helped Pantaleon Florez find his life’s calling.

Florez, Topeka senior and German major, spent the past academic year studying abroad in Germany, his second time studying in the country.

“I know that I want to go back to Germany to work later on because I had a really good working experience when I was over there,” Florez said. “It put me on the path that I am on right now.”

Study abroad participation totals stayed consistent in 2008-2009 as compared to last year’s figures, according to Robert Lopez, outreach coordinator for the Office of Study Abroad.

The deadline to apply for study abroad programs during the summer and fall of 2009 and the full 2009-2010 academic year is March 1.

There are 50 short-term study abroad programs that provide opportunities during spring, winter and summer breaks. There are also 60 programs in which students spend an entire semester or academic year abroad.

Sue Lorenz, interim director of the Office of Study Abroad, said the benefits of studying in another country included fostering independence, becoming familiar with another culture and making connections for future endeavors. She said studying abroad helped students create a sense of self, and it was also advantageous when looking for a job or applying to graduate school.

“It suggests a willingness to explore new situations and take on challenges,” Lorenz said.

Dorrie Young, Wichita senior and art history major, is primarily interested in Asian art. To help her knowledge become more comprehensive, she spent last summer in Japan studying, visiting art museums and practicing her Japanese language skills.

“It was a life-changing experience,” Young said. “After spending two years studying a language in an academic setting, it was really refreshing to be able to actually use it.”

Young has also studied abroad in Germany, France and Italy. Because she did not speak the native languages, she said she was at a disadvantage when communicating with people. She said having a level of proficiency in a language provided a person with a deeper degree of cultural understanding.

“It gave me new goals that whenever I go back there I want to be able to communicate even more,” Young said.

Florez said he noticed a distinct difference between American and foreign universities.

“The learning environment was a lot more relaxed,” Florez said. “I usually only had to go to each class once a week. It gave me plenty of time to make sure I got all the readings done and could do extra research if I needed to.”

After graduation, Florez said he wanted to find a job in marketing or teaching the English language. He said studying abroad provided an opportunity to network and opened doors for him internationally.

— — Edited by Andrew Wiebe