SPP’S STUDY ABROAD TRIPS

SPP group photo in front of the 3rd oldest library in the world (Ephesus)

SPP hosted two study abroad programs over winter break: to Turkey and Mexico.The Turkey outing was led by Professor Robert Rogowsky, an expert on international trade, and Michal McElwain, SPP’s Director of External Programs. Turkey was chosen because the country is something of a “laboratory” for studying the policies and economics of emerging markets. “Being in the country you’re studying helps you understand the course-work far more comprehensively—and to retain it in the long-term,” says Jerry Golden, a student who went to Turkey after completing the Oxford program in August and is getting his master’s degree from SPP. “On a more personal level, most of the best friends I have made in graduate school have been through these study abroad programs.” Jeff Hoffman, another master’s student, also raved about his experience in Turkey. He related that his group was hosted by the mayor of Bodrum, a resort town that is important to the Turkish economy; CNN covered the event. Hoffman believes his experience abroad, and the international savvy it helped him to gain, will give him and his classmates an edge over their peers when the time comes to compete for jobs. Sara Kur, also in the master’s program, had this to say: “I was able to immerse myself in the Turkish culture and to get educated on major issues in politics and economics in the country.”