Pellissippi State third in nation for study abroad
Study abroad was a great experience, said Pellissippi State student Elicia Ferrer, who spent time over the summer studying in Italy and England. I had been out of the country before, but for mission experiences. Study abroad is different because youre there to learn and to experience the place. Its pretty magical.
In Tennessee, Pellissippi State ranks eighth among all higher education institutions in the state for the number of students who study abroad. In fact, the college is the only community college in the top 15.
Ferrer, who is studying Chinese language and plans to transfer to a four-year university in the spring, said, Studying abroad is an eye-opening way to observe different cultures and faiths. It gives you a front row seat to history. In my World Civilizations class, we were studying the Medicis, who did terrible things but who also funded the Renaissance. When youre in Italy and can physically see their legacy, it gives you an interesting perspective.
Pellissippi State works with the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies to provide study abroad opportunities for students. TnCIS, headquartered at Pellissippi State, organizes study abroad opportunities as part of its mission of boosting international experience and culture in higher education across the state. In the 10 years since its founding, TnCIS has supported more than 3,000 students statewide in pursuing a global education.
Additionally, Pellissippi State offers unique opportunities for students from around the world to study here in East Tennessee. In the 2015-16 academic year, Pellissippi State had 156 international students enrolled the ninth highest among all higher education institutions in the state and the only community college in the top 20.
Community colleges are diverse, and the ability to offer study abroad opportunities and to have international students on campus only increases that diversity. In a global economy, students need to be able to understand and appreciate diverse points of view, said Pellissippi State President L. Anthony Wise Jr.
For more information about Pellissippi State, visit www.pstcc.edu or call 865-694-6400.