My name is Kristin Schmidt, and I am currently a WEC senior majoring in business management. I am a typical WEC student—a middle aged adult (I use that term loosely) taking classes, working full time, and raising a family. However, during winter term I will be anything but typical. I am enrolled in classes with one of Augsburg’s exchange partners, Arcada College in Helsinki, Finland.

For the next three months, I will be going to school full-time and sharing an apartment with two other exchange students. And since I am not eligible for a work visa, I won’t be working either.

Sounds a little crazy, doesn’t it? I’m majoring in business—and business is international—so it makes sense that my education is international as well. Just because I’m older doesn’t necessarily mean I have fewer learning opportunities. It means I have more responsibilities and commitments that may limit my learning opportunities. There’s a difference. The key is to find a way to align responsibilities with educational goals and broaden the opportunities.

I’m not saying this study abroad was accomplished easily—very far from it. I spent about a year researching the various programs and finding ways to not only pay for the trip itself but also to cover my financial and family obligations at home. I could not have this alone.

By working closely with the Augsburg Abroad staff, I was able to sift through numerous study abroad options, both short- and long-term programs. Other than the weather, which is similar to a “usual” Minnesota winter, Helsinki was the perfect choice. I will be exposed to a different culture for an extended period of time while taking classes that count toward my major requirements.

As for figuring out how to pay for it all, filling out a FAFSA opened the door to possible government grants and loans, not to mention need-based scholarships. There are also various non-need based scholarships that are offered both by the College and private organizations. A simple internet search can uncover an infinite amount of available opportunities.

My family was involved in the whole research process, and over the course of time they came to realize how important studying abroad was to me. I knew I had their full support. However, I work for a smaller company that has no policy for educational absences. I wondered how supportive my boss and co-workers would be. After pleading my case to the powers that be and answering a few questions, I was granted a leave of absence. I guess it really doesn’t hurt to ask.

I am very excited about this opportunity to study at Arcada College in Helsinki. During my time abroad, I will be writing articles much like this one, sharing my experiences. My hope is that by reading about my adventures, perhaps you, too, will start thinking of studying abroad and starting an adventure of your own.

This article was made possible in part by the Gilman Scholarship. For more information on this scholarship*, please visit the Gilman website or attend a workshop.

Thursday, Feb. 2, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Scheduled Christensen Center Cedar Room OR

Friday, Feb. 10, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Scheduled Christensen Cedar Room

*You must be US Citizen AND receive a Pell Grant to be eligible for this scholarship.

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Even before they arrive in the fall, new international students work closely with Jim Trelstad-Porter, international student advisor, to ensure that they have completed all of the necessary steps to studying in the U.S. International students have a special orientation following their arrival and before Auggie Days begins. At this orientation they tour campus and the nearby neighborhoods, meet with staff in many departments including public safety and the library, and also have dinner, often hosted in the homes of faculty, staff, and other students.

This year Augsburg welcomes more than 60 new students, including first-year students and transfers, from Norway, China, Belgium, Malaysia, Turkey, Vietnam, Palestine, South Korea, Yemen, Bahrain, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, India, Sweden, Thailand, Nigeria, Uganda, and Canada. Welcome! We are glad you’re here.

Read more about international Auggies in the Summer 2011 issue of the Augsburg Now magazine.

Photo (top) submitted by Regina McGoff: Anh Nguyen Pham (Vietnam), Marie-Aimee Ishimwe (Belgium), and Odin Akselberg (Norway)

Photo (bottom) submitted by Erika McCreedy: Kathrine Stav, Pauline Soevik, and Joar Kristiansen (all Norway)

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The Institute recently opened “A Nordic Christmas,” a multicultural tribute to the Christmas holidays. The exhibit includes a room for each of the Nordic countries–Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and of course, Sweden.

The Norwegian exhibit, which was designed and created by the Augsburg Associates, features a holiday table setting with Farmers Rose China. An adjacent table shows the tools and creations of a Norwegian kitchen including krumkake and lefse. There’s also a Norwegian Christmas tree flanked by a bunad and a pastor’s robe with a ruff collar.

Augsburg art history professor Kristin Anderson filled in the exhibit with four cases displaying Augsburg images. One case is dedicated the Advent Vespers, Augsburg’s annual holiday celebration of music and message. Another case highlights the achievements of Peter Agre ’70. A third display shows the historic buildings of the Augsburg campus, while the fourth has contemporary images of campus life courtesy of Stephen Geffre.

A Nordic Christmas

November 1-January 18

The annual holiday exhibit at the American Swedish Institute features decorated trees and table settings for Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland. Members of the Scandinavian-American community use china, crystal, linens and other tableware from each of Scandinavian countries to set the holiday tables. A decorated tree accompanies each table and completes the festive atmosphere.

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