Fall semester is a speck in the academic rearview mirror and this week, students will begin registering for next year’s classes.

When designing a course load, it’s important to consider things like Hamline Plan requirements and major specific classes.

What many students don’t think about, however, are the opportunities offered by Hamline’s study abroad programs. Hamline students can learn Spanish by immersing themselves in Chilean culture, see the World Cup in South Africa or for the more adventurous, enjoy a day of bog jumping in Dublin.

Junior Natasha Johnson studied in one of Hamline’s best-established programs, York, England.

“I absolutely loved my time abroad and wish I could spend another semester abroad before I graduate,” said Johnson. “I think study abroad is so important and encourage every student who has the means to go abroad to do so. You learn so much about who you are as a person and become so much more confident in your abilities.”

The first step for any student interested in studying abroad is a meeting with Jackie Johnson, the study abroad adviser for International and Off Campus Programs (IOCP).

IOCP offers a variety of trips to suit a student’s schedule that can range from an entire yearlong program to something more short-term.

Before participating in a trip, the IOCP staff take care to comprehensively equip each and every student with all the knowledge and skills they could possibly need.

For semester-long and summer sessions, students must attend four informational meetings addressing everything from passport renewal to laws of the host city.

In addition to strict adherence to international standards and cooperation with the National Association for Study Abroad and Overseas Advisory Council, IOCP offers a number of resources unique to Hamline students. For example, Hamline first-years are eligible to participate in study abroad programs.

Studying abroad can provide students with invaluable experiences pertinent to their major. Junior Maggie Murphy is currently studying in Dublin, Ireland.

“I’ve spent about three and half months here and it’s been an amazing experience,” said Murphy. “I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it. Plus with my major in biological anthropology seeing the bog bodies has been the best part.”

Not only does IOCP organize study abroad programs, they also coordinate international students, organize exchange programs and help students find resources to diminish the cost of studying abroad, which is currently comparable to the cost of living on-campus.

For more information regarding IOCP and study abroad programs, check out their website, hamline.edu/studyabroad or email their office at iocp@hamline.edu.