The annual Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) Study Abroad Fest will take place online on Sunday, March 13, at 10 a.m. Prospective students will be able to interact with program directors representing the countries that hold ACA programs, take part in a Q&A session, watch footage from each program and participate in a grand prize drawing.
The grand prize includes 10 round-trip tickets for students to travel to and from the ACA program that they choose. Students who register for the Fest will be automatically entered in the drawing, according to the flier.
ACA gives students the opportunity to study in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Spain, England or Lebanon.
While many of the ACA programs had closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, operations have returned to normal this year, according to Pierre Nzokizwa, ACA Campus Coordinator. He said he understands that students and parents may still have fears about travel as COVID-19 continues to be an issue.
“Life has to continue,” Nzokizwa said. “There will always be some risk. Don’t let concerns about COVID keep you from this experience.”
Nzokizwa said he thinks all students should attend the Fest and get more information about ACA, even if they are unsure if they want to study abroad. He said he sees the study abroad experience as a “golden opportunity” that students should take advantage of.
“Studying abroad will benefit you in many ways,” Nzokizwa said. “Nowadays, employers are looking for people who speak multiple languages. It can even open up opportunities to work internationally.”
Anna Bennethum, junior history major, participated in the ACA study experience in Spain. She explained what the experience meant to her.
“I loved being able to go to the Mediterranean any day and be surrounded by the culture through architecture and language,” Bennethum said. “I learned more about being independent. You grow a lot when you go on such an adventure without your family and friends.”
Jake Miller, senior management major, studied abroad at Newbold College in England. He said he visited many countries during his time abroad.
“My favorite part of my experience was getting to travel to 17 different countries and make countless memories,” Miller said. “I learned how to be better at traveling and gained a much bigger appreciation for the customs, cultures and food of other countries.”
Breanna Ermshar, junior nursing major, had the opportunity to study in Spain over the summer. She encouraged other students to participate, too.
“I went abroad not knowing anybody else that was going, but I think it really helped me grow as a person and be more comfortable in who I was,” Ermshar said. “If you are thinking about going abroad, don’t think, just do it! The memories you make and the people you will meet along the way will stay with you forever.”
Registration opened on February 15. Register at ACAstudyabroad.convene.com.
