GVSU ranks seventh nationally for study abroad

Before she transferred to Grand Valley, Angela Harris had never considered participating in a study abroad program, citing cost as a concern.

The junior, who is majoring in public, nonprofit and health administration, traveled to Namibia, in southern Africa, in May and said the trip has made her more brave.

"The fact that I was willing to step outside of my comfort zone and take on something nobody in my family has ever done before, shows me how courageous I can be," said Harris, a native of Detroit.

Harris is among the growing number of Lakers choosing to study abroad. Grand Valley was recently ranked seventh nationally in number of study abroad participants with 720 during reporting year 2017-2018, according to the Institute of International Education's Open Doors Report.

During the previous reporting year, Grand Valley was ranked No. 11 among master's degree-granting institutions. Mark Schaub, interim dean of Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, credited the increase in study abroad participation to faculty members who lead programs.

"We have fantastic faculty colleagues who spend so much of their time and energy to develop great study abroad opportunities for students and then generously dedicate countless hours to leading them," Schaub said.

Harris' program in Namibia was led by Steeve Buckridge, professor of area and global studies and history. Students in the program toured historic cities and townships, a national game park, a cheetah conservation center and an area dedicated to desert elephants.

Harris said it was a perfect fit for her career aspirations to work for a non-governmental organization devoted to animal rights. She earned a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to help fund the trip.

While confirming her passion for wildlife and conservation management, Harris discovered a new passion after her trip: encouraging other students to study abroad.

"Now, I am a student worker for the Padnos International Center, where it’s my job to encourage students daily," she said.