Professor Joanna Sabo looks over Trafalger Square in London on MCCC’s most recent study abroad trip, to Western Europe in May 2015.
MCCC has created a new Global Studies office, head by Political Science professor Joanna Sabo.
Sabo, who also is adviser of the International Studies Club, will be working on new Global Studies offerings for students and faculty members.
Her office is located in the C building in Room 216.
One of her roles is coordinating the new Global Studies Degree Designation, which is an opportunity for students to gain knowledge about global and multicultural influences while earning an MCCC degree.
The “Global Studies Designation,” will be a line on their transcript, referred to as a degree enhancement, which they earn by enrolling in courses that have an international element, such as world history, or a foreign language.
The first step for students interested in the designation is to take a one-credit course called “Global Studies Orientation.” It will be offered in the winter semester at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.
There is more information on the Global Studies Degree Designation on the graduation page of the MCCC website.
Sabo noted that the Global Studies designation looks good on a resume for employment because it shows students were exposed to new cultures, communication skills, problem solving, networking skills, and others.
“Global or international experience will make students more employable. It is very impressive to an employer that they have this experience,” Sabo said.
She said she also will be working on developing relationships with four-year colleges around the world. That could give both students and faculty the chance to study overseas, including programs such as the Fulbright Scholar Program.
Sabo said she was first exposed to study abroad trips in 2003.
“In 2003, I found out how much you learn when you go abroad. In 2005, I observed another school’s program.
“Here at MCCC, we went on our first campus-wide trip in 2007,” she said.
Plans are being developed for MCCc’s next campus-wide study abroad trip in 2017.
“The proposals coming in are for spring semester in Italy and Greece. The cost will be around $4,000, but students shouldn’t worry because there are scholarships and other ways to finance the trip,” Sabo said.
If a student is interested in getting involved now, the International Studies Club has meetings about every two weeks. Students can email Sabo at jsabo@monroeccc.edu with questions.
