by: Alyssa Morris
Dr. Mark Borzi, the new head of the VUS Communication Arts Department, is planning a Study Abroad program in New Zealand and Australia for the 2015 summer session.
Before coming to VSU he served as chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Eastern Illinois University. There he capitalized on his love of travelling by becoming involved in the Study Abroad programs and leading trips to New Zealand, Australia, Barbados and Ireland.
Initially he became involved in the study abroad program by surveying students to find out why they weren’t taking advantage of those programs. He found the main reasons to be the differences in language, the high cost, the possibility of delaying graduation, and the concern they would miss family and friends.
He wanted to not only address those issues but also to create programs that would excite students and take place in countries where there were none. Although VSU offers program to Japan and Europe, he feels there are so many more places to go. He identified Australia, Barbados and Ireland as places that have great tourist appeal and very few language barriers. Although the trips are still expensive, they are cheaper through the Study Abroad Program than if students were to go on their own.
They are also shorter because the class portion of the courses occurs prior to departure. Students meet once for orientation and three times for class, and return from the experience with a writing assignment to complete. This format makes it possible for them to focus on researching, collecting data, and enjoying the sights while they are abroad.
The three locations also provide the opportunity for Borzi to pursue many of his favorite past times, which include travel, photography, snorkeling, bass fishing, camping, and golf. “When I look over my list of hobbies, it becomes obvious that I love the outdoors,” Borzi said.”I like activities that are not straining but ones that you can have fun doing.”
For more information on Dr. Borzi and the upcoming study abroad programs visit www.borzi.org.
