nother year at Elizabethtown College started just a few weeks ago, bringing with it new ideas, relationships and a collection of unfamiliar faces. One of those new faces is Sabina Post, an ‘08 grad and alum of Etown. She decided to come back to Etown and take charge of the study abroad program, one of the more popular programs among upperclassmen students.

During her time at Etown, Post majored in international business and Spanish and later had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain and France. During graduate school at the School for International Training (SIT) in Vermont, Post was given two internships that provided hands-on work in the international field. She just recently moved back to Etown from Florence, Italy, where she was working at Lorenzo de’ Medici as the international student advisor.

Post is not afraid of the unknown, or traveling to foreign countries with different languages and cultures. But not everyone shares this pioneer mentality. “I think one of the main fears students share when considering to study abroad is that the language barrier will be to overwhelming,” Post said. “Another issue is the price. But students should not be concerned about this, because tuition costs cover a majority of expenses. All students are responsible for is basically the plane ticket.”

Post also encourages students to overcome the nerves associated with studying abroad because of the rewarding benefits. “Most students pick one country they really want to visit and are very enthused to experience a new place and culture,”  Post explained. “When you travel to another part of the world it allows you to change your perspective and learn unexpected things both in and out of the classroom.”

However, study abroad does not only offer personal gain. It also allows for significant intellectual improvement in the classroom.

“Because this is my first year, I am using this time to do a needs assessment,” she said. “I am talking to key players in the department and figuring what strengths and weaknesses the program currently has. Then I can figure out what direction it needs to go in.”

To learn more about the program and how to get involved, visit the study abroad fair this Monday, Sept.16 at the BSC from 11-3 p.m. There will be prizes given away, including money towards a plane ticket for one lucky student. With Ms. Post leading the way, it’s sure to be a fun event.