KEI Study Abroad Update!

Welcome to the Knowledge Exchange Institute’s (KEI) June 2006 on-line newsletter!  (for students, current KEI participants abroad, program alumni, and others with an interest in studying abroad).

In this month’s issue: 

  • KEI Updates: Application for Fall Programs - extended to July 24 
  • Featured City: Venice, Italy 
  • Featured Programs: Visual arts and graphic design programs
  • In the News: Commission pushes to raise participation in study abroad.
  • International Trivia Question

KEI Updates: Fall 2006 Application Deadline

The deadline for KEI's fall 2006 programs is  extended to June 30. Students interested in studying abroad in Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Russia, China, Thailand, Kenya and/or Mexico are urged to apply before the deadline. Applications received after June 20 will be reviewed if space is available in the program. Students should inform KEI of their intention to apply as soon as possible to ensure housing availability. 

Featured City: Venice, Italy 

Why is Venice becoming a hot spot for study abroad?  
Venice is truly the most romantic city in the world. This unique and beautiful city is built on stilts and boasts a maze of islands, canals and over 400 bridges. The city is divided into six quarters (sesteri). Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo and Santa Croce, all of which offer easy access to many of Venices main attractions. The absence of motor vehicles adds to the charm of this unique city, getting around by vaporettas and water taxis is the only way to discover the 118 islets that form the Venice lagoon. A trip to Venice is not complete without a trip on the much loved Italian gondolas, what could be more romantic than a moonlit trip along a Venice Canal, the atmosphere of the canal are quite unforgettable.

Architecture in Venice cannot be beat anywhere else. Featuring  Renaissance , Gothic, and Byzantine styles, Venice is a history rich with years, and appealing to any taste and personal preference.  In addition to the unbeatable architecture, are the shopping districts of Venice.  Opportunities for good bargaining are available everywhere, as well as the top designers and fashion houses that are open to some of the best window shopping in the world.  From clothing to delicate silks and trinkets, anything can be found in Venice. 

The restaurants in Venice feature food from all around the world.   Expensive, more upscale restaurants can be found around St. Marks Square, however delicious, affordable warm cuisine and cozy cafes, can be found all over.

See here for more info: www.KEIabroad.org. 

Featured Programs: Venice, Italy 

KEI offers 3 major-specific academic and internship programs at the Scuola Internazional di Grafica:

- Visual Arts and Graphic Design Program

- Graduate Diploma Program in the Visual Arts and Graphic Design

- Pre-college Artist Abroad Program

The Scuola Internazionale di Grafica brings together an international community of artists, teachers and students in an exchange of technical and critical ideas in the visual arts. Since its establishment in 1969, the Scuola has been making notable contributions in the areas of printmaking, book arts and painting. Today, it serves as a school of art for Italian and international students as well as a place of work for faculty and visiting artists.

The Scuola is located in Campo San Marcuola, in the artistically and historically rich city of Venice.  The visual arts, printmaking, book arts, graphic design and art history courses make full use of the Venetian landscape and society.  The Scuola's central location allows it a unique position between traditional and contemporary culture, and attracts art professionals and students from all over the world. Distinguished artists, such as Stanley Hayter and William Goetz, have made valuable contributions the Scuola's faculty, reputation and history.

KEI programs include academic credit, internship placement, housing, medical/travel insurance, on-site coordinator, orientation, airport welcome and transfer, mobile phone, access to Internet, and cultural activities and excursions throughout Brussels/Antwerp.

Visit the KEI website - www.KEIabroad.org - for more information.

In the News: Commission pushes to raise participation in study abroad

The commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program is issuing for America's colleges to send 1 million students abroad a year by 2017.  Last year the commission sent only 191,000 students abroad, and so this is in no way a small feat.  Congress is mostly focusing on bringing students abroad to underdeveloped nations.  

There is much controversy however upon where the funding will be distributed amongst different foundations and students, through scholarships.  "The timing for this couldn't be worse," said Eric Herzik, a University of Nevada, Reno political science professor. "Congress is being whip-sawed by deficits from the war in Iraq, which isn't going away anytime soon, the hurricanes, which piled onto an already large deficit, and the unwillingness of Republicans to give up tax cuts."

Congress will have to decide where the priorities lie, and then where to allocate the proper funds.  Universities would support students financially, according to the plan.  Money, as always is the bottom line here, and only time will tell what congress will decide.

For full article see: Commission pushes to raise participation in study abroad (11/14/05)


International Trivia Question
KEI's monthly on-line newsletter features a trivia question related to international issues.

QUESTION:  Where can you find Ayers Rock, the worlds largest monolith, whose base is nearly 6 miles around?

[The first 2 people who e-mail KEI with the correct answer will win a money belt. When submitting your answer, please include your mailing address, email and telephone number. Hint: The answer can be found on KEI's website...]

 
Knowledge Exchange Institute Top