January 14, 2013

Shawnee State University student Janine Grey and Troy Pearl will be studying abroad in Germany during Spring Semester.

Grey is the daughter of Rick and Kasia Gay, of Riverside, Calif.

She is a photography/graphic design major and art history minor at SSU.

"I am beyond excited to study abroad," Grey said. "I want to be able to work internationally and I feel like this is a perfect opportunity to open doors to do that."

Her parents are supportive and also excited for her to have this opportunity, she said.

"I look forward to traveling throughout Europe, especially visiting Poland and Italy to see family and the hometowns of my grandparents," Grey said.

Troy Pearl, son of Michael Pearl and Christy Pearl, of Columbus, is an international relations major.

"I look forward to traveling to several countries while I am in Germany," Pearl said. "This is just a great opportunity and I plan to see all I can during our breaks."

They will be studying at Ludwigsburg University of Education in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

SSU has six sister universities where students can go in the exchange program, including Chile, two in China, Germany, Morocco and Spain. SSU also is a member of ISEP, a direct study abroad program that offers 70 study abroad destinations for students.

Students can:

• Develop skills in problem solving;
• Develop foreign language and communication skills;
• Gain geographical, historical, and cultural knowledge;
• Gain an appreciation for and understanding of different cultures;
• Develop confidence and a stronger sense of personal identity; and,
• Make personal and professional contacts around the world.

Participants have the opportunity to travel and experience another culture first-hand, all while earning credits towards a degree.