Barb Clawson
Barb Clawson is an Academic Advisor in the Horticulture Department. Barb has led numerous study abroad programs in the past, and is currently leading the Integrated Management of Tropical Crops in Costa Rica spring travel course.
Why do you lead a study abroad program?
One of the richest college experiences is traveling to another country to either study at another university or participate in a travel course. I want to assist students with this experience. I also love to travel, and this is a great way to do it with our students.
What has been most memorable about leading a program?
When I traveled to Serbia and Croatia, I didn鈥檛 know anything about those two countries. The waterfalls in Croatia were breathtaking. Seeing the students experience that was amazing. The Costa Rica program is awesome in that we work with the professors and staff at the University of Costa Rica, and having this exchange is wonderful.
What have you learned by leading a program?
You have to be flexible, and you have to help students learn how to be flexible and think on their feet. Every country does things a bit differently than we do, so being flexible and understanding the culture helps to have an enriching experience.
What would you say to faculty who are considering leading a program?
JUST DO IT! Find a place that you鈥檝e always wanted to see and start planning the trip. Make sure you recruit students for the experience and do a good job of setting up a meaningful program.
Why should students study abroad?
I think the students will have a much more meaningful life having traveled abroad, or even domestically. Seeing how others do things in another country or even another state and being able to navigate that will make everyone grow personally. I required my own children to experience a study abroad while in college. For me, it鈥檚 seeing the produce in a field in Costa Rica and understanding what happens to that crop when I shop in our grocery stores here in Iowa. You have a greater appreciation for everything when you travel, I believe.
How would you encourage students to study abroad?
I talk to students all the time about the study abroad experience. I help them get scholarships and figure out how to pay for the experience. I also talk about the skills they will get from study abroad and how they can use that on their resume.