Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?
Hannah: Even though I studied abroad in an English speaking country, I still think it’s becoming more important than ever for people to learn another language and/or truly immerse themselves in another culture. You don’t have to look very far to see examples of the variety of cultures that make up the fabric of our day to day lives.
Our world becomes increasingly cosmopolitan with every day and it’s important to be open to experiencing other cultures and seeing things from other perspectives so we can work with one another, regardless of difference in language and background. No matter where we come from or what language we speak, we all share a human experience and by learning a new language or throwing ourselves into an unfamiliar culture, we can only expand upon that experience, all for the betterment of the world in which we live.
What does the future hold for IFSA-Butler - any exciting new programs to share?
Hannah: IFSA-Butler is just starting to roll out a new model of programs called “Engage” that we hope will allow even more students the opportunity to spend a semester abroad and come back knowing how to articulate the formative experience. Our Engage programs will be available in Barcelona, London and two Australian cities, Adelaide and Gold Coast.
In my opinion, the most exciting part of these new programs is the required Exploring Community & Culture class (also known as C&C), taught by IFSA-Butler staff. We currently offer C&C on a few of our existing programs, but with Engage, C&C will be a key component in giving students the tools to unpack and understand the world around them on a deeper intercultural level.
As an added bonus, our Engage programs also offer a more affordable option for students looking to save a little money!