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The first section, Crossing Borders I, serves as an orientation for the upcoming study-abroad experience, providing information on health, safety, and insurance, while simultaneously preparing the student for life in a completely new culture.

The second class is designed to function as a post-experience course, facilitating the integration of the student’s experiences into the Hamline community.

Professor Kari Richtsmeier, Director of Off-Campus Programs and head of the Crossing Borders program, is excited about the upcoming year of study abroad. The number of students opting to study abroad has been growing annually, but some significant changes are being enacted since the entrance of President Dr. Linda Hanson. The budget for the program has been expanded, creating a healthier system financially.

There also seems to be a new spark of interest this year from the students themselves. Last year’s first-year seminar, “Germany in the 21st Century,” taught by Richtsmeier, was an overwhelming success which led to the inclusion of additional first-year seminars traveling to both England and Trinidad and Tobago this coming January term.

The number of students participating in the year-long Crossing Borders program is up as well; 34 students are enrolled this year, approximately five more than last year.

Early autumn is just the beginning of the process. “We will probably [send] 400 students abroad this year.

That’s the goal, anyway,” says Richtsmeier.

Another new program being enacted next year is a term of study in England for Crossing Borders students. 15-20 students will travel with Professor Susie Steinbach to York, England to take a required course instructed by Steinbach, as well as an independent six-credit course and an eight-credit internship.
The benefits just keep rolling in; an unprecedented perk to the York program will be the ability for students to gain Hamline Plan credits, such as H, S, N, or F.

“It’s wonderful. This allows students to take classes at a British institution but also get Hamline Disciplinary credits because Susie [Steinbach] is teaching actual Hamline classes there,” Richtsmeier said.

Going abroad is easier than many people realize. Through the Crossing Boarders program, students simply pay tuition to Hamline, but are able to attend an international school to gain their education. Professor Richtsmeier feels this may help draw more prospective students into the program.

“This will allow more students to go abroad because there are no extra budget constraints that they’ll have to worry about,” she said.

There are extra costs, however, such as airfare, but the actual education and boarding is included with the tuition paid to Hamline.

This year’s Crossing Borders program has already begun, but for any interested students, studying abroad next year is an option. The deadline for application for many programs is November 23.

Professor Richtsmeier also welcomes anyone interested to contact either her or Professor Steinbach with any questions.