Global connection: study abroad takes students on educational journey.

• Position: Extraordinary EDUCATION

Today's employers are looking for more than a degree when considering new graduates for jobs. They want individuals who have a connected view of the global economy.

At its core, that is what the study abroad experience at High Point University is designed to do--force one to adapt, transform and connect the dots. Students come away with an understanding that there are different ways to do everything. It's about thinking vertically, holistically. It's creating an informed person.

"There is something exhilarating about finding yourself in a new environment," says Heidi Fischer, director of Study Abroad. "The customs, the rules--they're all different. You have to adapt and figure it out. That's the kind of spirit employers want to have on their team. From a career perspective, it's about developing the mindset to embrace constant learning."

Fischer notes that more and more students are taking the opportunity to study abroad at HPU. Participation in the program for the 2012-13 academic year is up by nearly 1,300 percent since the 2005-06 school year. Currently, Study Abroad has partnerships with 22 programs in 14 countries--and Fischer says the university is expecting new proposals from a variety of countries that focus on different disciplines.

PIPING THROUGH SCOTLAHD

Henry Molski, a junior from Cincinnati majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in global commerce, spent the fall 2012 semester at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. While there, he gained not only the knowledge of a different and challenging academic structure, but also a great deal of cultural experiences that will last him a lifetime.

"I'm thrilled that I spent a semester abroad," Molski says. "I had an amazing opportunity to not only meet people from many different countries, but also had the chance to make a variety of connections that will benefit me with career goals."

During his time in Scotland, he enrolled in challenging courses such as international relations, as well as took part in many outside club activities that allowed him to really experience college life overseas. "I was in the Mountaineering Club, the Clay Pigeon Club, Marketing Club, Global Investment Group and the Scottish Whisky Tasting Club," Molski says. "While 'whisky tasting club' might sound unusual, it was the most professional club. Whisky is one of the top five industries in Scotland, and I learned a great deal from the many distilleries that visited campus."

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