Jupiter, FL (September 19, 2011) – Students who attend Florida Atlantic University’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College are well known for discovering fresh ways to apply what they learn in their classes to areas outside of the classroom. For Megan Allore, a senior at the Wilkes Honors College, studying abroad offered her just such an opportunity. During the summer of 2011, Allore spent a month in Amsterdam, studying Dutch Contemporary Social Policy.
            As a recipient of the prestigious Flagler Scholarship, Allore knew that her costs for participating in a study abroad program would be covered. However, because her academic work has focused on American history, she was unsure how visiting a foreign nation could relate to her concentration. “Since my interests are primarily in American history, finding a study abroad program that fits my concentration was understandably difficult,” states Allore. But she was able to get help from Florida Atlantic University’s international studies office, which pointed her towards a program that fit her needs perfectly. “The FAU Office of International Programs helped me find this program after the one I had been planning to attend fell through,” says Allore. “I decided on the Amsterdam program because I'm fascinated by social policy, so I thought I would gain a critical perspective by studying this area in another country and culture.”
            Studying abroad in Amsterdam proved to be just as rewarding as Allore had expected, although not in the manner she had anticipated. Her trip not only allowed her to learn about the complexities of Dutch social policy, but also taught her valuable skills for living alone overseas. “In Amsterdam, I was totally on my own. I had to figure out how to get around in an unfamiliar city,” Allore describes. “I had to buy and prepare all my own food, which was a challenge since all the instructions on the boxes were in Dutch. It was strange being away from my family and friends, but I learned that I can rely on myself.” 
            Allore highly recommends her Amsterdam program to other students, insisting that the wide range of topics discussed could be beneficial to students studying in many different disciplines. She says the city itself has much to offer to the college students. “Besides the academic aspect of the program, Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a rich history. Every street is a postcard.” Allore encourages her peers to take advantage of the study abroad resources available during their undergraduate years. “Keep in touch with the Study Abroad Office. Even if you're not sure about whether an international program is right for you, talk to them about your options,” she recommends. Allore encourages students to inquire about financial aid for study abroad trips as well, noting that there are several scholarships available directly through the university.
            For Megan Allore, this study abroad experience allowed her to immerse herself in an entirely different culture both academically and socially. Her experience has been a priceless addition to her Honors College experience and has taught her valuable skills that she will carry into her future studies. Megan Allore has provided another wonderful example of how the Wilkes Honors College encourages its students to learn about the world both in the classroom and in settings far from home.

byline: WHC Student Intern Megan Geiger