SF State students who will participate in California State University's International Programs this fall were honored with a reception Wednesday night.
More than 100 guests and honorees filled the Blakeslee Room on the top floor of Thornton Hall to say bon voyage to 64 SF State students and international exchange students who have studied on campus this year.
"You're going to embark on a wonderful educational adventure," Freida Lee, interim director for SF State's international program, told the audience.
The reception was the first held in almost 10 years, according to Lee. My Yarabinec, coordinator of the study abroad and international exchange programs, said this year was the first time students received scholarships from SF State with money raised from donations from faculty, staff and alumni.
Kalicia Pivirotto, Joy Pfeiffer, Luis Bermundez and Katherine Lewin received scholarships to help defray living expenses.
Lewin, a sophomore art history major at SF State, will be studying Italian and art history at the University of Florence. "I'm really excited just to have the opportunity to go," Lewin said.
Lewin said she does not speak Italian, but said she felt she would enrich her education and future by studying abroad.
Students who participate in CSU's International Programs must submit to an application and screening process and meet the eligibility requirements of the program they select, Yarabinec said.
After the application is reviewed by a panel at SF State and the Chancellor's office in Long Beach, the most qualified candidates are chosen for the slots allotted in each program. The cost of tuition is subsidized by the state of California and students pay only the fees they would at SF State. Living expenses must also be paid by the student.
SF State students are very competitive, Yarabinec said. For example, this year seven of the nine students studying at the University of Paris are from SF State.
Rebeca Sanchez-Glazer said studying abroad was something she had been thinking about for a long time. Sanchez-Glazer will be studying Spanish at the Iberoamericana University in Mexico City and plans to visit Cuba with her friend Mari Arreola, another SF State student, who studied in France last year.
"The best way to learn about a culture is to be there and experience it," humanities major Katie Rogers said. She will also be studying in Mexico City and plans to earn credit toward her minor in Latin-American culture.
Christopher Taylor, a cinema major, will be attending Kingston University in West London to study literature. "I'm excited and I want to do a documentary on World War II when I'm there," Taylor said.
"This is really a transforming experience for students," Yarabinec said. "International education is recognized by employers and graduate schools. It sets the individual apart."
To apply for the study abroad program for the 1996-1997 school year call 338-1293 or drop by the International Center on 19th Avenue.