Coming PEOPLE - 132 S mool officials announced a new study-abroad program this fall that would travel throughSwitzerland and France. In 2006, the first group of students was scheduled to start its journey in Geneva, Switzerland. From Switzerland,.they. would travel throughFran::e, making extended visits to Paris,Strasbourg. Toulouse and Corsica, a French island located in theMediterranean Sea. These students were to take a bicycle tour of France, hike in Corsica, and while in Paris, attend classes in the Louvre. Dr. Jeffrey Hopper, dean of the Honors College and International Programs, said he was excited about the France program because of the ability to experience the country in depth. DR. JEFFREY HOPPER, dean of the Honors College and International Programs, relaxes on acouchinthe Honors House Oct. 11 .Hopper announced thi sfall that anew overseasprogram wouldbegin inFrenchspeakingcountries in 2006 .• R.KECK soon New overseas program slated to begin in 2006 "You can study the entire history of mankind from within its borders, and we'll be able to get close to the people through various planned activities/' Hopper said. Dr. Robert McCready, associate professor of French, and the foreign language department proposed the program, Hopper said. "The proposal was . well thought out and designed consistently with the goals of Harding in mind," Hopper said. lilt will be a great asset to all our students who are interested in studying French." McCready, who lived in France for 17 years, was named the field director for the France program. One unique aspect of this international program was the prerequisite of having beginning foreign language skills, Hopper said. Although other study-abroad programs taught a foreign language, this was the first that required language skills prior to attending. "It will be unique because it is the only program in a French-speaking country, and we'll ask that everyone who goes take at least one semester of French before they participate," Hopper said. Harding University in France had set the count to a maximum of 25 students per semester. The French program at Harding's Searcy campus includes 60 students. Officials wanted to make the program available often enough so that every student in the foreign language department would have an opportunity to attend the program. "The way we've been growing [the international programs], I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't initiate another new program, but there is nothing on the horizon at the moment," Hopper said. -DANIELRAMBERGER
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