In keeping with our desire to broaden our university-wide international offerings as much as possible, the Discover the World program last year completed a successful pilot in Cameroon where students were immersed in African art, language and culture. In collaboration with Cameroonian students, the DTW students also helped develop an HIV/AIDS awareness program targeted to young people and created an accompanying nation-wide radio broadcast. The College of Professional Studies is exploring the possibility of offering international internship opportunities in DTW cities and is preparing to introduce a master’s degree in International Communications. “Our mission is to prepare students for the jobs that are in demand worldwide and to modernize our academic curriculum to keep apace — or even better, ahead of — our changing global environment,” says Dean Kathleen Vouté MacDonald. St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences prepared a new study abroad opportunity for Government and Politics graduate students interested in international relations. The program consists of four two-week intensive courses in Eastern Europe, Asia, North Africa and Latin America. “The University is taking education out of the classroom and bringing students to the actual locales they are studying,” explains Dean Jeffrey Fagen. “This helps to prepare them for success in the global marketplace by allowing them to see theory in practice and to gain perspective and respect for other cultures.” For the second consecutive year, Campus Ministry offered students the opportunity to receive Vincentian formation training in working with the sick and dying and travel to Lourdes to perform volunteer work. Participating students gain academic credit in theology for their Lourdes service. “Next year, we plan to add a daily journal writing requirement,” explains Vice President for University Ministry and University Events Pamela Shea-Byrnes. “We want to spread Vincentian values through the Lourdes experience, and by producing the journals either in print or online, we hope to inspire others.” “ Lourdes was a great place to claim my faith and focus on my spiritual growth. One of the things that most impressed me was the many volunteers from all over the world that I met there — many of themsuccessful lawyers, judges and doctors — who have been returning to do service for 35-40 years. I have visited Lourdes three times, once on my own while I was studying in Paris as part of Discover the World. I wanted to see what it’s like to be a pilgrim receiving the service I provided as a volunteer. “ The baths were the most moving part of the experience. I realized that we live in a society that celebrates health while ignoring people in wheelchairs and stretchers. I could see what a difference care and compassion make, and I was continually in awe of my faith and Vincentian charism.”Pedro Gomez Business Major Class of 2009