Peru Bound

By Dylan Scherpf

 

Last night in room 108 of the Lane Center, a short presentation was given on the upcoming study abroad trip to Peru. This information cession, the last of the semester, was presented by the dean of the College of Business, Dr. Ahmad Tootoonchi, as well as Dr. Jeffery McClellan and Dr. Lilly Ye. A modest group of about ten students were in attendance.

            Dr. TooToonchi, the man heading the program, took some time to explain why these trips are important. “We, as human beings, are what we know,” he said, “nothing beats education.” Having traveled to Germany, France, India, China, Scotland, Mexico, Canada, and Peru already, TooToonchi knows just how valuable the experience can be. While an education here in Frostburg is good, it doesn’t compare to what you can gain from international studies, he explained. These days, it is easier than ever to do this. “The advances in technology are turning the whole world into a small village,” Tootoonchi said.

            The trip to Peru will take place next summer from July 24^th to August 3^rd. While the trip is focused on business, the students who participate will be treated to a number of experiences. First arriving in Lima, the students will take an easy first day as they adjust to the altitude, which is about 12 thousand feet above sea level. From there they will take a short flight to Cuzco where they will attend a leadership conference and then have some free time to shop in the city. Along the trip they will also be given the opportunity to see such Incan ruins as Corincancha (the temple of the sun), the sacred valleys of Pisac and Ollanta y Tambo, and Machu Pichu. Students will also do service work in small villages to give back in one way or another.

            At $4271.00 per student, the trip may seem costly at first, but Tootoonchi is doing everything he can to bring down the cost for each student. While he attempts to get donors for the program, students can also receive scholarships and financial aid. One scholarship, the Harold R. Rowe International Student Scholarship was awarded to 12 of the 18 students who went to China this past summer. Each of them was awarded one thousand dollars. To the other six students, Tootoonchi was able to give $400 thanks to donors. Fund raising events are also an option for these students. Even though this program is headed by the business department, Tootoonchi stressed the fact that “it is not limited to business students.” Aid will be given to non-business students as well.

            This study abroad trip comes after what was considered to be a very successful trip to China. Students who attended the China trip visited famous places such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and the Great Wall, as well as a number of prospering Chinese businesses. Because of how well this trip went, another trip to China is also set for the coming summer. With big hopes for the College of Business Global Experiences Learning Program, Tootoonchi aims for even more options in the future, mentioning Brazil, Africa, and Europe.