University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

MEDIA RELEASE

CSUN Students Continue Their Education Internationally

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2007) — Understanding and appreciating the cultures, economies and diversity of the world are just few of the lessons that 35 Cal State Northridge students will receive while studying abroad this year.

The CSUN participants are examples of the dozens of California State University students who are studying abroad through the system-wide International Program (IP). IP offers students from more than 50 universities and other institutions of higher education an opportunity to study and receive college credit at one of 19 countries.

"Students grow intellectually, socially and emotionally from experiencing a year abroad," said Marta Rezvani-Lopez, advisor of CSUN’s International Program. "There is no other experience that could be comparable to the intensity of adjustment to and enjoyment of another environment."

Currently in its 44th year, IP has been recognized by organizations such as the Council on Learning and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for offering an array of disciplines and career options that contribute to the students’ ongoing preparation for the working world.

Student participants pay regular state university fees and are able to apply for financial aid to pay for tuition. A course load of 15 units must be maintained by all students.

By the end of the 2007-08 academic year, Northridge students will have traveled to the countries of Ghana, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, Chile, Sweden, Germany and Australia. These students include:

Student:	Major:	Country of Study:
Marilena Amiantitis	Business	United Kingdom
Rosemary M. Avila	Sociology	Ghana
Chase C. Burton	CTVA Film Production	Australia
Bryce E. Carey	Computer Engineering	Germany
Pablo E. Chavez	Journalism	Sweden
Joshua G. Chisholm	English Literature	Italy
Jeffrey S. Coleman	Biology	Sweden
Michelle J. Collins	Political Science	Italy
Marchaan Dotson	Biology	Spain
Eva Gonzalez Vargas	Spanish	Spain
Brenda R. Gutierrez	Liberal Studies	Spain
Brennan J. Humes	Communications	Sweden
Jennifer L. Keim	History	Italy
KaSandre L. Kirby	Sociology	Ghana
Kyle R. Klimusko	Accounting	United Kingdom
Marqeaux Rae Mandap	Management	United Kingdom
Cassandra B. McGinnis	History	Italy
Travis D. Mendel	Recreation	Germany
Benyamin Moradzadeh	Cinema/Film	Sweden
Matthew S. O’Neill	Political Science	Italy
Fatima D. Orellana	Marketing	Spain
Rosa E. Orellana	History	Italy
Michael G. O’Riley	Computer Science	Japan
Karla A. Pena	Liberal Studies	Chile
Jennifer A. Potell	Theater Arts	United Kingdom
Mahsa Pourabedi	Journalism	Spain
Philip A. Roe	Music	France
Lauren E. Schaubert	Psychology	United Kingdom
Thomas G. Sekayan	Music Education	United Kingdom
Mira M. Shah	Art	Italy
Amina K. Soliman	Art	Italy
Danielle E. Sylos	Apparel	Italy
Alexin S. Tenefrancia	English Literature	United Kingdom
Thomas L. Wolfe	Music Industry	United Kingdom
Erek P. Yedwabnick	Humanities	Japan

California State University, Northridge has 34,500 full- and part-time students and offers 62 bachelor’s and 50 master’s degrees as well as 28 teaching credential programs. Founded in 1958, CSUN is among the largest single-campus universities in the nation and the only four-year public university in the San Fernando Valley. The university serves as the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Valley and beyond.