Study abroad in Spain

A free online course that teaches personal financial management topics for students who are new to college and or considering college was launched this week by Wichita State University.Part 1 of the course helps students and families make wise decisions about which college to attend and how to pay for it.Part 2 helps students wisely manage money while in college and beyond.The course includes game-ification features and also allows users to post status updates about their progress in the course to Facebook and Twitter.The online platform for the course was created by a local Web design firm VandeCreek Consulting.

Money for the website comes from the federally funded College Access Challenge Grant, the purpose of which is to promote college completion by providing financial literacy education.Given the growing public concern with the cost of attending college and the fact that financial difficulties force many students to discontinue their studies, financial literacy education is critical to national efforts to educate more students,said Keith Pickus, interim provost.Liz Weston, a nationally syndicated personal finance columnist, agrees that financial literacy is necessary for a student's future.

These days a college education is an all-but-essential step in building a sound financial future. But the value of that degree is undermined when students and their families go too far into debt to get it,Weston said.Students and their families need to make smart choices about getting an education they can afford. Students also need to make sure they manage their money wisely while they're in college so they don't graduate with piles of credit card or other debt. Financial literacy courses can help people make good decisions in college and afterward.

Studying abroad in Spain this summer

A meeting for students interested in studying abroad in Spain this summer will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 26. in the Global Lounge in Old Main.Students are able to apply through the Center for International Programs to spend either one or two months at The Universidad Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid.Director of the program, María Carmen Riddel, said this opportunity is unique because it offers options for all students.Students from all levels of Spanish can participate, Riddel said.That is from beginners who have had no Spanish, to advanced students, even graduate students.Students acquire the Spanish language rather rapidly because everything they learn in the classroom, they immediately use in the streets and in the stores.

Students can earn six credit hours during a one-month stay and 12 hours during a two-month stay. Host families provide homes for the students.Riddel said students enjoy the trip because the program is reliable.The program is very well-organized because after 22 years, all problems have been worked out,Riddel said.There is a Marshall University faculty member in Madrid for the duration of the program to assist students with any problems they might encounter and to help them with travel plans to other parts of Spain or to other cities in Europe.

Noelle Kivett, junior business major, traveled with the program two years ago and said she gives the trip high praise.I would absolutely recommend this program to other students, Kivett said.There is not as much rigid structure involved so you are able to spend more time in your surroundings. It is the only study abroad tripthat I have been on where I felt like I was living in a new country versus visiting as a tourist.Interested students are encouraged to attend the meeting on January 26.The information at the meeting will cover the application process, deadlines and costs, the academic aspects of the program, housing, travel, Madrid and Spain. And, of course, all questions will be answered, Riddel said.I have invited former program participants to this meeting so that students can ask them questions about their experience.