‘Vive la France!

Gabrielle LeFlore didn’t think study abroad would be an option at Pellissippi State.

“I only thought it was possible when I transferred over to a four-year institution,” said LeFlore, a public relations student at the College who leaves for France in May. “I was surprised—it’s probably one of the best surprises I’ve had at Pellissippi State.”

The overseas trip makes LeFlore’s second through the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies, whose headquarters are at Pellissippi State. The latest group leaves May 11 for the port city of Cherbourg in Normandy and ends with a visit to Paris.

Founded in 2006, TnCIS represents 19 colleges and universities, including Pellissippi State, that are dedicated to making international education and cultural understanding a central goal of higher education in Tennessee.

A TnCIS ambassador, LeFlore encourages other students to study abroad, by sharing her experiences last year in South Africa and by talking about her upcoming trip to France.

Language study is one reason LeFlore opted for France among the 11 study abroad programs TnCIS is offering for 2009. She began studying French in the seventh grade and has had two semesters at the College.

“This is the next step as far as my language and communication goes. Total immersion is the best way to grasp a language,” said LeFlore, who is participating in Pellissippi State’s Commencement ceremony May 9.

“I do see myself living abroad one day. And I’ve always had in the back of my mind: maybe France.”

Students in the study abroad program choose from intensive language instruction in French at various levels and one course on the people and country of France that will be taught in English. The group returns May 31.

While the number of community college students participating in study abroad for academic credit has grown in recent years, less than 3 percent are from a community college, according to an Institute for International Education report last year.

The TnCIS study abroad program at Pellissippi State started with one trip in summer 2007 and this year has to grown to more than 100 participants.

 “We’re committed to making international education available and affordable to our students,” said Allen Edwards, president of Pellissippi State, “because in today’s global economy, it’s essential for students to learn about and experience other cultures.”

Scholarships through the College help to make the study abroad opportunity affordable to many who otherwise could not even consider it.

For more information about TnCIS, contact Theresa Castillo, tcastillo@pstcc.edu or 539-7280, or visit www.tncis.org.