FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          April 18, 2005

WILBER MAKES FACT-FINDING TOUR OF SPAIN

            Dr. Patti Wilber, director of the Walch Center for Business Development at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, last month toured Spain seeking opportunities for Northwestern students to study abroad.           

    She was among a group of 13 educational representatives invited by the Embassy of Spain to attend the 2005 Trade Mission Program on behalf of ICEX (Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade) and EDUESPAÑA. The agenda and itinerary included meetings with directors and residents of some of the most prominent educational companies and institutions in Spain. The group visited language centers and educational institutions in the northern Spanish provinces where programs for foreign students currently are offered.

            In one day, Wilber interviewed persons from 23 various universities and language schools who offer study abroad programs.

            “It was a long day, but I came away with a network of programs that can assist us in our study abroad for Northwestern students. I do not speak fluent Spanish, but any language barrier was minimal. I found that a smile means the same in any language,” Wilber said.

            The study abroad programs range from two-week stays to summer school to a year-long study.

            “Flexibility in many of their programs will allow us to design one to fit Northwestern’s needs,” Wilber said. “Our European Studies program has incorporated classroom learning, field trips and cultural experience to give students a well-rounded program.”

            She explained that Spanish accommodations for students include staying in university housing, renting an apartment for longer stays or staying with a host family, which would allow a greater immersion in the Spanish culture.

            The itinerary allowed time for group members to tour museums and historical sites. In Madrid, Wilber toured the Prado Museum, world-famous for its art collection, and the Palacio Real, a former residence of Spanish royalty that is occasionally used for royal functions.

            “The amazing history of Spain makes one realize what a young country the United States is,” Wilber said.

            Other stops included Avila, a city surrounded by 11th century walls; Salamanca, known as the Golden City because of the local stone used in construction; and Borgos, known for its gothic cathedral begun in 1221 that houses the tomb of El Cid.

            Wilber visited the University of Salamanca, the University of Leon and the University of Burgos.

            “At Leon, many students in university programs are seeking to learn Spanish as a second language to do business with local companies,” Wilber said. “Other students want to learn English to communicate in today’s world markets.”

            Wilber said the Spanish culture offered a wonderful learning experience.

            “During the trip we had the opportunity to enjoy regional cuisine,” Wilber said. “Lunch is usually around 2 p.m. and most businesses remained closed until 4 p.m. Dinner is after 9 p.m. and typically is a leisurely time to visit with friends and family. It is a slower pace than most of us are used to. Petrol (gas) is very expensive so walking is common. We often walked to our site visits.”

            Wilber said that the information she obtained on the trip possibly could be used in setting up a study abroad program as soon as next year.

-NW-

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