By: Mikkel E. Maüs, Staff Writer
Wofford is well known for its high percentage of students studying abroad. Between interim and both semesters, many students are given the opportunity to experience new cultures, meet new people and learn outside of a typical classroom setting.
However, the study abroad department has recently announced that they will be providing a new study abroad location: Epcot in Walt Disney World.
Epcot is located in Orlando, Florida, which is only around an eight hour drive from Wofford. Although this may not seem like a foreign experience, the park is made of multiple different “countries” (such as Canada, China and Germany) that include authentic attractions and restaurants.
This new study abroad option will provide students with new benefits. The countries are placed side by side, so visitors can walk to multiple different areas within the space of a few hours, allowing students to achieve a large range of cultural experiences.
“We expect the Epcot Abroad program to be a huge hit with students,” says London Ireland, head of international programs. “Why would you pick only one country to live in when you can see so many without needing a passport?”
The Disney program is also much cheaper than a typical study abroad program. Students no longer have to pay for costly flights or visas, and weekend trips to other cities will be replaced by free rollercoaster rides. In addition, students will not need to calculate exchange rates while making a purchase; the US dollar remains the currency for every shop in the park.
“I’m most excited for the food,” says a prospective study abroad student, Travis Time. “I can have fish and chips with my favorite German beer. Also, I really love Mexican food but I kind of failed my Spanish class, so now I can order food without stressing about conjugation.”
Classes will be held in an auditorium-like setting in the park’s amphitheater. Students will have the standard tests and exams but can also have hands-on experiences within the countries of their choosing. Grades will be much more forgiving than the usual A-F scale. Instead, students will work for rewards like free visits to other parks or the chance to act as a Disney character.
Despite the advantages, some students worry about the authenticity of the pseudo-nations. Nome Add, a former study abroad student, says that a recent Disney World visit did not remind her of her semester in France.
“It all felt so fabricated. Sure, there were a few elements that made me feel like I was back in Paris, but it’s hard to feel really cultured when you can hear mariachi bands in ‘Mexico’ as you sit and eat your croissant.”
The Epcot program will be open to students looking to study film production, rollercoaster physics, global culinary arts or business management. The program is set to open in the fall of 2016.
Disclaimer: This is a satirical article of pure fiction for our April edition, The Old Black & Blue
