Joaquin Berrocal, assistant professor of Spanish in the Department of Foreign Language and Literature at SIUE, is a finalist being considered for the 2014 STA Travel – Start the Adventure Award by the GoAbroad Innovation Academy.
The Academy is made up of a selective group of international education professionals working to advance the understanding of what is possible in global education. Sponsored by STA Travel, the Start the Adventure Award recognizes an individual who has made meaningful travel more accessible to students and young travelers.
Berrocal leads a four-week residential program for SIUE students studying abroad every other summer in Seville, Spain. Students study Spanish conversation and popular culture.
When he learned many students turn away from studying abroad due to the perceived cost, Berrocal applied for an Excellence in Undergraduate Education (EUE) grant at SIUE. The University grant funds innovative projects in undergraduate education. By emphasizing the impact on language proficiency and other benefits realized by students who engage with local culture, Berrocal was awarded $16,000 to help fund the program.
The SIUE Office of International Programs supplemented the EUE grant with an additional $3,500. With a total of nearly $20,000, Berrocal was able to cut the cost of the Seville trip by 50 percent per student.
“Had it not been for Joaquin’s dedication to his students, I am certain that several students would never have realized their dream of study abroad,” said Julie Wojtal, assistant director of SIUE’s study abroad program.
The winner of the award and various others will be announced Thursday, May 29, during the GoAbroad Reception at the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs Annual Conference and Expo in San Diego.
SIUE has more than 150 approved or sponsored study abroad opportunities in over 20 countries. Students are provided the opportunity to travel and enhance their academic experience while earning credit toward their degree.
Photo: SIUE’s Joaquin Berrocal, assistant professor of Spanish in the Department of Foreign Language and Literature.