George Fox University | Offices and Services | Student Life | Sophomore Springboard

Chatting with Lon Fendall
Director of Global Studies

“The typical student applies as a sophomore in order to study abroad as a junior.  Talk to your friends, get ideas, search the website to see where you would fit best.  I encourage students to look at study abroad options and juniors abroad trips simultaneously.  Compare the two and see how you can really round out your experience at Fox.”

What are the different study abroad options, internationally and domestically?

“There are a lot!  And we keep adding and looking into more.  There are 17 international sites and four U.S. sites.”  Check out all of them at http://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/overseas/

What if I want to go somewhere that isn’t on the list?

“This is a common question, and it’s possible.  It’s a challenge because you need to find an accredited university.  Students can do it, it just takes more research and exploration.”  Check out the information at the Global Studies office in Stevens.

What are some deadlines that I should be aware of?

“The big one is January 16^th.  This is when the application for either the fall or spring semester is due.  If you are approved, then you will turn around and apply to the individual program.  We strongly suggest that students get most, if not all of their information and references together before Christmas break.”

Are there any resources that I should know about?

“Check out the George Fox website.  There are a lot of links to the different programs.  Best Semester’s website at www.bestsemester.com is also a huge help.  There is print literature in my office in Stevens 1.  An important resource is to ask people who have previously gone before.  There’s no substitute for a first hand experience.”

A quote from a student who previously went on the Bolivia abroad program:

“Looking back on the last four months I am somewhat surprised and most definitely delighted how many of my desires and expectations were fulfilled.  I formed a strong relationship with a Bolivian family, learned what it meant to live Bolivian, progressed in another language, and got to see microfinance in action.  I am so thankful for how God revealed His faithfulness to me in the last four months.  I would suggest that every student take a semester abroad with the faith that God will be faithful to them as well.  I know I am changed and I am happy for the change.  May God be glorified.”  (Chloe Hamann, South American Studies Program, Spring, 2008)

The Sophomore Slump

What is it? After the excitement of freshman year, you have to prepare for another set of challenges. Many sophomores across the country report a period of feeling overwhelmed, confused about direction or major, and disconnected from co-curricular involvement. 

Hang in there ... the Sophomore Springboard exists to help you navigate your sophomore year and to let you know that sophomores are important to the George Fox community. We want to help you find the resources and connections you need in order to have an amazing year.

Questions? Contact sophomore@georgefox.edu

Study Abroad Options

Many students study abroad junior year, so now is the time to be exploring your options. Check out the semester abroad programs, which lists both international and domestic locations.

Juniors Abroad is another exciting opportunity to anticipate. Registration is Friday, March 13, 2009, so get your tents ready. For more information, contact Paul Chamberlain, ext. 2702.

Academics

Make the most of the resources available on campus to have a successful academic experience your sophomore year.

• The ARC offers writing assistance, academic coaching, and tutoring services
• The registrar’s office offers  information sophomores need to know

• Look for more upcoming events!

Career Development and Internships

Unsure about your major or declared your major the first day of school? Whether you are declared or undeclared, take some time to drop into the Office of Career Services on the second floor of Stevens Center.

• Take a career self-assessment to provide some direction
• Think about developing internships to explore a possible major or gain experience in your declared major area

Some information from Career Services: Coaching you toward your best future

1. Deciding on or confirming a major

·        GEED 214; Claim your career calling (deciding on

                 a major)

·        Online career planning system:  SIGI3

·        Career Direct:  assesses interests, values, skills,

                 personality

·        Occupational information sites and references

·        What can I do with a major in….?

2. Getting experience and networking

·        GEED 275 exploratory internship

·        GEED 216; Become workplace familiar

              (preparing to get an internship)

·        Information interviews

·        Professional Preview Day (job shadow event)

·        Virtual Internship Center at careers.georgefox.edu

·        Internship and volunteer fair

3. Getting ready for the job search/meeting employers

·       Optimal Resume-6 modules for building

               effective tools

·         First Avenue Career and Graduate School fair

·         Christian Camping International Day

·         Etiquette Dinner plus networking event

·         Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas

4. Meeting with us

·          Career Conversation:  sophomore check up

·          Consultations following assessments

·          Internship guidance

·          Pizza chats on special topics

·         Career Resource Center in Stevens 220

·         24/7 website at careers.georgefox.edu

Leadership Development

All students are potential leaders. As a sophomore, you are in a great position to gain experience and identify your strengths. Explore ways to develop your leadership skills and connect with the many leadership opportunities on campus.

Stay tuned for ADVANCE workshops!

Spiritual Life

As a sophomore, you are probably familiar with George Fox life. You know the abbreviations for buildings, what time to go to the Bon, and how to navigate Bruindata. You know ways to get involved and the significant programs with which to connect.

But you may still have questions. About faith. About your life direction. About your major. About ways to serve. About relationships. The staff of the Office of Spiritual Life and the student leaders want to be resources for you as you move through sophomore year.

Stop by the Sheridan Street house on the corner of Meridian and Sheridan. We would love to connect with you.

Sarah Baldwin, dean of spiritual life and campus pastor
Andrea Crenshaw, director of outreach and service
Mark Benjamin, director of discipleship and outreach
Kayin Griffith, administrative assistant, spiritual life

Offices in the Student Union Building:
Mat Hollen, student chaplain
Alex Palm, Christian services director