Colleen Berry receives Study Abroad Champion Award

The division of Education Abroad in the Office of International Programs has established the Study Abroad Champion Award. This annual award seeks to formally recognize individuals on campus that champion study abroad.

Colleen Berry, assistant professor of Chinese Studies in Languages, was selected as the 2010 Study Abroad Champion. The China Summer Study Program, established by Victoria Beard and co-led by Berry, is one of the longest standing study abroad programs at UND. Each summer, 7-18 UND students join Berry and Beard on a three week program sponsored by the College of Business and Public Administration that offers an in-depth examination of the country and culture. Berry also welcomes other faculty and staff to join the summer program, and in doing so, helped to recruit new Champions on campus and served as a valuable resource for other faculty members considering leading a faculty directed program abroad, as well as for the entire International Programs office.

In addition to integrating a study abroad option into the Chinese Studies Major, Berry regularly promotes study abroad opportunities and the value of the experience both in and out of class. She aids study abroad students by writing recommendations, administering proficiency exams and approving course work. Her experience, knowledge and passion for China and Japan are contagious and we are extremely grateful for her hard work and commitment to Study Abroad at UND.

For more information, go to http://www.studyabroad.und.edu/ .