Colby College students return from studying abroad

WATERVILLE — Students from Colby College in Waterville have recently returned from spending the fall semester of the 2010-11 academic year studying abroad.

Alexandra A. Nichols, a junior, studied in Switzerland at the University of Geneva. Nichols, a graduate of Mount Blue High School, is the daughter of Daren Nichols of Minot, and Jeffrey Bessey and Ashley Hodgdon Bessey of West Farmington. She is majoring in French studies and international studies at Colby.

More than two thirds of Colby students study overseas before they graduate. Approved options include more than 100 programs located on every continent except Antarctica and in countries from England and France to Vietnam, Botswana, Russia, Argentina, China and Morocco. Programs in language and culture, political science, classical studies, sustainable development and environmental field studies are among those available. Many students participate in programs combining unpaid internships with academic coursework, while others undertake experiential learning programs that include community service projects and independent study. While most students spend an entire semester away, some take part in short-term abroad experiences available through Colby's faculty-led Jan Plan trips.