Bloomington, IN, September 18, 2002 – UEdge.org, a.k.a. UEdge, an independent grassroots website devoted to examining choices made in higher education, highlights the value of study abroad programs; uploads new travel adventure report in its Travelogue section: Natalie’s Journals, Parts One and Two,” http://www.uedge.org/travel.html. “Dispelling myths and replacing misinformation with knowledge and understanding are just some of the benefits that students, scholars, and society have to gain by strengthening their global competency: a developed appreciation of other cultures and the ability to effectively interact with different people within their sphere of living and thinking,” states UEdge.org’s executive editor Tomas Beauchamp in the At Issue case study article on the subject, http://www.uedge.org/atissue.html. “The value of providing American students with study abroad opportunities goes beyond making them competitive employees: it can be a life changing experience that inspires them to work towards peace and cooperation through first-hand knowledge of the pressing issues facing nations worldwide,” adds Beauchamp. Traveling to Dharamsala, India and meeting Ven. Badgro, a Tibetan Buddhist monk who described his life as a political prisoner in Tibet in his book "Hell on Earth", has definitely been a turning point in the career interests of current Travelogue contributor Natalie Baker. In Fall 2001, Natalie spent a semester abroad as a participant in the Tibetan Studies Program of the School of International Training and details her experience in the current UEdge Travelogue adventure entitled “Natalie’s Journals: Part One and Part Two.” “This trip will have a very different dynamic than my last visit because it will be as much about ‘business’ as it is pleasure,” notes Natalie in the first entry of her Travelogue journal. “I am looking forward to meeting the 25 other students and learning about their motivations for the program. I am also very excited to meet friends of friends as it is becoming increasingly clear that my life work will be focused in India and Tibet. I know that this time will be invaluable to my future and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.” UEdge.org encourages students, faculty, and others interested in experiencing foreign cultures to read along as Natalie’s fascinating journey unfolds. Part Two of Natalie’s piece is currently presented, and Part One is easily accessible for viewing from the Part Two pages. For more information contact: Anna Beauchamp, 1-812-824-6029, media@uedge.org ###