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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2004

Birmingham-Southern students spending spring semester in seven countries on four continents

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Ten Birmingham-Southern students are setting off to explore new cultures and to enrich their educational experiences by studying overseas this spring term through the college's Office of International Programs.

Birmingham-Southern students who embark on international study during their college experience receive academic credit toward their BSC degrees. The students take courses in a wide variety of subjects.

During Birmingham-Southern's 2002-03 academic year, 187 students studied in international settings as part of the college's Interim, summer, and semester terms.

Birmingham-Southern is a four-year private institution that receives consistently high rankings as one of America's top national liberal arts colleges.

The students studying abroad this spring, listed by hometown, are:

Birmingham Area:
Blanchie Asberry of Forestdale, who is a junior biology major, is studying at the Organization for Tropical Studies in South Africa on a $17,000 scholarship she received from the organization. She is the daughter of Horace and Gwendolyn Asberry.

Melissa Cantley of Vestavia, who is a junior Spanish major, is studying at the Council for International Educational Exchange in the Dominican Republic. She is the daughter of Dr. Donald and Michele Cantley.

Lauren Chitwood of Indian Springs, who is a junior international studies/philosophy major, is studying at the University of Barcelona in Spain. She is the daughter of Patrick and Judith Chitwood.

Zara Key of Homewood, who is a sophomore undecided major, is studying at the School for International Training in France. She is the daughter of Jim and Pamela Key.

Megan Olivier of Vestavia, who is a senior French major, is studying at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland during the entire 2003-04 academic year. She is the daughter of Joan and Louis Olivier Jr.

Chapel Hill, N.C.:
Derek Arnold, who is a senior political science major, is studying at the University of Wollongong in Australia. He is the son of Larry and Carol Arnold.

Fort Walton Beach, Fla.:
Searcy Haring, who is a junior business administration major, is studying at the HES Amsterdam School of Business in The Netherlands. She is the daughter of Harry and Nancy Haring.

Mobile:
Ashley Eslava, who is a sophomore art/psychology major, is studying at the University of Granada in Spain. She is the daughter of Dr. Laurie Green.

Montgomery:
Somer Johnson, who is a junior art history major, is studying at the American Institute for Foreign Study in Paris. She is the daughter of Gary and Brenda Johnson.

New Orleans:
Alex Dimitry, who is a senior business administration major, is studying at the American Institute for Foreign Study in Australia. He is the son of Richard and Etta Dimitry.