AMES, Iowa -- He studied abroad in his college days. And now Trevor Nelson is working to see that Iowa State University students have the same opportunity.
Nelson, a native of the United Kingdom who studied in the United States, is the new director of Iowa State's Study Abroad Center. The post was created July 1 when International Education Services was split into two units, the Study Abroad Center and International Students and Scholars.
Nelson has been at Iowa State for 15 years, most recently working as assistant director of International Education Services in charge of the study abroad program.
During the year that ended June 30, 1,185 Iowa State students studied abroad in 38 countries. One of Nelson's goals for the restructured program is to offer Iowa State students more opportunities to study abroad.
Nelson said that's important to students and to the university.
"Study abroad is such an important educational activity," he said. "Increasingly students are looking at these sorts of opportunities. We want to encourage that. We believe it is educationally important. And it's important for the individuals' character development."
Nelson's new duties include administering the Study Abroad Center's programs, developing new programs and looking after the health and safety of students and faculty members while they're studying abroad. Nelson will report to David Holger, Iowa State's associate provost for academic programs.