As the fall 2005 semester draws to a close, Chris Yandel is preparing to return to the University of South Carolina from two exciting educational and personal adventures. During the past spring semester, he studied Russian language, literature, and culture in St. Petersburg, and he is currently studying in Tokyo, furthering his command of Japanese, and exploring Japanese politics, economics, history, and culture.

Study abroad has been the transformative experience of Chris' undergraduate education. Not only has he had the opportunity to study languages, but he has been able to experience the cultures of Russia and Japan firsthand. His skill in languages and broad cultural background will prove invaluable for his intended career in international law. Whether the future finds Chris negotiating a multinational trade agreement or advising world leaders on international policy, his two semesters abroad will have been well spent.

A recipient of the University of South Carolina Cooper scholarship and a National Merit Scholar, Chris has taken full advantage of all that the University and the College of Arts and Sciences offer students for their academic and personal development. He is a member of the South Carolina Honors College, as well as a senior double major in the College of Arts and Sciences, focusing on International Studies and Russian. He has been particularly encouraged by Professor Robert Angel, an expert on Japanese politics in the Department of Political Science, and Professor Judith Kalb, who teaches Russian language and literature in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Not all of Chris' time has been spent in scholarly pursuits. He has been an active member and past president of Club Anime, the University's student organization for contemporary animation arts.

In the next few weeks, Chris will be welcomed home by his parents, Guy and Michele Yandel of Denver, Colorado, and the College of Arts and Sciences. He returns as not only a world traveler, but a world citizen. Chris is both an outstanding student and one who typifies the spirit of broad inquiry, appreciation for other cultures, and intellectual rigor that characterizes the College of Arts and Sciences. We are proud to recognize Chris Yandel as our student of the month.

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