Traveling the world seems to be something that a lot of people have on their bucket list, and who could blame them? They see pictures and videos of people and places in countries and cities that exist across the ocean, and they can only wish that they will one day be given the opportunity to experience those images themselves.
The study abroad program here at the University was created for those kinds of people; the people who yearn to step outside of their comfort zone and venture into the unknown. The program gives students who wish to travel the world the opportunity to study in a variety of different countries during their time at the University.
Students are able to choose from three semester-long programs in either: London, England; Sydney, Australia; or Florence, Italy. If a semester seems like too long of a time away from home, the University also offers summer programs as well; a six-week program in Cadiz, Spain and a four-week program in Florence, Italy. Fortunately, the tuition and fees for all of the semester long programs are the same abroad as they are here, so airfare and spending money are the only extra expenses that a student has to worry about.
Erin Smith, a junior, recently studied at Regents College in London, England during the 2012 Fall semester. “I chose to study abroad because I knew that college was going to be my only chance to get out and see the rest of the world with no real strings attached,” Smith explained.
It’s difficult to travel freely after graduating, especially if a person intends on jumping straight into their career field upon leaving the University. Studying abroad gives students a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the world, and it’s best for them to grab onto that opportunity when it’s right in front of them, even if they are feeling a little apprehensive.
Chris Hirschler, the faculty director of the study abroad program, recalls a former student who barely had any travel experience before going to Guatemala on a faculty-led program. “She was very nervous; however, she relaxed, had a great time, and performed fantastic work helping the organization Salud Y Paz.” Her experience on that trip eventually helped her become a Peer Learning Assistant in a first year seminar course.
Smith also admits that it was difficult to leave behind her family, friends, and boyfriend for a whole semester, but every time she found herself feeling down, “I just remembered that I was living the dream and taking advantage of a once in a lifetime adventure,” she explained.
Traveling that far from home, and for fairly extended periods of time, is not the easiest thing to do, however, those who run the study abroad program at the University know that. Hirschler, along with assistant director Robyn Asaro, are available every step of the way to help with questions or concerns. They even send weekly issues of The Outlook as well as other care package items to the students studying abroad.
Not everyone planning on making the courageous trip abroad is nervous, however. Freshman Taylor Murphy plans on participating in the same semester long program that Smith just completed in London, adding, “I’m not really worried about getting homesick because some of my family lives in London. I’m mostly just really excited.”
And students should be excited; studying abroad can be a truly amazing experience. Hirschler pointed out that participating in the program “might increase their [the students’] appreciation for their own family, travel, adventure, or ‘slow’ food.” Not only does studying in another country expand a person’s horizons, but it also opens up plenty of other opportunities to do some more traveling while away.
During her semester in London, Smith visited four other countries: Ireland, France, Italy and Wales, where she rode ponies for a weekend. That’s what Murphy is most excited for, “traveling and seeing other parts of the world.”
The possibilities that become available to students who study abroad are truly endless, and it seems, as Hirschler describes best, “Studying abroad has been shown to improve one’s academics, self-confidence, social circle, and job opportunities. It also provides for a lifetime of wonderful memories.”
Described on the school’s website as a way to “greatly enhance your sense of independence and self-confidence,” the study abroad program can not only add substance to your resume, but it is also an effective way to learn new things about yourself. It may even change the way you look at things in your own country, and even your own home.
