International Fair encourages students to participate in study abroad programs

The International Fair may have sparked an interest in many students across campus about traveling abroad. If you are interested in studying abroad, there are some basic steps you can follow to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Libby Davis, an international student advisor here at GC&SU, recommends that you start thinking about your options well in advance.

“Students should generally start the process at least 6 months before they want to leave,” Davis said.

The study abroad programs are varied in length and exposure to the culture.

“There are lots of possibilities,” said Davis. “Students can go during maymester, summer, a semester, or an entire school year. They also have the options of living with a family, staying in a dorm on campus, or even staying in a hotel with their classmates.”

You should decide where you want to go and why, as well as how long you want to stay. You should think about how immersed in the culture you want to be when you are abroad.

“Figure out what you, the student, wants to get out of the program. Some students know, others don’t,” said Davis.

Ryan Schomber, a mass communications student, participated in a study abroad program this summer.

“It was a great experience because you get to met other classmates within your major, along with learning about mass media in a different country,” Schomber said.

Davis also advises that you make sure your class abroad fits into your academic program and even your career objectives.

When trying to make these decisions, reach out to others for help.

“It’s good to talk to your advisor, professors, and family members,” said Davis.

Many students may get discouraged when thinking about the costs of studying abroad, but in most cases, the cost of studying abroad is the same as studying here at GC&SU, only with the addition of airfare and international insurance.

There are many scholarships and loans available to help fund a trip. You should research financial aid possibilities thoroughly and apply before the deadlines. Some scholarships include the Hope Scholarship, the Weir and Wells Study Abroad Scholarship, and the Regents Study Abroad Scholarship, as well as the Pell Grant and the Stafford Loan.

Some students may have some fear about their safety when traveling to another country, especially because of the ongoing global crisis. While you should always act and think safely, fear should not discourage you from traveling.

“If we really felt a particular location was unsafe, we would cancel the program,” said Davis. “One should always take precaution when traveling, wherever you are.”

The International Education Center also helps teach students how to be safe when traveling.

Davis said, “We give a pre-departure orientation, and we talk about the normal precautions.”

The experience of traveling abroad will far outlast the money spent and the pre-departure fears.

Davis said, “We shouldn’t be scared about going abroad; we really should understand other cultures because that is the key to global peace.”

For more information about study abroad, go by the International Office, located in Lanier 223, or contact them at 445-4789.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 26 2001. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry