Memories from abroad

Apartments have been decorated, books have been purchased and classes have resumed, but as some GCSU students take their first steps toward a new year on campus, they are not focused on the massive amounts of homework that loom ahead. Instead, they remember conversing in Spanish to a taxi driver on a busy day in Chile, playing in the snow in May in Sweden or walking along the streets of the city of lights while eating crepes with their friends. Whatever their memory, these students have recently returned from adventures that will not soon be forgotten.

Over the past Maymester and summer sessions, 286 GCSU students participated in study abroad programs, traveling to exotic locations including Ghana, Russia, Chile, Sweden, France and Italy.

“It’s important for students to study abroad, because they gain a greater understanding of other cultures, awareness of global issues and the way the United States’ foreign and domestic policies impacts operations of other countries,” said Liz Havey, Study Abroad advisor.

A typical Maymester or summer program lasts between two and eight weeks. Students can add to their course credits at GCSU while being immersed in an eye-opening experience in a foreign world.

“From my own study abroad experience and the testimonies of returned GCSU students, I know that students gain a lot of tangible academic and communication skills that are valued by employers and graduate school coordinators,” said Havey. “Students also gain a greater understanding of local cultures and customs, and the ability to look at problems and situations from multiple perspectives so that they can come up with broader and more applicable solutions.”

Students have the opportunity to find the perfect program to suit their needs. If a student is looking to take specific courses while abroad, or just looking for a little travel, the staff of the International Education Center is more than willing to help find the perfect program.

“I picked Paris because of the classes offered,” said Elyssa Sanner, senior English major. “As a senior, I don’t have many credits to give away, so I picked a program that could fill two required classes.”

Though Sanner chose a location based on its ability to satisfy course credits, it still proved to be more than she bargained for.
“It might sound cliché, but I gained a greater understanding of the world,” said Sanner. “I feel like I’m focused on myself so much, between class work, extracurricular activities, and building a resumé, that I forget about the world outside my door.”

For each student, the experience is different. Many gain the academic knowledge that is expected from such a trip; many others connect with a world they have never known.

“I learned that everyone on this planet is connected, some way or somehow,” said Jennifer Irish, senior Spanish and business management major. “Deep down, we are very similar.”

Whether through semester or yearlong exchanges, or through a Maymester or summer sessions, a wide range of study abroad programs are offered to GCSU students. Information sessions are held every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. and every Friday at 4 p.m. in the International Education Center located in Lanier Hall. Start your search early and sit down with a staff member of the International Education Center to go over all your options when choosing a location.

“Go somewhere that speaks to not only your mind, but also your heart,” said Irish. “Be flexible, open-minded and open-hearted because you never know what’s going to happen while you’re abroad.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 12 2008. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry