Shrinking the globe

The world has shrunk. Perhaps not from the physical aspect, but socially the division between our cultures has dwindled immensely. For students more opportunities abound than ever before to experience a new, more connected world.

On college campuses and in the world of business more people are stepping foot into unknown territory.

The International Education Center at GCSU has been offering students a passage into a world of cultural experiences for years. Many students attend a semester or year-long study program in countries such as France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Spain. However, the most common study abroad expeditions usually take place beneath the hot summer sun.

Tyler Bennett, senior criminal justice major, says his study abroad experience opened his eyes.

“Going to Italy this summer really made me realize just how sheltered I was. I had never really experienced a culture outside of my own, and I learned that the world is really different outside of the United States,” said Bennett. “The biggest thing that I took away from my trip to Italy was probably the historical aspect. I got to see places where many prominent historical figures once walked.”

Many students who return from studying abroad have a new perspective on the world and themselves. Junior mass communication major Andrea Lowery divulges how her trip to Paris this summer changed her worldview.

“Study abroad opened my eyes to how much my life is influenced by my culture. Being a Christian, that was a really big deal for me,” explains Lowery. “I realized that some of my beliefs were mixed with my culture rather than straight from the Bible. In experiencing another culture I was able to separate my culture beliefs from what the Bible says.”

Study abroad can also benefit students academically and prepare them for success after college.

An article recently published in The Philadelphia Inquirer called “More U.S. workers getting global assignments”, found businesses are looking for more internationally conscious workers. Many companies are hiring younger employees with global experience and comfort.

Furthermore, according to Orc Worldwide’s 2006 survey, “companies have doubled the amount of employees they are sending abroad.” One example of this is the accounting firm KPMG L.L.P. Of its 120,000 international personnel, this company currently has 2,500 spread out across the globe working on foreign investments.

What does this mean to GCSU students?

The study abroad program is becoming increasingly useful after graduation by providing employers with proof of the applicant’s international experience.

Liz Havey, Study Abroad Advisor at the International Education Center, says studying abroad is crucial in our current society.

“It helps develop cross-cultural communication skills, global awareness of how countries interact together and how their decisions impact the rest of the world,” said Havey. “Furthermore, it enhances self confidence and gives students a tangible experience to talk to employers about.”

Now is the time for GCSU students interested in studying abroad next summer to begin asking questions. Every Monday at 4 p.m. and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Havey offers Study Abroad information sessions offered in the International Education Center’s Resource Room at 223 Lanier Hall. The sessions cover programs offered, scholarships available, and deadlines that must be met.

Overall, the experience by students through the study abroad programs, is influential in their personal motivations and later success. Many students who have returned from their trips are more self assured.

Stephanie Boylston, graduate student in special education, studied in Spain for a year.

“I learned that it is so important for people to submerse themselves in other cultures and appreciate areas and ideas that others have,” Boylston said. “I have a better appreciation of other cultures and ways of life after studying abroad. I would go again in a heartbeat.”

Lowery seems to express the general consensus.

“The only thing I would change about my study abroad experience would be to make it longer.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 12 2008. 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