Studying Abroad & Aboard

Studying abroad is a great way for students to see new things. On Tues., Feb. 4, the HUB Fireplace hosted a Study Abroad Open House.

Jess Pine, the International Program Coordinator with the Center for Global Engagement, located in Mary Lyon Hall, hosted the event. Jess Morel the Associate Director of the Global Education Office, found in the Bagley House, assisted her. Along with them was a panel of Plymouth State students to discuss their own personal study abroad experiences.

What most students don't know about studying abroad is that the span of time spent abroad is flexible. Students do not have to go for a full semester or full year. There are various types of programs that allow students to travel anywhere from 2 weeks to a year. Financial aid can be used with study abroad programs as well, and the credits earned abroad are easily transferable.

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience for all students who take advantage of the opportunity. It is a time to meet new people, and build relationships and networks around the world, and get a new perspective on life.

It looks amazing on a résumé, as well. It is also a great way to network around the world, and make connections with international/national countries. Senior Carina Falk was offered a job to teach English in Spain after her trip abroad.

"Studying abroad is a cool way to get different classes that you cant get here. It is a great way of diversifying your interests," said senior Lydia Morton, who has studied both nationally and internationally.

While Morton enjoyed traveling internationally, she also spent a great deal of time in Alaska. What many students forget is that you can study abroad while staying within the country and still experience new things. "I would argue that you could get the same or even better experiences staying domestic rather than international," said Morton

To take studying abroad a step further, students can also experience a "Semester at Sea." PSU student Kasey Montana spent one semester traveling to about 16 different countries with 570 other students on a ship. "It is definitely more expensive but it is a great experience," said Montana.

Going on a "Semester at Sea" would cost almost as much as a full year to study abroad. This is what students have to keep in mind when looking into this option of studying abroad. Programs that you do in each country will also cost money, but the places a student can travel to and learn about could be well worth the price.

There are also exchange programs, which is where a student pays tuition to Plymouth State and room and board to the international school of their choosing. The National Exchange Program connected with over 200 schools from the U.S, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. There are many major specific aboard programs that students can choose from. Pine and Morel are just some of the few people on campus that can help in finding the perfect study aboard program to fit each students' major, interests, and budget.