Start Planning to Study Abroad Today!

College is universally known as the "best time of one's life," "the glory days," or any other clichés used to describe how great the four college years are for students. From the new classes, to the new faces, the parties, the dining hall, and the amazing ability to sleep in, college is great. No questions asked. There are clubs to join, groups to audition for, sports teams to play on, and jobs to apply to. There is literally something for everyone.

On-campus involvement is great, as well as the classes, but perhaps one of the most intriguing experiences that most colleges and universities offer nowadays is the ability to study abroad. Simply put, this involves taking classes, whether they be general education courses or major specific courses, in another country.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, Plymouth State University promoted this exact opportunity. A "study abroad fair" took place in the HUB with information tables stretching from the Fire Place Lounge all the way to The Grill. The first table was occupied by the PSU Global Education Office, where Administrative Assistant Jessie DeBow was more that happy to answer anyone's question regarding studying abroad. When asked what the ideal time is for a student to study abroad, she replied that though there is no perfect time, "the most popular time for students to study abroad is between second semester sophomore year, and second semester junior year."

 Because courses in a student's major may not be offered abroad, it is hard to go abroad senior year, and of course, most first-year students have a hard enough time adjusting to their new college campus, let alone another country! Though it can be noted that some first year students are spending their first semester in Ireland, most opted to stay on campus.

At this "fair", there were tables with representatives from over 10 different universities and organizations that all offer students the ability to study abroad. These ran the gamut from quite specific organizations like "Spanish Studies Abroad," to broad programs such as "Global Links Abroad" which offer programs in Australia, Asia, and Europe.

In addition to simply taking classes and sight seeing, one can also participate in an overseas internship. According to Hernando Zambrano from CAPA International Education, CAPA is the "only program approved by PSU for internships." Zambrano also gave a bit of advice to students throughout the day encouraging them to look for scholarship opportunities if they are serious about studying abroad but worried about the money. For those interested in studying abroad, even as a first year simply thinking about the idea, it is important to start communicating with the Global Education Office and to start asking about scholarships as well.

Studying abroad is indeed a venture that may take a little extra money, but the payoff in the long run provides the student with an invaluable experience.  In a society and world that is becoming so globally minded, especially in the classroom, a real world experience in which a student is able to experience another culture is a great opportunity. It can help the individual stay away from sometimes ethnocentric views and, in turn, will help attain a more accepting and globally minded society.