黑料天堂

Record Number Ready for Study Abroad

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Posted on May 18, 2016

Alice Jackson

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On a recent afternoon at the 黑料天堂, more than 40 students listened closely as two women described how the next several months abroad will change their lives.

These students and others will set a record for USA this summer as more than 100 students travel abroad 鈥� the most in the University鈥檚 history -- to study subjects ranging from biology to writing in England, France, Russia, Japan and Costa Rica, among others. Additionally, nine faculty members will either lead student groups or continue their own research focus in a foreign country. The increased interest in studying overseas has grown by leaps and bounds, fueled by the University鈥檚 initiative to increase global engagement for students and financed by a growing number of scholarships.

Friends Anna Pool and Kaylin Goodwin sat together, copiously taking notes. They will travel together to study in Spain.

鈥淚鈥檓 so excited, but there are still things I want to know before I leave,鈥� said Pool, a Spanish major.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to it, but I have so much to do before I leave I can鈥檛 get too excited,鈥� added Goodwin, a pre-physical therapy major.

The required meeting was the students鈥� eighth and last one as an entire group, and their final opportunity to ask Holly Hudson, director of International Education and Study Abroad, and her assistant director, Bri Altier, for their expert advice. For many of the students, this will be the first time they, or any member of their family, have gone abroad. For others, this will be their second, third or even fourth trip overseas. Both Hudson and Altier have traveled world-wide, and their final instructions range from packing only essential items to dressing for other cultures.

鈥淪horts aren鈥檛 forbidden, but people in many countries aren鈥檛 accustomed to seeing short shorts like we see here in America,鈥� Hudson told the female students. 鈥淚鈥檇 recommend you wear longer shorts, or a sundress, or a skirt and top. It鈥檚 all about being culturally appropriate in the country you鈥檙e visiting.鈥�

There鈥檚 a review of the latest Transportation Security Administration rules, and a PowerPoint behind the women shares the security organization鈥檚 website so the students can check for more detailed instructions.

In the front row are several of the program鈥檚 ambassador鈥檚, students who have studied abroad one or more times and who donate their time to help novice travelers. Their role at this meeting was to answer any number of written questions from students in the audience, and to encourage  the students to get the most from their travels.

鈥淲rite a journal of what happens to you this summer,鈥� advised Ashley Charlton, a foreign languages major who studied in Russia last year. 鈥淲hen you are back home, there may be important things you learned, but that you won鈥檛 remember, and a journal will help you to see how much you will grow with this experience.鈥�

Altier talked about the challenge of solving problems abroad, everything from currency exchanges to asking for help in non-English speaking countries.

鈥淏elieve me, you鈥檒l learn how to problem-solve while abroad, and that鈥檚 part of the growth experience of being a student abroad,鈥� Altier said.

Hudson reinforced the journal idea, suggesting it could be helpful in preparing for future job interviews.

Charlton reminded the students their first job abroad is to earn their credits in class before enjoying themselves.

鈥淢ake a bucket list before you leave because you鈥檒l never get to do everything you want to do, but don鈥檛 worry. In today鈥檚 world, chances are good you鈥檒l go back to that country in the future,鈥� she said.

Finally, Hudson encouraged the students to blog, if possible, about their experiences and to email her, Altier, or their staff, as well as family while traveling. They鈥檝e also been urged to post to social media, particularly the Study Abroad Instagram page.

鈥淲e need to hear from you because we like to know how you鈥檙e doing and if you need our advice for any reason,鈥� Hudson said. 鈥淩emember, we鈥檙e here when you need us.鈥�

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