Advice for students considering studying abroad
Many students consider studying in a foreign country during college but don’t go through with it for various reasons. Studying abroad can have both academic and personal benefits, and Utah State University has many opportunities for students to explore cultures around the globe.
USU’s study abroad director, Monika Galvydis, has worked in numerous countries with international study abroad programs.
“I really didn’t know much about the world outside of where I grew up,” Galvydis said. “Once I went, I discovered that the world was so much bigger, yet so much smaller than I had imagined.”
Galvydis said despite being surrounded by new experiences, she could still make personal connections while abroad.
“After packing up and moving to a totally different place, even for a short time, I felt like I could do anything I wanted to do,” Galvydis said. “It just made me more connected to the world.”
According to Galvydis, students interested in studying abroad should reach out to an adviser to discuss program options and interests.
“We also recommend that they talk with their academic adviser to figure out what courses they might be interested in taking abroad,” Galvydis said. “Once they’ve talked to both these parties, we have an online application system where they can find the ideal program for them.”
Galvydis said most study abroad programs have a GPA recommendation, but all students are encouraged to apply.
Kallen Brunson, USU’s systems coordinator for study abroad, did a Spanish language program in Spain and studied for an academic year in Taiwan. She said she learns new things about the world and herself each time she studies abroad.
“You get to learn things about yourself that you wouldn’t have had before,” Brunson said. “Afterwards, it’s like all these avenues and opportunities are open.”
Brunson said journaling and keeping in touch with family can help with culture shock while in another country. Before studying abroad, students attend an orientation to learn about coping mechanisms and common concerns they may have.
“We also have a student council for international students,” Brunson said. “If you’re interested in making friends with international students, it’s a good way to get in on some of the events and get a new perspective.”
According to Galvydis, studying abroad is not only good for people personally; it can also enhance academic education.
“These are experiences that you just can’t have in the classroom,” Galvydis said. “By offering these study abroad programs, we hope to enhance all of the ways that we’re teaching classes in Logan, but really bring them to those areas and help them learn about everything there, which makes people absorb it a little bit better.”
Galvydis recommends students consider studying abroad because there may be fewer options for travel in the future.
“Your finances might change after you graduate, you might have a family and other considerations,” Galvydis said. “You might not have access to financial aid that you have in school that you can use for a study abroad. I would say now’s the time.”
Brunson said it’s recommended students study at least one year on campus before studying abroad. The earliest an Aggie can start studying abroad is the summer following their first year.
“There’s literally no better experience than to go to another country and learn about yourself and learn about other people and become connected and become part of this world instead of being here in Logan, Utah,” Brunson said. “It’s just such an immersive experience — nothing can really beat it.”