From Tunisia to Thailand
For some students, the world is a classroom.
For others, study abroad is an option they wouldn’t even think possible.
But with all the scholarships and financial aid available to study abroad participants, an educational experience in another country is a real possibility., said Kay Forsyth, director of study abroad.
Trevor Budge is an office assistant in the study abroad office who participated in the program when he went to Thailand in the spring of 2003.
“My favorite part [of study abroad] was definitely seeing the country,” Budge said. “We’d ride motorcycles and scooters and just go out for a couple of days.”
Budge said they would eat meals at street vendors for about 50 cents.
He also went on a language study abroad program to Mexico with his wife. They spent two months in Mazatlan while learning Spanish.
“It’s a life school. Going on study abroad, you find out more about yourself and your life,” Budge said. “You’re exposed to all those different cultures, new friends and a new way of life. It takes you out of the bubble and out of that sheltered life.”
Forsyth said many times students don’t know where to start.
She encourages students to come to the study abroad office where her staff can help them decide where they want to go, whether or not they want to speak a particular language and answer any questions they might have.
Furthermore, Forsyth said students don’t have to know another language. They can study in English.
Because the program is based on Utah State University tuition and board, it is affordable and becoming a reality for those who want to go, Forsyth said.
“Virtually for what students can study here, is the same amount they can study somewhere else in the world,” she said.
The options includes academic year, semester and summer programs. Pell Grants and nearly all of the university scholarships will apply for study abroad. There are also scholarships specific to study abroad, including a scholarship available to students who have never been to Asia.
Forsyth said students major and minor requirements can be met while studying abroad through carefully planning with an academic advisor.
“I think [study abroad] just gives you a sense of your abilities and of what you can do.”
Other benefits Forsyth mentioned include the opportunity to live as a local, meet people from all over the world and get a new perspective on academic education.
“You can study a language at USU, but to immerse yourself in that culture and live with a family is a completely different experience,” Forsyth said.
Saray Lopez, a graduate from USU, went to France to study as part of the language immersion program.
“The family stay was the best,” Lopez said. “They are really patient with you as you learn the language.”
Lopez said it was the best experience of her life and that she loved meeting the people she went with, as well as the people she met when she was actually in the country.
“It really opens up your mind to different cultures, and you learn to adapt and learn new things,” she said.
Forsyth said when a student comes back from a study abroad, it looks good on their resume and employers will notice it.
One study abroad experience isn’t enough, Forsyth said, which is why many students study abroad in numerous countries.
In the 2003 and 2004 school year, between 35 and 40 students went on study abroad, while in the summer months, 120 students went.
Students traveled to Mexico, France, Germany, England, Switzerland, Peru, Costa Rica, Chile and more.
Lisa Barlow, a junior majoring in history, said, “I feel like I’m sheltered in a bubble here in Logan. I love it, but I’m just curious about the world and I want to see new cultures.”
She also said that with her history major, study abroad will give her the chance to learn about a different country firsthand.
Study Abroad Fair
There will be a Study Abroad Fair Thursday in the Sunburst Lounge on the second floor of the Taggart Student Center. It will go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Budge said the fair is for anyone interested in study abroad.
There will be tables set up from all the different places students can go study abroad.
There will be people who have been to those places, ready to answer any questions students may have. There will be door prizes and scholarships given out at the fair.
Budge said there are many benefits of going on study abroad.
“Besides your eyes being opened to new cultures, you get your education as well,” he said.
-sarahwest@cc.usu.edu