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The Benefits of Studying Abroad

by Athena Mata

A view of Florida’s coast from an airplane

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity, but it is not for everyone. If you think it is your kind of thing, then here are some of the benefits and experiences that you could have during the study abroad program. 

Traveling in of itself is an amazing experience and if you get any chance to travel, then you should consider taking it. In the study abroad program Spanish majors can choose between traveling to Chile or Argentina, and non-Spanish majors can choose between traveling to Northern Ireland or South Korea. 

Some things you can experience while studying abroad are visiting new places, meeting new people, learning about a new place and experiencing first hand what it is like to live there. This also allows you to become more independent and mature more. Studying abroad also opens your eyes to how the world really is outside of what you are used to and it can change your outlook on life. 

La Recova in La Serena, Chile

Siri Engstrom, the Coordinator of Study Abroad stated, “Studying abroad is the most valuable and significant experience a person can have over an entire lifetime. Students not only learn about life in a new culture, including new customs and a new language, but studying abroad gives insight into how people outside of our country think and perceive the world.”

Lindsey Malott, a junior business major, studied abroad inValdivia, Chile from July 29, 2019 to December 22, 2019. He stated how he took four classes at the University of Santo Tomás and they were all taught entirely in Spanish. He also traveled a lot and took any chance he could to go to new places and meet new people. Malott stated, “I also learned many useful life skills and now have a better understanding of the world.” 

Playa El Faro is a popular tourist attraction in La Serena, Chile

It is not easy to study abroad though. You have to meet certain requirements and it is competitive, so you have to earn your spot in the program. The requirements to study abroad are you must have at least a 3.0 GPA, you must be on good standing with the offices of Student Life, Work, Business and Academics and you must be a full time student. To apply you also need three on campus references. You also need a passport, but that is the student’s responsibility to get.

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