Students learn about studying abroad
The Education Abroad Office held a study abroad fair on the Drillfield Tuesday that provided with information on everything from scholarships to pamphlets on the many different places a student could choose to study.
“The fair provided information about a range of programs, different types of programs, like one semester or full year. There are also programs led by Tech faculty members and other programs by the university,” Assistant Director of Education Abroad Steve Duke said.
Students can travel abroad for a semester, year or summer term, but they cannot spend more than one year overseas. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required and students of any major can apply.
Students who take advantage of the programs can be sent to more than 70 student exchanges and pay regular tuition.
“There are many financial aid and scholarship opportunities available that are exclusively for students who want to study aboard. The Education abroad office can help out with any questions students might have,” Duke said.
Students have found studying abroad to be a fantastic learning experience.
“The overall experience was great. Meeting new people. Adjusting to a new environment. There were twelve people in my group and everyone got along. We pretty much all made long term friends,” senior biology major Luke Watson said.
The cultural knowledge gained by traveling to countries in sometimes opposite ends of the world is valuable for the students who go abroad.
“Students that go learn more about their own major. They learn about culture and how other people live. They learn about themselves and their country. It changes them all, but some more than others,” Duke said.
Watson agreed that the abroad experience was life changing.
“To see the world’s view on the United States changed my outlook on our culture. It was eye opening,” he said. “Just to see how the news focuses on the United States, sometimes it is positive, but most of the time it is negative.”
Studying abroad also helps to build a resume.
“Employers look for people with experience in different fields and intercultural experiences because it sets people apart,” Duke said. “They benefit by learning about how the world works and how they can best make a difference.”
Tech’s study abroad program is growing steadily as more and more people gain interest in traveling overseas.
“The numbers of students studying abroad increases every year,” Duke said. “There are more opportunities available. For example, a program in the Dominican Republic will be available to students for the second time during the Spring 2007 semester. It is taught by Tech faculty for almost any major but mostly for biology or science majors.”
Senior marketing major Alisa Barainca offered her advice for students planning to study abroad.
“Be open minded. Try to learn the language and culture. Have fun,” she said. “And try not to judge others. Respect for their culture is very important.”
Students can learn more about studying abroad at the Education Abroad Office/OIRED in 1820 Litton Reaves Hall.
