Study Abroad: More than a Vacation

I studied abroad in Spain this past summer with the notion that there would be no homework. Why I thought this, I don't know. I was on summer mode, and I have never once taken a class, let alone done homework, in summer. Also, I didn't think of myself as really being in school. I was in a foreign country, making new friends, and everything was new. There was too much to see and too little time to think about academics. But after I started developing relationships with my peers, the professors, and the coordinators of my study abroad program, I realized that I was establishing contacts with people that might be useful in my career. Then I started focusing a little more on my purpose for studying abroad.

Even though many people think of "studying" abroad as nothing more than travelling, I have to admit that studying abroad was not a vacation. Many people have internships abroad, or study another language with professors that don't speak the students' native language. Don't get me wrong, this experience was challenging in a completely beneficial and fulfilling way, but I think students need to know that most study abroad programs are not a cake walk. You have to attend classes regularly, as most of your grade depends on class participation, and since, in my opinion, temptation to not go to class and not do homework is a bit more prominent while studying abroad, you really have to prioritize.

My Spanish professor did not speak any English. Yes, that was extremely intimidating at the beginning of my program, but I knew I needed to delve in. No professor in any country teaching any language expects the study abroad students to be perfect. Why would students be studying if they already had the subject, language, and culture down pat? Conversations you can have with professors and program directors about the language, culture, and prospective career opportunities will really help you develop contacts within that country if you potentially choose to work there.

And then there is the "vacation" part of studying abroad, which I think is the travelling aspect of it. I studied in Spain, but I travelled to many different countries and met many different people last summer. I made a friend in my study abroad program who travelled with me, and so not only did I make contacts with people I interacted with in other countries, but people who live not far from me in the U.S. No matter what your focus is when you study abroad, you're only benefitting yourself! You make friends, learn about different cultures, and boost your resume potential by having this experience. Even though you still need to work hard, and you should to get the most out of your time abroad, it is a fun opportunity in a challenging way. Yes, studying abroad is more than a vacation, but if you do it right, you'll learn a lot about yourself!

First-Year Open House

The First-Year Open House is approaching fast and it is vital that all first-years do not miss out on this great opportunity to get acquainted with Career Services. The event will take place November 18^th at 11 a.m. in Career Services located in Bonds. I actually attended this event my first-year in college and it was definitely an experience. It was informative, as well as, engaging. I learned a lot about the different aspects of Career Services and what they could offer me as a student. I enjoyed this event so much; I began to also take advantage of other programs that I would have not known existed otherwise. The First-Year Open House also offers free pizza and a chance at winning Chipotle gift cards. I would strongly recommend this event to all first-years because not only does it reward free pizza and potentially chipotle gift cards; it is very essential to YOUR success moving forward. Come and check us out!  

Taking the Discover test and making a 4-year action plan

One of the first things every freshman student should do when coming to college is take the Discover test! The discover test is composed of several questions to help find out what someone is interested in and then helps to find an area of study based on what is most interesting to that student. I took the Discover test my second semester of my freshman year. After taking a few classes I quickly realized that Business Administration was not for me! I made an appointment with a Career Services advisor and together we went over my results and came up with an idea of what major would go along with what I was interested in. I always thought I would be a business major but after I took the test I realized I am more of a hands on person. Working with things such as financial statements did not seem as appealing to me after all. After I completed my Discover test and found a new major I began to make my four year action plan. Every student should have a four year action plan because it allows the student to see what they have already done and what needs to get done. Along with that, it comes in handy when scheduling classes. If you have your four year action plan completed then while you are registering for classes you are able to see exactly what classes you need to complete your core as well as your major and minor requirements. Jumpstart your college years by taking the discover test and making your own four year action plan!