A GLOBAL EDUCATION NO LONGER AN OPTION

Why a study abroad experience should be part of every student’s future

November 16, 2011

Real Alcáza Sevilla, Spain

“I came back a changed person…I think everyone

should experience that feeling of profound change.”

“Studying abroad in Sevilla changed my life plans completely! After studying abroad, I feel as though my life gained a new focus for international affairs and led me to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship to return to Spain to teach English before pursuing a post-graduate degree.”

Ramapo College Nora

Denmark Goucher College

Auni H.

“I gained a deep appreciation for Danish design, architecture, and urban planning. The public transportation system in Copenhagen is fantastic. It opened my eyes to the importance of urban design and inspired me to (perhaps) go into urban planning one day.”

“I experienced how enjoyable life can be when design is truly valued.”

Favela Vigario Geral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Friendship Collegiate Academy,

Washington D.C.

Zabria Peters and Benjamin Bullock participate in a drumming workshop during a group visit to the Afro Reggae Community Center, in Favela Vigario Geral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“For many…this was their first time traveling outside the United States.”

“Our daily diving/snorkeling sessions taught us about various marine habitats, how humans affect the coral reef system, and how that eventually affects the livelihoods of the Hondurans. The science we learned was so relevant to the culture and to daily life that I was eager to learn more.”

Honduras Goucher College

Candace

“My experience taught me to think more about the impact of my actions, to make better and wiser choices

for humanity.”

“From standing in the dungeons that held thousands of slaves, living in remote Islamic villages and praying in a mosque, to the fascinating lectures and discussions, culminating in a thesis of incredible value to the organizations and communities I worked in.”

University of Illinois at Chicago Ghana

“Ghana became so much more than those initial cultural expectations.”

“The beauty I saw in Brazilian culture and their appreciation for life is something that inspires me to this day.”

Pão de Açúcar, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

American University Camila

“I knew after my summer…that I wanted to spend my life working between the U.S. and Brazil.”

University of Ghana

“In my semester at the University of Ghana, I learned more about myself than I ever could have imagined.”

Goucher College Nenelwa

“Through my study-abroad experience I found the spark that I had been missing. I learned how to inspire myself.”

Costa Rica

Goucher College Mary

“Studying in Costa Rica taught me to appreciate the grand and the delicate. I learned how to find tarantula homes, recognize bird calls and feathers, know which plants house which insects as protection mechanisms, and appreciate the symbiotic relationships that allow individuals and ecosystems to thrive.”

“In this setting, anyone can find a connection – to any major, to any life path.”

Australia

“Making lifelong connections has only increased my excitement…”

“Studying with students from around the world and making lifelong connections has only increased my excitement and willingness to continue traveling abroad.”

Goucher College Dan

University of Illinois at Chicago Argentina

“I pursued my dream of studying abroad and as a junior I began to look for ways to fund my journey. As a result, I received a Gilman Scholarship and during my last semester as an undergraduate I happily learned, lived and loved in Argentina.”

“I happily learned, lived and loved in Argentina.”

University of Illinois at Chicago

Healthy Habits for a Lifetime “Summer of a lifetime…”

Thailand

“The Gilman Scholarship gave me more than a check, but the summer of a lifetime.”

Van Tran is a

dental hygiene student

working with a

patient in Las Pintas,

Mexico

“I was a minority back in the States, Hispanic, and I am still a minority here, but the difference is that in Chicago I would walk for five minutes and see another Hispanic person, and here I can go days without seeing another American let alone another Hispanic person.”

University of Illinois at Chicago Japan

Spain University of Illinois

at Chicago

“The entire experience exposed me to a lot of opportunities and taught me many things such as improving my Spanish, studying Spanish literature and European law, and allowing me to fulfill degree requirements for my major.”

“The program I participated in offered an internship program with the Office of International Relations

which provided invaluable work experience.”

Senegal University of Illinois

at Chicago

“…Spending four months in Senegal made me recognize that I want to seek a career in the international arena.”

“Participating in the International Development program in Senegal was the best decision I have ever made! Through intense coursework in French and a month-long internship, I was able to better understand the daily life in Senegal.”

“Living and studying in Morocco has redefine my entire identity in complex ways.”

“Although I am still trying to find my purpose, I see deeper meanings to myself. I am a stronger person, and I have grown exponentially in ways I could not imagine. I understand and appreciate Islam and Moroccan culture through a new lens.”

Morocco University of Illinois

at Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago France

“…I realize now that I would trade nothing in this world for the friends, laughs, culture, knowledge, food, and the myriad other priceless things I attained through my experience studying abroad.”

“…the word that I believe to be most sufficient in conveying a sense of the whole endeavor is

‘Monumental’…”

Barcelona, Spain Dickinson College Jen

“The experiences have stayed with me as well as the friendships I made in my travels. I can't wait to return to visit my host families and add more countries to visit!”

“Living abroad gives you a different vantage point of the world…”

American University Elsha

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

“Studying abroad in South Africa was a life changing experience. The skills I gained will aid in my career path, and the friendships I made will last a lifetime.”

“ I stepped outside of my comfort zone and grew tremendously.”

University of Indiana at Chicago Ghana

“We were all minorities, trying to make sense and survive in the culture, to deal with the homesickness, illnesses, language barriers, lack of toilets, and so much more. All in awe of the historical wealth and sorrow.”

“…the group became a family, and Ghana our home away from home.”

Student leaders and staff at a view-point en route to the Christ The Redeemer statue on Mount Corcovado.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Bell Multicultural High School & Friendship Collegiate Academy

An Educator’s Perspective Goucher College Steve

“By combining readings on the politics and economics of tourism with the actual experience of traveling to another country, students come to understand as much about what it is they are doing, as they do about what it is they are seeing.”

“Students not only examine the places they visit, but also consider how they visit them.”

Moscow, Russia

“Going east put everything in perspective and debunked some of the stereotypes about these truly amazing individuals. I hope more American students will go abroad, the experience is vital to the future of our planet.”

West Carolina University

Ella

“…every U.S. citizen should be required to do this.”

Queenstown, New Zealand Iowa State

Kayla

“The next day I jumped out of a plane 12,000 feet above this beautiful landscape. Queenstown isn't called the "adrenaline capital of the world" for nothing!”

“I have been so positively affected by my study abroad experience, I am pursuing a career in international

education.”