For many students, studying abroad can be a dream come true. For others, it may seem totally out of reach because of the cost.
But Michelle Cunningham, Study Abroad graduate assistant in the Office of International Education, said the cost is not as high as people might think.
“The student can use any financial aid that she (or) he receives toward study abroad. It is, after all, a part of the student’s study program,” Cunningham said. “Then ESU offers a grant called the Travel Grant. Eligible students can receive $2,000 for a full year, $1,000 for a semester program or between $400 and $900 for a summer program, depending on where in the world they go.”
Hilary Becker, sophomore political science major, received the Travel Grant for her trip this summer to China.
She and other students will teach about American culture to Chinese students in elementary school up through college.
“Even in high school, I knew that I wanted to study abroad when I was in college because I enjoy travel, and I enjoy learning about other cultures,” Becker said. “You can learn as much as you want from China without ever going there, but I feel like you can’t get that experience until you actually go and interact with the people there and really go see what you’re talking about.”
Becker has taken two semesters of Chinese, so she knows some of the language. Other students may be concerned that they don’t know any other languages than English, but Cunningham said that many overseas universities offer courses in English.
There are also countries, such as England and Scotland, where English is spoken. Elizabeth Reinhardt, sophomore English major, will travel to London for a 10-day trip as part of a summer course with the English department.
“For several years, I’ve wanted to see England. I’ve wanted to see the birthplace of English literature and to study its later impact on American literature,” Reinhardt said. “I’d like to be immersed in English culture and get a taste of real English life, not just the watered-down version we get so often in movies and television.”
Cunningham said ESU advocates for students to study abroad because it helps students become “global citizens.”
“Another reason (ESU) supports study abroad is that studying abroad can help students to learn to think critically, which is one of the qualities employers claim most college graduates lack,” Cunningham said.
To learn more about study abroad, stop by the Office of International Education.
