2008 Woodie Awards
Travel abroad an investment
Joe Thomas, Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/8/06 Section: News
Studying abroad can be one of the most enriching experiences of a student's lifetime. Imagine Paris; going to school, living with a Parisian family, and making a lot of friends. It can be very fun, and at the same time a nerve-wracking experience. For some, it is the first time on a commercial flight and away from home.
The CSU International Program (IP) believes that the main part of studying abroad is to "immerse" oneself in a different language, culture, and academic environment in order to make the most out of the experience. During their stay, students live near where they go to school, and are able to experience the academic and social aspects of daily life. IP provides students with all of the support they need, from obtaining a visa to finding transportation, housing, health insurance, and most importantly, academic advising.
The CSU keeps the costs of the International Exchange programs to a minimum, and they are most affordable for California residents. The costs depend on the country and host university, but it is commensurate with attending school here and living in the dorms. Scholarships and financial aid is available from the CSU. Keep in mind that IP is not a cost, but an investment.
An article in the STAR dated Feb. 1, described the male to female ratio of study abroad programs. According to Melissa Strauss of Aix-en-Provence in France, "Here at the foreign exchange school there are probably 20 to 1, girls to guys."
Education is not a universal concept, and it can be different from country to country. According to Jessica Green, a former IP student, "If we think that SSU is disorganized, try Europe! Registration was done by going to each individual department and waiting for hours in line."
Adapting to the culture of the host university may be difficult at times. According to Strauss, in France it is "very expensive and everyone is about a size two." She also said that "there is smoke everywhere you go and dogs are treated better then some people."
The CSU International Program (IP) believes that the main part of studying abroad is to "immerse" oneself in a different language, culture, and academic environment in order to make the most out of the experience. During their stay, students live near where they go to school, and are able to experience the academic and social aspects of daily life. IP provides students with all of the support they need, from obtaining a visa to finding transportation, housing, health insurance, and most importantly, academic advising.
The CSU keeps the costs of the International Exchange programs to a minimum, and they are most affordable for California residents. The costs depend on the country and host university, but it is commensurate with attending school here and living in the dorms. Scholarships and financial aid is available from the CSU. Keep in mind that IP is not a cost, but an investment.
An article in the STAR dated Feb. 1, described the male to female ratio of study abroad programs. According to Melissa Strauss of Aix-en-Provence in France, "Here at the foreign exchange school there are probably 20 to 1, girls to guys."
Education is not a universal concept, and it can be different from country to country. According to Jessica Green, a former IP student, "If we think that SSU is disorganized, try Europe! Registration was done by going to each individual department and waiting for hours in line."
Adapting to the culture of the host university may be difficult at times. According to Strauss, in France it is "very expensive and everyone is about a size two." She also said that "there is smoke everywhere you go and dogs are treated better then some people."