By: Anthony Flores
Arf74@txstate.edu
SAN MARCOS, Texas. – Students at Texas State show interest
in study abroad programs but point out lack of distribution of information and
monetary issues as obstacles.
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| Rebecca Hughey Photograph by: Anthony Flores |
Taking part in a study abroad program can be an enriching
and enlightening experience, but for some students getting informed and
involved proves to be a difficult issue.
Texas State engineering sophomore Rebecca Hughey has shown
interest in getting involved in study abroad but a lack of funds proves to be
an overwhelming obstacle,
"I definitely have wanted to, I guess it's just I
haven't really had the resources to find the opportunity for that. I could do
it on my own, but I guess it's just too much work," said Hughey.
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| Alma Cavasos By: Ashley Brown |
Sharing the same sentiment as the engineering major, fellow
Texas State Student Alma Cavasos but acknowledges that there is some monetary
aid in the form of scholarships.
"A lot of people are not able to travel due to
finances," said Cavasos. "However, I do know there are a lot of
scholarships students can earn to study abroad. There are even outside
companies and schools that offer scholarships."
An article by Hercampus.com details possible ways to pay for a trip abroad including information on scholarships and other potential ways to pay.
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| Professor Joseph Kortarba Photograph by: Tyler Fontaine |
Joseph Kortarba, Texas State sociology professor, believes
that beyond addressing financial issues, the timing of study abroad trips could
be better planned to benefit students busy in the summer.
"Bring the cost down would help a lot of students for
sure," said Kortarba. "Also, the summer is a hard time for a lot of
students to commit to a trip like that, so maybe it would help to offer more
programs during the spring and fall semesters.”
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| Shayna Davis Photograph by: Addison McKissack |
For some the idea of jumping into a new culture and leaving
home behind can be intimidating enough to hold some back. Freshman Shayna Davis
believes these are issues that some students fail to take into account.
"I feel like it's definitely scary, it's an
adjustment," Davis
said. "I think a lot of people want to do it and
they don't think about how hard it's going to be adjusting to a new
culture."
The benefits of taking part in a study abroad program are
plentiful. According to Nafsa.org, students are given the opportunity to
experience other cultures, enhancing their global awareness and academic
learning as well as providing the opportunity to develop strong leadership
skills.
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| Sara Peebus Photograph By: Anthony Flores |
Freshman Sara Peebus views the experience as a way to expand
one's ability to learn about others and themselves.
"Just experiencing the way people interact in different
cultures, and I think its the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis that says you can't learn
things outside of your own language and your own culture," said Peebus.
"So, I mean not only do you learn new cultural things, but you can expand
how much you can learn about your own."
Psychology major Kyle Fite believes a trip abroad could help
expand student's language skills as well.
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| Kyle Fite Photograph By: Abby Moore |
“A student could learn a new language or learn the culture
of the country they visited. The might be able to also visit other countries
around them if they have time.”
For those interested in Texas State study abroad programs,
more information can be found at studyabroad.txstate.edu.
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