Students Express Their Feelings About Study Abroad Programs

Austin Sharpen 

a_s704@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas— Texas State University offers many Study Abroad programs that help students gain school credit while getting to experience a different culture in both summer courses and full-semester courses.

Students say they are doubtful about studying abroad due to the cost and not being informed enough.

Some students want to attend a Study Abroad program but feel they don’t have enough information about the different programs and think it is too expensive or don’t know what programs are offered.

 

“I can’t really afford it,” said Dana Hiser. She thinks if they could make more scholarships and grants available, more students would want to go.

She really couldn’t afford the program either.

 Katie Smith, said, “I haven’t heard much about it and I know it’s expensive.”

Quinton Carter, a business administration major, said he is unable to attend the study abroad meetings due to them being in the middle of the day.

"They need to intrigue me to go, not just tell me about it. I know that they have a Study Abroad Fair today, but they make it in the middle of the day and most students have class during that time,” said Carter.

 

Like Carter, Rebecca Hobbesland felt the same way.

“I would say people should advertise them maybe a little more. Talk about the experience and maybe make an affordable plan for students because sometimes that's not in the cards or like their already just trying to get an education the cheapest way they can,” said Hobbesland.

However, students that attend study abroad information sessions and participate in a program said they benefit in ways that they couldn’t imagine.

Alma Cavazos, an education major, believes you can learn other people’s culture and return home and practice their norms and traditions.

"You can study and learn the culture of where you're staying. You can see how people are treated there and you can come home and show people all their customs and cultures,” said Cavazos.

Another student, Jacob Hennigan majoring in French believes it’s healthy for the soul.

"Well, first of all, traveling is a healthy experience, I say healthy not like for your body but like for your soul. It's ... good to get out and go be in a different place where you're unfamiliar and uncomfortable,” said Hennigan.

For those that are interested in studying abroad and wish to find out more information can visit the Texas State Study Abroad Office.