Studying Abroad is a Great Opportunity, But a Widely Unknown Opportunity That’s Hard to Afford

By Alex Bulko

akb50@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State offers many study abroad opportunities with studies showing such programs are beneficial to students’ careers. However, many students aren’t aware or can’t afford such opportunities.

Lilly Montemayor
Photo by: Ashley Brown

When asked, many students agree about the benefits and value of going on such programs, but more info about how to apply rather than simply emails stating such programs exist could help enhance student awareness.

“I feel like there could be more visibility around it, like where to sign up, who to talk to, who runs it…” said Lilly Montemayor. “…just general information.” Montemayor, a communication studies major, has taken part in a law school study program when she was a sophomore, but has never gone on an actual study abroad program.

Kyle Fite
Photo by: Abby Moore

Kyle Fite, a psychology major, shares similar sentiments.

“These programs could be more accessible by more events or flyer. I also don’t really know of a lot of information sessions being held around campus. Maybe that could help?” Fite said.

Quinton Carter
Photo by: Ashley Brown

Some students need more than general info. Some have time constraints, or their own personal reasons holding them back.

“They need to intrigue me to go, not just tell me about it.” said Quinton Carter. “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.”

When asked about what he could gain from studying abroad, Quinton said travelers get to experience other people’s cultures. But when asked about what might discourage him from taking part, he cited money. “…it’s really expensive and I just can’t afford that right now.”

Money seems to be a big reason for why students aren’t all flocking to join a study abroad program.

Alma Cavazos
Photo by: Ashley Brown

“A lot of people are not able to travel due to finances.” said Alma Cavazos, an education major. “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.”

Ness Aguilar
Photo by: Addison McKissack

For Ness Aguilar, a business management major, it comes down to finances as well. “I’ve done an internship but I want to study abroad.” said Aguilar. When asked why he hasn’t gone abroad yet, Aguilar said, “financials probably. Who wouldn’t want to go experience something else and go to college somewhere else?”

Hector Soto
Photo by: Abby Moore

For some prospective students, it comes down to time. Hector Soto, a history major, just hasn’t been able to find time between work and school.

“A lot of it is just time.” said Soto. “Finding money and getting motivated to give your free time to be able to participate in one of those projects. It’s not that I haven’t been interested – it’s just time and work and school.”

For more information, check out Texas State’s Study Abroad Office website at: http://www.studyabroad.txstate.edu/