By: Ammon Ockletree
SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State Study Abroad program receive mixed reviews from Texas State students.
Some students see the program as a positive opportunity for change. While some students see the program as a waste of time.
Texas State student Shanya Davis, sees studying abroad as an adjustment. Davis, a nursing major, sees the program as something that could be worth a try.
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| Shanya Davis Photo by: Addison McKissack |
“I feel like it’s definitely scary, it’s an adjustment. 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,” said Davis.
Studying abroad improves chances for employment.
According to the University of California-Merced, “97 percent of study abroad students found employment within 12 months of graduation when only 49 percent of college graduates found employment in the same period.” That is more than twice the average of the regular graduate!
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Evelyn Shanks
Photo by: Tyler Fontaine |
Evelyn Shanks, Texas State Biochemist major is in a difficult position about whether to try study abroad because her major would not allow her to transfer the offered courses.
“Being a science major it is really hard to find programs that will transfer and not push you back a semester,” said Shanks.
Studying abroad launches careers.
A recent survey from Inside Higher Ed reports, more than half (53.3) percent of alumni of study abroad programs say they believe their study abroad experience contributed to them receiving a job offer. More than 78 percent were asked about study abroad in a job interview.
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| Dr.Joseph Kortarba Photo by: Tyler Fontaine |
From a negative point of view, Texas State Sociology professor Joseph Kortarba sees cost and time as the two reasons students don’t study abroad. Though he views studying abroad as something that teaches lessons.
“Bring the cost down would help a lot of students for sure. Also, the summer is a hard time, for a lot of students to commit to a trip like that,” said Kortarba.
“How Experiential Learning in Learning Could Launch Your career.” An article published by The Princeton Review explains, that since hands-on learning experiences require students to “take initiative, make decisions and be accountable for results,” students may also “experience success, failure, adventure, risk-taking, and uncertainty.” “No matter what you’ll learn from it,” said Association of Experiential Education.
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| Dr.Steve Beebe Photo by: Ammon and the family |
Texas State Professor Steven Beebe knows about the good and bad of the study abroad program. While teaching two study abroad courses at Oxford University he sees the problems stopping students from taking part in the program. One of those problems being advising.
“I think sometimes the students don’t understand how to do it. I think sometimes the cost can be prohibited,” said Beebe.
Studying abroad improves communication skills and stronger teamwork skills.
According to IIE, investigate the connection between the study abroad program and the development of skills that contribute to employment and career development in today’s workforce.
Some students don’t feel Study Abroad program is broadcast enough.
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| Sophia Roman Photo by: Tyler Fontaine |
Texas State nursing student Sophia Roman didn’t have any idea about the Study Abroad program until she was questioned.
“I don’t even know if we have any Study Abroad programs for nursing students,” said Roman. I was never told and it is a little too late.
Financial problems seem to be the only thing stopping students from studying abroad.
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| Ness Aguliar Photo by: Addison McKissack |
Ness Aguilar, Junior Business Management major, sees money as the only thing stopping him now. “Financials probably, who wouldn’t want to go experience something else and go to college somewhere else,” said Aguilar.
The time to study abroad is now. For more information and details on signing up get online and follow this link.
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