Texas State University Students Speak Out On “Secret” Study-Abroad Program

By: John C. McCabe

San Marcos, Texas--Despite the highly spoken existence of college's "learn as you travel" study-abroad programs, many Texas State University students never even considered the opportunity, or for that matter, know where to start.

 

 "I haven't heard much about it and I know it's expensive. I can't really afford the program", said Katie Smith, a microbiology student.

This is a fairly normal perspective on the "unicorn" of a program that many students seem to accept as financially out of their reality. But even those that can manage to stretch their bank accounts for a lifetime opportunity sadly find themselves sitting in the dark when it comes to the "where and when".

Photograph by: Anthony Flores

 As Sara Peebus, an economics major, found in her freshmen experiences, "There is a lack of information available to students about these programs. I am not really sure what options are available for my major or where to find out more about it”.

More often students find themselves with the knowledge that the chance to learn and travel does exist, but don't fully grasp what restrictions are placed on their specific field of study. Some wonder if certain locations are not available depending on the degree plan they've chosen.

Photograph by: Anthony Flores

"I know for actors we have a London specific study abroad class but is that the only one I'm allowed to take, am I allowed to take other ones, do I have to take a class for it?" replied Jessica Heely, a freshman studying theatre, when asked about her knowledge on the program.

Readers might wonder if the lack of common knowledge is the effect of students not following up on the information posted rather than a shortage in the Universities efforts to properly circulate it.

Photo by: Addison McKissack

"I've gotten a couple emails about a meeting to get information about it, but other than that I don't know anything about it ... I want to get into it but I don't know how to start".

Posters and emails are not enough. Students, especially incoming freshmen, need more face-to-face, question and answer, time with School faculty to properly and evenly inform them on the many options available to study abroad, as well as the opportunities it can bring.

Photograph by: Anthony Flores

"I know there's information out there, I've had emails sent to me so I guess more personal in a way cause I mean it's just emails they're sending. I haven't had anyone really talk to me about it, maybe like a seminar or something”.

The benefits that carry over with study abroad as proven by a study from the University of California in Merced showed:

·         80 percent of study abroad students reported that study abroad allowed them to better adapt better to diverse work environments.

·         70 Percent of study abroad alumni claimed that because of study abroad they were more satisfied with their jobs.

·         59 percent of employers said study abroad would be valuable in an individual’s career later with their organization.

·         34 percent of study abroad alumni claimed that study abroad helped them choose their career field.

Although strong numbers reflect the good that can come from educational opportunities such as Study Abroad, there are still obstacles. The largest of which revolves around costs.

   "Financials probably,” said Ness Aguilar when asked about deterring factors. “who wouldn't want to go experience something else and go to college somewhere else."

 Texas State University’s Study Abroad program can be a great experience and benefit to future graduates. Every student should have to chance to hear about the basics of the program from an in-person source, to come to a clear understanding of participation criteria and financial-aid offered.

Contact Texas State University’s Study Abroad office at:

Telephone: (512) 245-1967 or Email: studyabroad@txstate.edu

Contact the Writer, John Conor McCabe, at Jcm259@txstate.edu