What TXST Students Know About the Study Abroad Program

By Dylan Bradley
Dab192@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas. -- On Tuesday, October 24, Texas State students speak out about what they know of the study abroad program and the accessibility of the program itself.

According to some students at Texas State University, the chance to study abroad or off-campus can be a fantastic way to grow as a person. However, some students do not have the knowledge or finances to take opportunities like this.

 Study abroad programs have helped many students gain insightful experiences and benefited from the outlook of a different culture. According to Amy Chirez, senior psychology student at TXST, believes that the study abroad program is very beneficial.

“Benefits would be able to grow as a person, know more about the world and culture, gain experience that would look good on a resume and change you as a person," she quoted.

Amy Chirez, 22
Photo Taken By Dylan Bradley

Some students that were interviewed on Texas State’s campus shared the same lack of knowledge amongst their peers. Most explained the benefits of studying abroad very closely; however, they did not necessarily know the cost which is one of the main reasons students feel set-back to go.

In fact, when interviewing the students, most did not acknowledge that financial aid can cover your tuition and just about half of the trip expenditures. Rebecca Hobbesland, sophomore biology student at TXST, explains why she hasn’t considered participating because she thinks it may not be in the cards for her.

She said, “I feel like it would make me graduate, maybe, a little bit later…. And money it’s probably expensive to go.”

Rebecca Hobbesland, 19
Photo Taken By Jhazmine Billups

After interviews about what should be done to make these programs more accessible, students like Jaswanath Pattipati, international student from India, shed light on his point of view.

“They should be globalized. So… Even we (international students) get a chance to look into these programs and really get a chance to go into these programs for internships.” 

This was a beneficial standpoint that should be considered to the study abroad programs.

Jaswanath Pattipati, 23
Photo Taken By Jhazmine Billups

Some students believe that if they have a difficult major or course load, that they will not have the time to take these courses if they study abroad. However, the study abroad program is scheduled at the very beginning of summer after spring semester classes right before the first session of summer classes.

Alicia Puig, sophomore bio-chemistry major at TXST, quotes “My degree plan is structured a certain way that might be difficult to work around.”

Alicia Puig, 17
Photo Taken By Dylan Bradley

Students who have majors that focus in areas or concepts around the world such as geography, communication, journalism, foreign language and many more all have very compelling reasons to study abroad. Jacob Hennigan, French major at TXST said how interesting this would appeal to him if more information is given out regularly to foreign language students like him.

"Well, first, 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 your unfamiliar and uncomfortable,” he said.

Jacob Hennigan, 23
Photo Taken By Jhazmine Billups

The Study Abroad program at Texas State University is considered to be a diversified, cultural experience unlike any other opportunities given to all students. Most would say that it is a completely beneficial experience.

 Emma Adams, a first-year nursing student at TXST, says "they should come out on the quad and spread their word more." She also thinks that, "Language barriers would be difficult, but it would be a learning experience to gain more culture."

Emma Adams, 19
Photo Taken By Dylan Bradley

Visit Texas State Study Abroad General Information for more information on upcoming events and trips planned for this upcoming year in 2018.