CI students study internationally, think globally, grow exponentially
By Marya Jones Barlow
Imagine becoming conversational in a foreign language, trekking through multiple countries, experiencing some of the world鈥檚 most iconic historic and scenic landmarks, and having the adventure of a lifetime for roughly the same cost as a semester at CI.
That鈥檚 what Greg Combes and Cara Johnson did last year when they traveled to Florence, Italy, as participants in CI鈥檚 Study Abroad Program. Now on campus completing their senior year, both plan to return overseas for graduate study, work opportunities, and an expanded knowledge of the world.
鈥淪tudying abroad helped me realize that the world is a big beautiful place鈥攐ne that I plan to keep exploring,鈥� Combes said. 鈥淭he entire process was full of personal growth and discovery. My time away from all the people and comforts of home gave me the opportunity to take a step back, look at myself, and dig into my own interests.鈥�
鈥淭he opportunity to see other places gave me the tools I needed to decide on my more immediate future,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淚 went to Edinburgh, Scotland, during spring break and realized that I wanted to get my master鈥檚 at the University of Edinburgh. I鈥檓 completing the application process right now, and plan to leave this August. I don鈥檛 know if I鈥檒l ever come back.鈥�
Studying abroad helped me realize that the world is a big beautiful place鈥攐ne that I plan to keep exploring.
Greg Combes
Combes and Johnson are two of the more than 150 students who participate each year in international study abroad programs through CI鈥檚 International Programs and the Center for International Affairs. The options range from short-term UNIV 392 International Experience courses, which give students a two- to three-week 鈥渄ose鈥� of a foreign country during a class trip, to year-long study as a visiting student in one of approximately 68 CSU partner universities worldwide.
Those options make foreign study more accessible and affordable for many students. Students may use their financial aid, apply for scholarships offered specifically for study abroad, and tap into the resources offered at CI鈥檚 International Programs and Center for International Affairs.
鈥淪ome study abroad programs even cost less than living and studying at CI,鈥� said Anna-Sophie Lee, the Study Abroad Advisor for International Programs. 鈥淗elping students apply for study abroad is fulfilling because it gives you the opportunity to make someone鈥檚 dreams come true. Studying abroad has a lasting effect on a person鈥檚 character that goes far beyond the exchange year.鈥�
鈥淭he experience was completely worth it,鈥� agreed Melissa Rodriguez, a senior who studied in Canada. 鈥淥nly 1 percent of university graduates study abroad, which means I鈥檓 part of an elite group of students who can put this on my resume. I鈥檓 comfortable with the fact that if someone offered me a job across the globe, I would be able to take it without hesitation. I鈥檓 no longer limiting myself to jobs or graduate schools in California but opening myself to options around the world.鈥�
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漏 Fall 2015 / Volume 19 / Number 02 / Bi-annual