The Global Experiences Office, located in Room 130 at Louise Pound Hall, offers resources and advisors for students interested in studying abroad.
Advisors host a series of interest meetings called Huskers Abroad 101 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The meetings provide a space where students can pick their country they’d like to study in and their program aligned with their area of study.
Cody Hollist, the director of Global Experiences, believes that students should start their process freshman year. This time frame allows students to look over their options, sign paperwork and get scholarships before they board the plane. The team of advisors assists students through the process to ensure they get valuable work experience.
“They’ll walk you through where you want to study, what you want your eventual job to be like and what kind of experience will help you there,” Hollist said.
Every college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a study abroad coordinator to help students get matched with the correct program. The advisors try their best to keep costs low through scholarships because they believe that studying abroad can be beneficial for every student.
“We try to shrink it down to the best programs that are from companies that we trust that take really good care of our students’ locations (so) that you’re getting the best prices for where you can go,” Hollist said.
Studying abroad teaches students to better their soft skills such as adaptability, problem solving and communication, which can be used in future jobs. He believes that everyone should experience studying abroad at least once in their college career.
“I think every student needs global experience because no matter what your job is, you’re going to interface and you’re going to work with people from some place that’s different than you are,” Hollist said.
Hollist enjoys seeing his study abroad students improve their skills as they become comfortable interacting with the locals. He invites all students to explore their resources and consider going abroad, no matter their financial situation.
Students who plan to go abroad over the summer are excited to create new memories and learn in a new country. From a student’s perspective, they go through a process throughout the semester before their trip.
Sylvia Poulos, a junior hospitality, restaurant and tourism management major, plans to work a summer internship in Florence, Italy. She chose Italy to explore the culture and her family ties.
“I knew I wanted to go somewhere in Europe. And I was like, ‘Oh, why don’t I go somewhere that I kind of understand the family dynamic and how they socialize?’” Poulos said.
Poulos went through the Italy global studies program as she filled out documents and planned an itinerary for her trip. Although there are strict deadlines, the process moves quickly so students can travel abroad the following semester.
“If you want to do it, you can kind of get that on track fast. There are ways to get involved super fast with it,” Poulos said.
Her team of advisors was supportive as they helped her find an internship and finalize the plans. Poulos is excited to spend time with her friends and gain experience during her time abroad.
“I think it’s awesome to study abroad. I think everyone should try it, but explore your program on your own a little bit,” Poulos said.
To find resources, search for college-specific programs and schedule an appointment with an advisor, students can visit the link here.