Study Abroad Fair | Photo by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
On Tuesday, March 5, the University Center for International Education hosted a Study Abroad Day, during which the center provided insight into both short-term and long-term study abroad opportunities for the students of Wright State University.
About the event
On the day of the event, representatives from the study abroad office and the financial aid office assisted students by offering comprehensive information about available programs, including both short-term and long-term options.
The representatives had several desks with individuals for providing information regarding study abroad, including a table for snacks. Additionally, UCIE provided guidance on effectively managing scholarships for study abroad endeavors.
Why study abroad?
Megan Trickler, coordinator of education abroad programs, explained the importance of study abroad.
“This is a great opportunity for the students to learn because they are going to an entirely different place and community from where they will get more knowledge, which will not be possible here, and also students will earn credits,” Trickler said.
Trickler emphasized that the study abroad experience will add an extra value to the resumes of students’ for their future careers.
Knowing a foreign language is also not required, something many students may worry about.
Short-term ambassador programs
The duration of these programs, also known as ambassador programs, are one to three weeks and are professor-led. Students may earn between three and six credits.
WSU offers a strong variety of countries for these programs.
Students can visit Stratford, Canada to gain theatre or English credits at the Shakespeare Festival. Activities include seeing plays and becoming involved with the backstage and behind-the-scenes of every play.
In Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, students will gain nursing or global health credits as they experience working in a clinic school and orphanage. They can also take part in an African safari.
For French language credits, students can go to Paris, France and absorb the rich history of the country by visiting places such as the Louvre, the Latin Quarter, museums as well as many monuments throughout the city. There is also an optional week to teach English in Nice. Miley Stotts, a nursing student, received a $5,000 scholarship and is going to France this summer for her study abroad program.
Engineering majors can travel to Germany and explore a variety of locations, including Jena, Berlin and Munich. They will visit historical sites, like the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and the BMW factory.
Perhaps one of the most popular countries on people’s bucket list to visit, Japan has a variety of locations to visit during the short-term program. A student can visit Okayama, Hiroshima and Tokyo to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture, language, art and modern tech. Some activities on the trip include jade carving, tea ceremonies and silk dyeing.
In Ecuador, students can go on an expedition into the Amazon rainforest and traverse, swim and kayak through the beautiful location. While exploring these diverse habitats and forestry, students will gain biology or ecology credits. They can also visit the oldest Indigenous market in Ecuador.
Another popular country to visit, Italy is an option for students looking to earn art history, history or photography credits. They will immerse themselves in the works of famous legends, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. Students also visit the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Duomo of Florence, the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
Long-term study abroad programs
Long-term study abroad programs are usually for a semester, summer or year. Students have more options and places to visit compared to the short-term programs.
“I help with the long-term study abroad program, and it is very fun going to other countries for a semester, learning a lot and earning credit,” Laurah Hester, a study abroad advisor, said.
Those looking to study journalism and human rights can travel to Chile or Costa Rica, and theatre majors can enjoy a longer trip to London, England.
There are many more countries for students to travel to, like Cuba, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Czech Republic and Uruguay.
Financial aid
“Every student who applied for the Study Abroad Program got minimum $500 scholarships for their trip,” Trickler said.
Students can get more scholarships based on their experiences and interests.
“Students should emphasize more on the essay to get more scholarships,” Trickler said.
For more information about study abroad, including financial aid, parent and guardian information, packing lists and other tips, visit the university’s website.