International Students at CSULB

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     International students feel like CSULB locals after their semester in the United States.
     CSULB students who study abroad attend class, travel, and attain internships in different countries. Similarly, students who come into the United States have the same opportunities.

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     Namrata Pingle, an international student studying at CSULB, was excited to be studying in the US.
      "The night before I left I was really nervous and I couldn't really sleep, cause it really hit me hard that I would be embarking on a journey for the first time on the other side of the world!"
     Pingle also stated that she felt like a CSULB local now rather than a tourist and that she cannot get enough of it.
      "I have also changed substantially as a person, I recommend it for anyone who wants to achieve something in life and progress!"

    

Which Term is Right For You?

Photo Credit: American Institute for Foreign Study

     The length of time students study abroad can differ depending on the program offered. Whether students are interested in studying abroad for a short or long period of time the different programs offer many opportunities.
     Fall semester and Spring semester generally begin in February and end in May while Winter and Summer sessions only last a few weeks. These semester programs vary according to the the programs. American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) has 50 programs available to students. Australia, Ireland, and Spain are only a few of the many countries that offer different programs and semester opportunities.
     Kyle Signer, a Communication major at CSULB, studied abroad in Costa Rica in Spring of 2011. "It was one of the best experiences of my life. Spending a whole semester in another country really helped me learn about their culture. I wish I could go back."

Photo Credit: American Institute for Foreign Study

      While Kyle enjoyed his time in Costa Rica, Troy Davidson a history major, spent a summer in Germany. "It was just enough time to explore the country and take a little from their culture. Sometimes I wish I stayed longer, but the time I spent there was perfect and I'm hoping to go back next summer."
     Whether students choose to study abroad for a few weeks or a couple months they are still immersing themselves into a different culture and a whole new experience.
 

Internships Abroad

Photo Credit: Interns Abroad

     Extracurricular activities while attending school often keeps students busy here at CSULB. Activities such as sports, internships and Greek life helps broaden a student's perspective of life and offer new experiences. Now, students have the opportunity to join extracurricular activities while studying abroad and internships are becoming more and more popular.

Photo Credit: Global Experience

     On CSULB's Independent Internships Abroad website a student can find internships by region such as Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Western Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Depending on the country, paid and unpaid internships are available for students in a variety of fields.
     Besides from finding internships by regions students can also find general information on the CSULB website. Interns Abroad, Internships in Europe, and Global Experiences are a few internship programs aimed at helping students find the internship that suits their interest.
     These internships allow students to gain experience just like internships in the United States. Students have the opportunity to not only grow as an individual but learn a trade suitable for their career path.

Is Europe Safe?

     After the Occupy Wall Street movement went international I began to wonder whether or not the United States is more or less safe than Europe.

Photo Credit: Global Peace Index 2011

     According to Richard Marcus, the Associate Professor and Director of the International Studies Program, studying abroad is not more dangerous in Europe than in the United States. "In  The 2011 Global Peace Index (a measure of both internal and external security of a country) the U.S. comes in 82nd of 153 countries examined," explained Marcus, "This means that much of the world is a safer place to be than the U.S."
      Professor Marcus stated that through the CSU International Program an orientation and Resident Directors are available for the students to use. He explained that depending on the program the student wishes to go through, and where they plan to study, is a major factor in determining their safety.
     "The importance is to be well informed both about countries. We are fortunate at CSULB  to have a strong network of experts that can help guide students."
     Even with the growing turmoil in the world Professor Marcus explained that for Fall 2011 CSULB actually reached a new high for semester-long study abroad students. Marcus believes that "the isolated places where civil violence is prevalent (for example like in parts of Los Angeles) are more of a threat," and continued to state that, "students are always encouraged to avoid those areas."

Traveling in Europe

Photo Credit: Eurorail

     While studying abroad many students have the opportunity to travel around the country. From Ireland's grassy hills to the bustling streets of Italy, students have the chance to take adventures and explore another country.
     Travel by train, also known as the Eurorail, is a popular choice for many tourists and students.With no airport hassle or wasting time the Eurorail makes traveling easy and fun. With a dining experience and panoramic windows traveling by train gives travelers the opportunity to see different parts of country during their trip.

     Libby Gross, a Cal State student currently studying abroad in Florence, has used the Eurorail during her studying. "It was so easy to use and a great experience! I was able to take it to a few countries and see different cultures just by looking out the window."

Photo Credit: EuropeByAir

    Another form of transportation through Europe is by plane. EuropeByAir is an airline website dedicated to being flexible regarding airline changes and giving travelers cheap airfare.  By simply clicking on a city on the website map a prospective traveler can see possible departing flights and their destinations. EuropeByAir has also recently added flights to and from the United States.
     Whether by flight or train traveling in Europe is relatively easy, even if a students do not know the language.

A Semester at Sea

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     As the shoreline disappears and the vastness of the world is before them, students gain a once-in-a-lifetime experience while enrolled in a Semester at Sea. This floating university offers a variety of experiences unlike any other study abroad program.
     Beginning in 1963 over 45,000 students have woken up to an ocean view and visited 8-10 countries in a single semester. Brazil, China, South Africa, and Ghana are only a few ports planned for the next term, Spring 2012, which is set to begin January 19th in Nassau, Bahamas and proceed until May 2nd, making its final port in San Diego, CA.
     One student who participated in the Semester at Sea, Kadir, started a blog documenting his experiences. In one of his first posts, An Unbelievable Opportunity, Kadir stated, "The concept of traveling around the world on a ship, sounded like such an amazing experience I just could not pass it up. I will be spending the night on the Great Wall of China, sitting under Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, climbing on the ancient Angkor Wat, and posing in front of the infamous Taj Mahal."

Photo Credit: Semester at Sea

     Besides from diving into a number of different cultures, the Semester at Sea also offers students amazing experiences while aboard the ship. The 2002 MV Explorer contains seven decks available to students which include a wellness center, gym, student cabins, an outdoor pool, dining halls, class rooms,and a Multi-Media lab among other things.
     The Semester at Sea website has more information regarding voyages, finances, and important dates students need to know when considering spending a semester at sea.

Study Abroad Expo

    The commencement lawn was once again buzzing with students as the CSULB Study Abroad expo made its appearance on October 12, 2011.
     Depending on the classes you choose to take, along with the country you wish to reside in, the right program for you was probably there. Ranging from semester programs to a semester at sea the booths were filled with information packets, business cards, and brochures to help students find the program that fits them best.
     When asked about the difference between a semester at sea and a regular study abroad program, Liza Vogal, the correspondent for the ICS Study Abroad program, stated, "It's completely different. The semester at sea is usually more focused on environmental studies and is at sea for the majority of the time. They dock at different countries and that's when students get to go on their excursions. However a regular study abroad program includes room and board, transportation, tuition, and a few excursions, so you can't really compare the two because they're completely different.
    The range of programs and majors offered allowed students to get the information they needed.

Upcoming Expo

Photo Credit: Julie Middleton

    The Study Abroad Expo is back at the Long Beach State campus for any students interested in studying abroad. The expo will take place October 12, 2011 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the grassy lawn outside the bookstore.  
     Students will have the opportunity to listen to speakers, ask questions, and learn about the prospects of studying abroad. Correspondents for different programs and countries will also be attending and can be found at the numerous tables.
     Alle Culbertson, a CSULB student currently studying Fashion Merchandising is considering attending the expo. "Although I haven't completely decided whether or not I'll study abroad next semester, I'm interested in the information I'll get at the expo. And I can't wait to talk to students about their experiences and tips."

Safety Abroad

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     With the growing conflict throughout the world, many may wonder how safe studying abroad may actually be. Is learning about cultures in our classrooms safer than studying abroad or are enough precautions being taken for students in this dangerous world?
     According to the article in the Detroit News, "Turmoil Shouldn't Deter Study Abroad," participation in study abroad programs actually increased 40 percent between 2000 and 2006. Not even with the 2003 SARS breakout, the Madrid bombings of 2004, or the lingering effects from September 11th were students deterred from spending weeks in a foreign country. 
     With the turmoil and uncertainty in the world precautions can always be taken to protect oneself. Self defense classes and first aid training are two simple ways to ensure that students have the basic tools to defend themselves. Along with these tools it is also a good idea to have a local contact you can rely on. Their knowledge of the city may come in handy when planning an excursion or knowing which streets to avoid. Having this basic knowledge puts each student one step ahead of their basic criminal and could be the difference between getting mugged or not. 
    Random acts of violence occur in every country but having some basic self defense and knowledge of the city will go a long way in each student's safety. Many programs are now requiring some type of self defense or first aid training before studying abroad to help protect their students from violence and muggings which hopefully will protect the students in foreign countries. 
   

A worthy investment?

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With the economy heading in the direction that it has been for the last few years it's amazing that students can still afford to attend college, much less fork out the extra change to study abroad. Or can they?

The estimated cost  is about $10,000 a semester, not including the flights or traveling expenses, and often deters students from studying abroad. Between paying for tuition, housing, food, and transportation students could use any opportunity to help cushion the financial burden. And even though students are interested in the experience and culture they often put this dream on hold and never return to it.

However unlike the students putting their dream on hold, Dianne Antonopoulos, a junior currently attending CSULB, plans to study abroad in Greece this upcoming spring. When asked about the financial burden awaiting her, and whether or not it will be worth the price tag, she responded without hesitation. "I definitely think so. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that you'll never have time for again. You can't put a price on the experience you'll have or the fact that you're emerging yourself in a whole new culture."

Like Dianne, some students are willing to pay the short-term costs for an unforgettable experience. In 2007/08 there was actually an 8.5% increase in participants compared to the previous year, which could be a result of a number of possibilities. For example, direct exchange, which lets students pay the same amount of tuition they would pay if they were attending CSULB, is one way of many ways that is opening up opportunities to studying in foreign countries. Along with direct exchange, students can also use apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

With the financial assistance that is now available for students, studying abroad is more obtainable now than ever.