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

Photo credit: Minnie's Banners

     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?

Photo Credit: DooByBrian.com

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.