World Experiences Come Home
posted by Brandon Owens | December 5, 2018 | In Arts and Culture, NewsFayetteville State University hosted a Study Abroad Fair on November 15 at the Rudolph Jones Student Center. The event, which was a part of the university’s International Week, provided many people explaining to students the opportunities to further their education in locations outside the continental United States. Students were there to share their experiences as well.
There were plenty of opportunities to study abroad in Spanish-speaking countries. Carlos de Paco, who came from Costa Rica, explained the different programs available at the Universidad de Costa Rica, saying that they have a variety of classes in English such as biology and business. They also have Spanish language classes, from beginner to advanced levels. Other courses can be taken in Spanish as well. Students can take courses for either a semester or the summer, earn credits, and then have those credits transferred back to their home university.
Going to Spain was another option. According to Dr. Lenora Hayes, assistant professor in the Communication, Languages, and Cultures department, there’s a program through which students can visit Almeria, Spain where students can enroll in the University of Almeria and take classes in language and culture.
Dr. Hayes added that students will “have the opportunity to learn about other cultures. They will be able to interact with students from not only Spain but from other countries in Europe. They’ll be able to make comparisons and come home and notice the differences between the Spanish and American cultures, which will make them a lot richer when they go into the workforce, having that experience is invaluable.”
Europe is always a popular pick for travel, even to study abroad. Daniel Montoya, from the Department of Psychology, promoted a trip to Europe where students study the history of psychology. The trip entails visits to London, Paris, and Vienna.
When asked how studying psychology in Europe differs from studying in America, Montoya explained “The application and school of thought are different from what is studied here in America. The psychology in Europe can be seen in America, but the application and the way it’s studied are different.”
China is another great option. Senior Andre Harris gave his accounts on his travels to Shanghai, China.
Harris said: “My experience was life-changing. It was a cultural experience. I was able to take courses. I took an elementary Chinese course, an economics course, and a communication course. I was also able to explore Shanghai and the countryside of China. It was an awesome experience.”
According to Harris, one of his most memorable experiences was visiting a Coca-Cola factory: “They have a huge Coca-Cola factory. Coca-Cola is one of the biggest things – everyone drinks Coke in China. To see an American icon such as Coke so popular in China was breathtaking.” Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime. Not only can it lead to intriguing classroom sessions but adventurous experiences outside the classroom as well
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