Advising Corner: Study Abroad Edition

January 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Maureen Desorcie, Assistant Director, Smeal Office of International Programs mgd10@psu.edu

Studying abroad changes the way a student thinks about themselves and their place in the global business community. By selecting a program that will augment their academic and career goals, study abroad can influence their career path for a lifetime. The Career Benefits of Study Abroad have been well established with a survey by IES.

The International Programs team at Smeal offers a wide variety of study abroad and travel experiences from Austria to Venezuela. We strive to help students find a program that best fits their goals. Some students want to follow their heritage or improve their language skills in an immersive environment. Choices also include programs entirely in English and many with courses in English paired with a language course.

Travel

Students and parents will be glad to know education abroad can be affordable with varying program costs. Out-of-State students may benefit from the many Penn State programs charging in-state tuition. We also assist Pennsylvania residents in selecting a lower cost program. While scholarships are available, they are not abundant. Students can improve their chances of an award by selecting a study abroad program in a less attended region, like Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America or the Middle East.

DUS students planning a Smeal major are welcome to schedule an appointment by calling 814-865-4264; planning early is key. Some FAQs we address: What graduation requirements can I satisfy abroad? Will I graduate on time? How can I keep the cost down? When should I go; Is summer or semester better? What about International Internships? How can I earn the International Business Minor? You are invited to attend Study Abroad 101 http://gpglobalea.gp.psu.edu/ and upcoming Smeal events http://ugstudents.smeal.psu.edu/study-abroad/events-1 .

The deadline to apply for Summer is February 1, Fall is January 20 and Spring is May 1.

http://ugstudents.smeal.psu.edu/study-abroad

 Smeal Office of International Programs

Follow us @SmealAbroad

Filed Under: January 2014 Tagged With: ,

Study Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic

December 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Studying abroad was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.  If you are one of the lucky individuals to have this amazing opportunity, I highly suggest you take advantage of it.

During the Spring 2013 semester, I decided to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic.  To be honest, I didn’t know much about Prague before I got there.  I tried to learn a few words in Czech on the plane over (a little late, I know), but nothing could prepare me for the adventure on which I was about to embark.  The emotions running through my head before leaving America varied tremendously.  I was excited, scared, nervous, hopeful, and eager.  I didn’t know what to expect, but I went in with the mentality that I would not regret the things I did, but regret those that I didn’t do.  Luckily, my program prepared me well for the culture shock I was about to experience.
prague
I adapted to the Czech culture much easier thanks to the prep time, and even felt like one of the locals with everything I did.  I grew so much as a person and learned so much about myself.  There were definitely rough times, but these were experiences I will never forget.  I can’t even begin to explain how thankful I am to have studied abroad, especially in Prague; I could never see myself anywhere else.

If you are thinking about studying abroad, I would highly recommend Prague as your destination.  Fortunately, many Czechs speak English, which makes it easier than expected to communicate.  Prague’s public transportation system is one of the best in Europe.  The trams and metro are extremely easy to navigate and can take you anywhere you need to go.

Prague is a very old city known for the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle.  In addition, the cobblestone roads make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.  The nightlife in Prague is also outstanding.  There is always something to do, with many exciting clubs to visit.  They are open late so you can always have a great night moving from place to place.  Prague has many things going for it and is becoming a popular destination for study abroad students.

If you ever question whether studying abroad is for you, I suggest a summer abroad program before junior year to help you decide if it is the right decision for you.  For many people, studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience.  If I could have another 4-month experience – sign me up!

I should also mention I wrote a blog about all of my experiences and updated it every day.  This was a great way to have family and friends keep up with my adventures and view the many pictures I took.

 

-Crista Kieffer, Senior

Filed Under: January 2014 Tagged With: ,

Study Abroad: Seville Spain

October 27, 2013 by 5 Comments

Studying abroad in Seville, Spain was one of the most culturally engaging experiences of my life. I thought I was just going to be in Europe for four months to travel the world, take some cool pictures, and come back with some interesting stories. I am glad my experience was not limited to these expectations. In the four months that I lived in Seville, or Sevilla as they call it in Spain, I learned what it was like to adapt to a new culture. I really learned to appreciate all of the local history, the kind of stuff you don’t typically find in a textbook. For example, I would have never known about the city’s motto: No Me Ha Dejado Sevilla, which means Sevilla has never left me. It dates back to hundreds of years ago and is still alive all over Seville, with the saying imprinted on sidewalks, street signs, and benches. To be able to not only observe this culture, but to be ingrained in it, was something that will truly never leave me (no pun intended). Seville-spain1
My Spanish even improved after I started interacting with locals. I never realized that learning the language would encompass the culture as well. I even started picking up some slang, which came in handy during Feria, the annual weeklong festival in which the whole town dresses up in flamenco dresses and suits, drinking traditional drinks called Rebujitos, and dancing till the morning. This was my favorite week of the whole trip, where I felt like a true Sevillana. As the weather is starting to get colder, you can bet I am missing my days relaxing by el Rio Guadalquivir or strolling past La Catedral on my way to class. It was as if Sevilla got to know me as much as I got to know it. On my last day I threw a message in a bottle into the river so that a part of me would never leave Sevilla just as it will never leave me. I know I will be back later in my life to visit my second home, but for now, all I can do is send a kiss on each cheek as they do to greet each other in Spain. My experience studying abroad in Sevilla was just the beginning of a great friendship with a city that will be in my life for forever.

-Talia Levenson, Senior

Filed Under: November 2013 Tagged With: , ,

Study Abroad: Florence Italy

October 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

FlorenceLast Spring semester I had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy and it was a life changing experience. Through the Smeal study abroad program, I was enrolled in the international studies institute at Palazzo Rucellai. By living and studying in Florence, I was immersed in a new culture and given a truly global outlook. In particular, I took an Italian cooking class, an oil painting class in an authentic Tuscan art studio, an Italian language course, and an Italian history class. These courses allowed me to truly experience the Florentine culture and become a more well rounded individual. I traveled to 20 cities and 9 countries during my four months spent in Europe. While traveling, I had the opportunity to dine in the Eifel Tower, attend London Fashion Weekend, visit Monte Carlo, trek through Switzerland, among countless other amazing experiences. This was an experience like not other and I encourage other business students to engage in this opportunity. Smeal offers an extensive study abroad program with a variety of locations and advisers to help you find the best fit.

-Julianne Vargo, Senior

Filed Under: October 2013 Tagged With: , , , , ,
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