Study Abroad

From Switzerland to South Africa. From China to Chile. From Dubai to the Dominican Republic. The choices and opportunities are almost endless for Washington State University students who want to study abroad. That is, after they get past the fear.

Studying abroad allows students to develop international competencies that employers greatly value. According to the Education Abroad website, students at WSU have the opportunity to study in over 70 different countries. However, many students and parents, are fearful about safety when venturing into a foreign nation.

Allegra Johnson, an education abroad advisor and exchange coordinator, said that she encounters five “F’s” when it comes to students considering studying abroad. The five “F’s” include: Fear, Finances, Fit (academic fit), Family, and Friends. Johnson said students most often fear the unknown, especially going to a new country without their friends and family.

According to Johnson, many students and parents fear that they will not be able to afford studying abroad. However, there are four different study abroad programs available, one in which students pay WSU tuition, instead of extremely expensive exchange program costs.

Johnson said faculty led study abroad programs are run by WSU professors. They enhance traditional coursework by studying in a foreign nation, while students still pay WSU tuition. Also, students study with other undergraduates from WSU so it is less threatening.

Maggie Litka, a junior at WSU studying hospitality and buissness management, is going to Switzerland in the spring with a faculty led program. “At first I was very hesitant to go because I was worried about the cost and graduating on time,” Litka said. “But after talking with friends who have studied abroad, I know I would regret it if I did not go since it will look awesome on my resume and be an unforgettable experience.”

Johnson said that for those worried about the extra costs of a studying abroad program there are many options. Financial aid, departmental scholarships, and education abroad scholarships are all available for those who qualify.

Johnson urges students to consider studying abroad as it allows people to “see their major or minor from a different perspective.” Studying in a different nation allows students to learn things that they would never learn in an American classroom. Johnson said studying abroad allows students to be diversified in their discipline, which is a very marketable skill to employers and can lead to a better career after graduation.