By Rose LoPiano
Correspondent
Students had the opportunity to learn about study abroad programs in places varying from Florence, Italy to the subtropical rainforests of Australia during the Study Abroad Fair in the Social Sciences Building Atrium on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Hosted by the College’s Center for Global Engagement, the fair brought together various companies affiliated with the College, as well as peer advisors to speak about the many study abroad possibilities.
Stauff encouraged all students to study abroad, as it is “imperative for students to learn how to function in the global marketplace and to see things from afar.”
The different lengths and locations of study abroad options can cater to a variety of students’ needs. The Center for Global Engagement organization joins together students and faculty for either semester long programs or shorter spring, winter or summer programs.
Upperclassman who previously studied abroad through the Center for Global Engagement were there to provide prospective travelers with personal stories.
“I took classes with other TCNJ students along with students from other international schools,” said Neel Desai, senior management major and Center for Global Engagement peer advisor. Desai studied in Heidelberg during the fall 2013 semester.
“One of the highlights of the program was integrating myself into a different culture,” he said.
Students can either go abroad for a full semester, like Desai, or go for a three-week spring, winter or summer program, usually led by a faculty member from the College.
The College also works with affiliated study abroad companies that each boast individualized options and have connections with more International Institutions. Some of the organizations represented at the fair were International Studies Abroad (ISA), the Atlantis Project, CIEE Abroad, American Business School of Paris, Charles University of Prague and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
International Studies Abroad peer advisor and junior communications major Emily Dever emphasized the benefits to traveling with the program, since, according to her, ISA truly facilitates cultural exploration inside and outside of the classroom.
“ISA made sure we were safe and having fun,” said Dever, who studied in Ceiba, Spain last semester. “For just one price, ISA provided us with tuition, housing, a meal plan, medical insurance, different excursions and laundry, as well as connecting us with seven native tour guides. I had the time of my life.”
Not only do study abroad programs offer opportunities to take courses, but they offer internship opportunities or research opportunities.
With the Atlantis Project, students studying medicine can get a taste of their prospective field while immersing themselves in foreign culture.
“Our one to three week program gives students the opportunity to have a hospital internship and shadow doctors in hospitals located on the Asos Islands or on the Canary Islands,” an Atlantis Project representative said. “It is important for medical students to have shadowing opportunities and useful to gain experience with the Spanish language.”
“Everyone should go abroad,” Desai said. “The experience as a whole changed me in the best way possible.”
