Studying abroad is a great opportunity for students to experience. Students can learn another language, learn more about another culture and more. Luckily Kean University students are able to travel to many countries around the world while getting an education.

On Wednesday, September 23, 2015, and Thursday, September 24, 2015, the center for international studies (CIS) hosted a Study Abroad Fair and Workshops for all students to attend to. There students learned about the ins and outs of how to apply to the program and what it would be like.

Throughout the workshops students were able to attend one of three sessions that spanned from the morning to mid-evening. Student Outreach Coordinator at Diversity Abroad Trixie Cordova and the Director of CIS Yaruby Petit-Frere conducted the workshops and gave excellent pointers on how to begin the process of studying abroad.

Everyone knows that the hardest part of beginning something is taking the first step. That is why the main point that both Cordova and Petit-Frere addressed is to start now. “It is important to start early, especially for those who are freshman, because then you have a higher chance of receiving scholarships and other funds to travel abroad,” commented Cordova.

Another tip they gave to the attendees was to do a great deal of research before signing up for studying abroad. Students were asked at the beginning why they want to study abroad, and some said to get experience others said to travel.

But the main reason that Cordova said is that “if you travel for a purpose [then] you will stand out in a pool of applicants for any future jobs you apply to.”

Students don’t have to travel only for a semester; students can go during spring or winter break or even a whole year. Students don’t even have to study abroad in order to travel. One can get an internship or a job overseas. But what Kean University students don’t have to worry about when studying abroad is that Kean University has another school in Wenzhou, China,  which allows students to go to China for a semester and study there. The tuition will still be the same, and all that has to be bought is the plane ticket. And those that have financial aid don’t have to worry about not receiving any while studying abroad because the financial will still apply.

Students are intrigued on learning about the study abroad programming
Gaelle Gilles l The Cougar's Byte

Sadly it has been proven that only nine percent of United States college undergraduates study abroad before graduating. In other countries, especially in third world countries, the percentage is higher.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” quoted Cordova from Neale Donald Walsh. Cordova meant that students shouldn’t just stay in the one country to study; students should explore, learn new cultures and get a feel of how the world looks outside of the U.S.

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience. For more information contact the CIS at 908-737-0349 or visit their website by clicking here.

Students are intrigued on learning about the study abroad programming
Gaelle Gilles l The Cougar's Byte