For Kean students interested in studying outside the United States, going abroad does not necessarily mean spending an entire semester in another country, or spending a huge chunk of savings out of pocket.
From semester-long exchanges to faculty-led trips lasting about a week, Kean offers students multiple ways to incorporate international experiences into their education. At the university’s annual Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 15, students could speak with faculty, alumni and international education representatives about programs, costs, scholarships and what it is like to study in another country.
The fair, hosted by the Center for International Studies, was held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Miron Student Center Alumni Atrium. The event was designed to introduce students to international opportunities and give them a chance to ask questions before deciding whether to study abroad.
Gisselle Arce, study abroad coordinator at the Center for International Studies, said the fair is one way the university brings together the people involved in international education so students can see what options are available.
“We really just like to get the word out about international education and opportunities for students, how they can earn academic credit while obtaining a global experience at Kean,” Arce said.
According to Arce, the Center for International Studies also holds smaller fairs and open houses at the Ocean and Jersey City campuses. The goal, she said, is to give students an opportunity to learn about programs, ask questions about the process and determine how an international experience could fit into their academic plans.
But Arce said students can face several barriers when considering studying abroad. Finances can make a semester abroad difficult for some students, while students in majors with tightly planned course sequences may have little room in their schedules for a semester away. Other students simply do not know that these opportunities exist.
For students who cannot fit a semester abroad into their schedules, she pointed to faculty-led programs as an alternative. These programs can provide an international experience over a much shorter period while still allowing students to earn academic credit.
“Taking the first step is the hardest step,” Arce said. “Just making the decision that, yes, I am going to go abroad, that's probably the thing students struggle with the most.”
She encourages students who are interested to visit the Center for International Studies in CAS 201, where staff can help students determine what type of program might fit their schedules and goals.
Semester exchanges and longer-term programs
For students who want a more immersive experience, Kean offers longer-term study-abroad opportunities. One option is the Wenzhou-Kean University exchange, which allows students to spend a semester in China. Kean describes WKU as its English-speaking campus in Wenzhou and says students can study there for the same price as studying at one of Kean's U.S. campuses.
Kean also works with outside program providers for students interested in studying abroad for a winter or summer term, semester or academic year. These programs give students flexibility in choosing a location and length of study.
For students considering a longer program, planning ahead is particularly important. Kean's current program-provider information lists eligibility requirements including having at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA, being at least a sophomore during the overseas semester and remaining enrolled full time.
Kean Study Abroad Network
The Kean Study Abroad Network gives students another way to explore international programs and destinations through Kean's study-abroad system. Students can use the Kean Abroad Portal to explore available programs and determine which type of experience fits their academic and personal circumstances.
Students interested in a longer program should also speak with their academic advisers early. Students sometimes discover study-abroad opportunities only after their schedules have become difficult to change.
Travelearns
For students who cannot spend an entire semester abroad, Travelearns provide a shorter option.
Travelearns are faculty-led, short-term study-abroad programs connected to academic courses. They generally last seven to 10 days, with programs offered during the spring and summer and destinations and courses changing from year to year. The programs combine travel with academic work, often including lectures and excursions connected to a particular course topic. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.
For Melody Cadet, a senior majoring in marketing with a public relations minor, Travelearns became a way to see several countries without committing to a semester abroad.
Cadet participated in programs in Italy, Dubai and Ireland, all connected to three-credit courses. Her trips ranged from one to two weeks and took place during the summer, winter break and spring break.
“I thought it was going to be really expensive,” she said. “But they give you a lot of scholarships, and since it's short-term, it's not that much.”
The shorter programs allowed Cadet to travel to three different countries without disrupting her regular degree program.
“It’s a lot of fun, it’s affordable, and it gets you out of the classroom,” she said.
The university recommends that students anticipate applying for Travelearns about six months in advance. Students can browse programs and apply through the Kean Abroad Portal, and students seeking financial assistance must complete the FAFSA. Students selected for a program receive information about applying for the Go Global Scholarship.
For students who have already participated in international programs, the experience can extend beyond the classroom.
Haoxin Zhu, a senior studying cell and molecular biology, came to Kean's Union campus from Wenzhou, China. Before coming to the United States, Zhu said he was curious about American culture and worried that people might not be welcoming toward outsiders. Instead, he said, he was surprised by how often people interacted with him.
“A total stranger that you come across on the street will greet you and ask you, how are you doing today?” Zhu said.
He also noticed differences in the classroom, including smaller classes and more opportunities for students and professors to interact. One of his most memorable experiences was his first Thanksgiving in the United States, when a classmate invited Zhu to her family's dinner to celebrate the holiday.
“It was a very welcoming environment for me,” Zhu said. “And I had a great night with their family.”
His advice to students considering studying abroad is to learn as much as possible before making a decision. “The more you know it, the better you will master it,” he said.
Mohamed Berete, a senior studying industrial design, is currently studying at Wenzhou-Kean University in China and is also considering a future study-abroad experience in Rome.
Before arriving in China, Berete expected a significant cultural adjustment, particularly because of the language and differences in food. As a Muslim student, he also had to navigate the prevalence of pork in Chinese cuisine.
He said one of the things that surprised him was how much technology is incorporated into daily life. He noticed that many people use their phones for payments rather than carrying cash or cards, while translation apps have helped him communicate with locals.
Berete's time in Wenzhou has also allowed him to make connections and explore a country that is particularly relevant to his industrial design studies. “Being out here is a huge blessing to learn and create connections for myself in the future,” he said.
He also learned some practical lessons quickly: Wenzhou's rain and humidity meant he needed fewer clothes than he initially packed.
“Pack light,” he advised, noting that students may also want room for things they purchase while abroad.
Future opportunities for students
For Cadet, her experiences abroad changed how she viewed international education and what might be possible after graduation. She is finishing her degree in December and hopes to apply to graduate school abroad.
“I thought I was going to be like every other student who goes to college and has a semester where they study abroad,” Cadet said.
Instead, she discovered that short-term programs could provide another route. Her experiences also changed how she connected with classmates, as traveling with people from her courses gave her relationships and shared experiences that continued after returning to campus.
“There’s a whole different side of people when they’re traveling than it is when you’re in a classroom,” Cadet said.
What students should know before going
For students interested in studying abroad, Arce recommends starting with the Center for International Studies rather than waiting until they have a destination completely figured out.
“We're more than happy to take walk-ins if we're available,” Arce said. “We want to help you plan your time abroad for whenever it fits best for you.”
Students should also consider how a program fits into their degree requirements, how long they can be away, what financial assistance may be available and what preparation their destination requires.
For Travelearns, Kean advises students to plan ahead and apply through the Kean Abroad Portal. Students who are accepted receive additional instructions regarding administrative forms, policies and procedures.
Cost is another factor, but Arce said finances are not the only consideration. Students should also think about whether their major allows room for a semester away or whether a shorter faculty-led program would work better.
Cadet recommends researching the destination beyond the academic requirements. Students should prepare for cultural expectations, clothing, language, current trends and everyday life in the country they are visiting.
“Listen to that intuition of you wanting to go abroad and stick with that,” Arce summed up.
Resources for students
Students interested in exploring Kean's international opportunities can start with:
Center for International Studies: Located in the Center for Academic Success, room 201; email cis@kean.edu. The Center can help students explore programs, application processes and planning.
Kean Study Abroad: The university's main study-abroad page outlines Travelearns, Wenzhou-Kean University and longer-term program-provider options.
Kean Abroad Portal: Students can browse available Travelearn programs and apply through the portal.
Travelearn information: Kean's student information page explains the short-term program, application timeline, academic-credit process and scholarships.
